John A. Grimes is the author of A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy and Problems and Perspectives in Religious Discourse: Advaita Vedanta Implications, also published by SUNY Press. He has taught in universities in India, Canada, and the United States.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Scheme of Transliteration

1 Introduction
From the Formless to Form
Mythmaker, Oathbreaker

2 In the Beginning ...
Sri Girijatmaja of Lenyadri
Origins
The Search Begins
Sri Ganapati Atharvasirsa
Peace Invocation
The Eight-Syllabled Ganesa Mantra
The Ganesa Gayatri
Ganesa's Form
The Eight Names of Ganesa
The Results
Peace Chant
Translation of the Sri Ganapati Atharvasirsa

3 Naming is a Very Serious Business
Sri Mayuresvara of Morgaon
The Name Game
Names, Legends, Literature
108 Holy Names of Lord Ganesa

4 Fingers Pointing at the Moon
Sri Siddhi Vinayaka of Siddhatek
Map is Not Territory
Gajamukha (Elephant-Face)
Ekadanta (Single Tusk)
Vakratunda (Twisted Trunk)
Lambodara (Potbellied One)
Pasa (Noose)
Ankusa (Goad)
Surpakama (Large Ears)
Musaka (Mouse)
Modaka (Sweet)
Sindura/Rakta varna (Crimson/Red Color)
Svastika
Other Attributes
Introduction to Jñanesvar's Jñanesvari
What is Ganesa? One Possible Answer

5 Songs That Ring, Songs That Roar
Sri Mahaganapati of Ranjangaon
Four Yuga Avataras of Ganesa
Asta Vinayaka Avatara
Asta Vinayaka Temples
Sri Mayuresvara of Morgaon
Sri Girijatmaja of Lenyadri
Sri Vighnesvara of Ojhar
Sri Siddhi Vinayaka of Siddhatek
Sri Cintamani of Theur
Sri Ballalesvara of Pali
Sri Varada Vinayaka of Mahad
Sri Mahaganapati of Ranjangaon
The One Clad in White; or, What You See Is What YouGet
This Song Is for You
Jyestaraja-Elder Brother (Variations on a Theme)
"Sri Mahaganesa Pañca Ratnam"

6 Who Am I?
Sri Cintamani of Theur
Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)
Mahavakya (Great Saying)
Interpretation of Mahavakya

7 Worship of Ganapati (Puja)
Sri Vighnesvara of Ojha
How to Worship Ganapati
Minimum Requirements
Puja
Sodasopacara Puja

8 Lovers of the Beloved
Sri Ballalesvara of Pali
Avvaiyar

9 Who Is Ganapati/Ganesa?
Sri Varada Vinayaka of Mahad
Ganapati

Notes

Selected Bibliography

Index