Vakratunda is one among the numerous names of Ganesha and it
means ‘one with a twisted trunk.’ As per the story in Mudgala Purana, Ganesh took the form
of Vakratunda to annihilate demon Matsaryasura. The demon symbolically
represents envy, jealousy and rivalry.
Demon Matsaryasura was born out of the envy, jealousy and
rivalry in the mind of Indra, the king of Devas. The demon then worshipped
Shiva and did severe penance. He obtained the boon of fearlessness from Shiva.
Matsaryasura became very powerful and dominated the three
worlds.
Fed up with Matsaryasura, devas, saints and people
approached Dattatreya. He advised the people to worship Ganesha by chanting the
mantra ‘GAM.’
They were able to please Ganesha and he promised to appear
as Vakratunda to defeat the demon.
When Vakratunda appeared before Matsaryasura, he was so
terrified that all his courage was lost. He immediately surrendered before
Ganesha and sought refuge at his feet.
Symbolically Matsaryasura is the jealousy, envy
and rivalry in us, which wrecks havoc in our lives. The only way to defeat them
is by taking refuge in Ganesha.