Introduction

Haridra Ganapati means the one with the colour of Haridra or turmeric. It is one of the several forms of Lord Ganesha. This incarnation is also known as "Lord Ratri Ganapati". In this form, Lord Ganesha is covered with turmeric paste and appears in a yellow complexion, adorned with bright yellow garments. Moreover, Haridra Ganapati also wears golden vestment in His four hands.

Iconography of Haridra Ganapati

The Hindu God, Haridra Ganapati is seated in a magnificent royal throne. He is described as having three eyes. In His right hands, the Lord holds His broken tusk and an elephant goad; while in his left hand, the elephant God holds Modaka, his favourite sweet and a noose. His single tusk signifies one-pointed focus; the goad pushes His worshippers forward; the modaka symbolises bliss; and the noose protects His devotees from various hindrances. It is also believed that the noose will hold the devotees close and the goad to move them forward.

Legend of Haridra Ganapati

The Puranic texts mention the legend of Haridra Ganapati which is the 21st form among the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. Haridra Ganapati, also known as Lord Ratri Ganapati, is portrayed in turmeric (Haridra) hue. The deity has four arms and He holds an elephant goad and His broken tusk in His right hands while He carries a noose and a bowl of Modakas in the left hands. The legend mentions that once Goddess Peetambara became immensely pleased with Lord Ganesha. Thus she blessed the elephant-headed deity with a golden complexion and aura.

Ganesha was adorned in yellow garments (peetambar) and consumed golden Laddoos. The consorts of Lord Ganesha, Riddhi (material welfare) and Siddhi (spiritual prosperity) were seated next to Him. They were dressed in yellow garments and were embellished with gold jewellery and ornaments. Then Goddess Buddhi (wisdom) appeared before Ganesha and permanently attached herself with the Lord. Therefore Lord Ganesha appeared in the form of Haridra Ganesha in Valga Mandalam.

Goddess Bagalamukhi praised and adored the Lord and announced that any person who worships this form of Lord Ganesha will attain the golden phase of life.

Worship of Haridra Ganapati

Haridra Ganapati is a Tantric form of Lord Ganesha. Special mantras and Yantras are used in his worship. Haridra Ganapati is worshipped for wealth and well-being. He is also described to protect his devotees. Haridra Ganesha is used during the worship of Goddess Bagalamukhi for protection from enemies, rivals or competitors. An idol of Haridra Ganesha may be kept in cash box, place of business transactions, almirah, locker or place of worship etc for wealth, luck and enhancing business prospects.

Haridra Ganapati Tantric Puja

Haridra Ganapati Tantric Puja is a religious ritual that is performed in adoration of Lord Ganesha. It is mostly done to get rid of loans or debts. This ritual is generally performed during Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav. This Tantric puja is mainly performed by those individuals who are caught up in various kinds of debts and are unable to repay them even after putting in their best efforts. Haridra Ganapati is one of the forms of Lord Ganesha. The deity has a yellow complexion, adorned in bright yellow garments and is covered with turmeric paste. Haridra Ganapati has four arms and carries His own broken tusk, a goad, sweet balls or modakas and a noose.

The Haridra Ganapati Tantric Puja is performed along with the worship of Goddess Bagalamukhi (Bagala). During the ritual, various devotional hymns and mantras are recited (japa) with the rosary of turmeric. There are several benefits of worshipping this form of Lord Ganesha. The performance of this Tantric Puja blesses the worshippers with prosperity and success in different ventures and projects. Moreover the ritual protects the devotees from evil or negative energy, helps in curing diseases, provides divine knowledge and spiritual development, removes obstacles and hindrances, provides protection from opponents and competitors and eradicates loans and other debts.

The various steps in performing the Haridra Ganapati Tantric Puja are worship of Lord Haridra Ganapati, Prana Prathista, Shodashopachara, Namavali, Homam, Vrihad Mantra Japa and Visarjan (immersion of Ganesha idol in flowing water). Apart from this, the Haridra Ganapati Mantra "Om Haridraa Ganapatayae Namaha" is also recited for 108 times by the performer during the Haridra Ganapati Tantric Puja.

Mantra for Haridra Ganapati

The Haridra Ganapati form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped with a devotional hymn known as the Haridra Ganapati Mantra. It is mentioned as follows-
"Haridrabham Caturbahum Haridravadanam Prabhum
Pashamkushadharam Devam Modaka Dantameva Cha
Bhaktabhaya Pradataram Vande Vignavinashanam".