# 21 Names of Lord Ganesha for Puja, with Meanings

> The 21 names of Ganesha used in the Ganesha Chaturthi puja, with their meanings, and how durva and leaves are offered with them.

Source: https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/info/lord-ganesha-21-names-puja

| When | Ganesha Chaturthi, Sankashti, or any Ganesha puja |
| --- | --- |
| Offered with each name | Two blades of durva, a leaf, or a flower |
| Form of each mantra | Om [name]aya namah |

## The names and their meanings

A common list of twenty-one, the one used in the leaf puja, is: Sumukha, the one with a pleasing face; Ganadhipa, lord of the ganas; Umaputra, son of Uma; Gajanana, the elephant-faced; Harasunu, son of Hara (Shiva); Lambodara, the big-bellied; Guhagraja, elder brother of Guha (Kartikeya); Gajakarna, with an elephant's ears; Ekadanta, with one tusk; Vikata, the formidable; Bhinnadanta, with the broken tusk; Vatu, the young student; Sarveshvara, lord of all; Phalachandra, with the Moon on his brow; Heramba, protector of the weak; Shurpakarna, with ears like winnowing fans; Suragraja, foremost of the gods; Ibhavaktra, the elephant-mouthed; Vinayaka, the supreme leader; Suravandya, worshipped by the gods; and Kapila, the tawny one.

Another well-known set, the twelve names recited daily, begins "Sumukhashchaikadantashcha Kapilo Gajakarnakah", and promises that one who recites them at the start of any work, journey or study meets no obstacle.

## How the puja is done

After the main worship, take 42 blades of durva, or 21 pairs, and offer a pair at Ganesha's feet or on his head with each name, saying "Om Sumukhaya namah", "Om Ganadhipaya namah" and so on. At the end offer the last blade with all the names together. The same names are used for the 21 leaves and the 21 modaks. Recite with attention to the meaning; each name is a way of remembering a different side of the god.

## Dates and related pages

- [Ganesha Chaturthi 21 Patra Puja](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/info/ganesha-chaturthi-21-patra)
- [Ganesha Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/hindu-gods/ganesha/puja-vidhi/lord-ganesha-puja-vidhi)
- [Lord Ganesha](https://www.hinducalendar.today/hindu-gods/ganesha/lord-ganesha)
- [Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/puja-vidhi/festivals-puja-vidhi)

## Festival Puja Vidhi

- [Ganesha Chaturthi Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/ganesha-chaturthi-puja-vidhi)
- [Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/maha-shivaratri/maha-shivaratri-puja-vidhi)
- [Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/dashavatara/lord-krishna/janmashtami/puja-vidhi/krishna-janmashtami-puja-vidhi)
- [Rama Navami Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/dashavatara/rama-navami/puja-vidhi/rama-navami-puja-vidhi)
- [Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/navratri/info/ghatasthapana-puja-vidhi)
- [Durga Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/navratri/durga-puja/puja-vidhi/durga-puja-vidhi)
- [Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/karwa-chauth/info/karwa-chauth-puja-vidhi)
- [Hartalika Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/teej/info/hartalika-puja-vidhi)
- [Vat Savitri Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/savitri/puja-vidhi/vat-savitri-puja-vidhi)
- [Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/raksha-bandhan/info/raksha-bandhan-puja-vidhi)
- [Holi Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/holi/holi-puja-vidhi)
- [Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ahoi-ashtami/info/ahoi-ashtami-puja-vidhi)
- [Kuber Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/dhanteras/info/kuber-puja-vidhi)
- [Naraka Chaturdashi Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/abhyangsnan/puja-vidhi/naraka-chaturdashi-puja-vidhi)
- [Govardhan Puja Vidhi](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/govardhan-puja/puja-vidhi/govardhan-puja-vidhi)
- [Ganesha Chaturthi 21 Patra Puja](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/info/ganesha-chaturthi-21-patra)
- Lord Ganesha 21 Names Puja
- [Lord Ganesha Anga Puja](https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/info/lord-ganesha-anga-puja)