Haridra Ganapati
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Haridra Ganapati (Sanskrit: हरिद्रा-गणपति, Haridrā-gaṇapati, literally "turmeric Ganesha") is an aspect of the Hindu god Ganesha (Ganapati). Haridra Ganapati is also known as Ratri Ganapati.[1] Haridra Ganapati is depicted as yellow like turmeric and wears yellow garments. He is one of the most popular thirty-two forms of Ganesha.
The iconographical treatises Niyotsava and the Mantra-maharnava have similar descriptions of Haridra Ganapati. He is described as having three eyes. He sits on a golden throne. He is yellow-complexioned like turmeric and also wears yellow clothes. He has four arms and carries a pasha (noose), an ankusha (elephant goad), a modaka (sweet) and the danta (his own broken tusk) in his four hands.[2] He draws his devotees closer by the noose, while goads them in the right direction by the ankusha.[3]
The Dakshinamnaya mentions that Haridra Ganapati has six arms and sits on a jewelled throne, in addition to his yellow colour and yellow vestments. His three right hands hold the ankusha and display the krodha-mudra (the gesture of anger) and abhayamudra (the gesture of protection). His left hands carry the pasha, a parashu (battle-axe) and displays the varadamudra (gesture of boon-giving).[4]
Other references to the deity describe his face to be ointed with turmeric; him wearing a yellow yagnopavita ("sacred thread") besides his turmeric complexion and clothes. He is described holding a pasha, an ankusha and a staff.[5]
In the Ajitāgama, Haridra Ganapati is described as turmeric-colored and flanked by two unnamed wives.[6]
