The idols and temples of Ganesha are found all over the world. We we have archeological evidence to suggest that he was worshipped in some temples of northern India as early as first century AD. The Ganapatyam lists 32 iconic forms of Lord Ganesha of which 16 are considered to be the most popular. They are not different Ganeshas but personification of his various aspects and attributes. There are idols and images of Lord Ganesha corresponding to these 16 forms. In each aspect Ganesha is shown with specific color, shape, posture and a variety of objects  in his hands. Ganapathi is also symbolically worshipped in the form of a kumbha consisting of a coconut sitting atop the mouth of a round pot or vessel surrounded by five mango leaves. In some places Ganesha is worshipped in the form of lingas, salagramas and yantras. The swastika is also considered to be a symbol of Ganesha because he is a god of luck and auspiciousness.

The sixteen forms of Ganesha are shown below:

1.Bala Ganapathi
2.Taruna Ganapati
3.Bhakti Ganapathi.
4.Maha Ganapathi
5.Vira Ganapathi
6.Sakti Ganapathi
7.Duvija Ganapathi
8.Ucchistha Ganapathi
9.Vighnaraja Ganapathi
10.Kshira Ganapathi
11.Lakshmi Ganapathi
12.Siddhi Ganapathi
13.Urdhava Ganapathi
14.Heramba Ganapathi
15.Vijaya Ganapathi
16.Niruttha Ganapathi

Tags: 16names, 16forms of ganesha, padahaaru namalu, sixteen names and forms of lord ganesh, vinayaka