The Indian God Who Removes Obstacles
Ganapati (Main figure)
Click on image to enlarge
(Top to bottom): Ganapati and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Ganapati (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Tsodag (Tibetan)
In the Tibetan tradition, Ganapati is the Sanskrit name normally used to describe this elephant-headed deity. However, his Indian epithet ‘Ganesha’ carries the same meaning ‘Lord of the Followers of the God Shiva’. Ganapati’s primary function is that of a wealth-bestowing deity, referring to both the generation of outer and inner wealth. Inner wealth is that of wisdom and merit based primarily on the realisation of generosity, the direct counter to miserliness which leads one to poverty-stricken states. Outer wealth refers to material resources that one requires to sustain one’s livelihood and Dharma practice. The form presented here is a common depiction of the deity as found in India.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
Click here for more beautiful thangkas.
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on the blog
- Must Watch: Powerful Explanations on Dharma Protectors
- Black Tara – The Wrathful Protectress
- Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
- Guhya Manjushri – the Secret Form of Wisdom
- Five Extraordinary Visions of Lama Tsongkhapa
- The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
- Lords of Purification – 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
- Janguli – The Goddess that Protects from Snakes
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Ganapati is known as Ganesha, and also known by numerous other names as well by different tradition. Ganapati is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu tradition. The primary function of Ganapati in Tantric Buddhism is that of a wealth deity and is widely revered as the remover of obstacles. Ganapati has been represented with the head of an elephant. There many myths and stories as how he got his elephant head and in many forms as well. Here depicted together with the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden forms a powerful pair to help overcome obstacles and creating suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Beautiful thangka.