These twelve avatars of Ganapati are described in the Mudgala Purana and the Ganesha Purana
1. Mahotkata Vinayaka – The Vanquisher of Devantaka and Narantaka
In the Satya Yuga, Ganesha manifested as Mahotkata Vinayaka, a ten-armed, red-complexioned form, to defeat the demons Devantaka and Narantaka. He destroyed them instantly by simply scattering grains of food.
2. Mayureshwara – The Slayer of Sindhu
In the Treta Yuga, the immortal demon Sindhu wreaked havoc across the three worlds. Ganesha appeared as Mayureshwara, riding a peacock, and drew the pot of nectar from Sindhu’s belly, ending his tyranny.
3. Gajanan (Sindurasura-Vadh) – The Destroyer of Sindurasura
Ganesha took the form of Gajanan to subdue Sindurasura. His red complexion and vermilion covering symbolize the blood of the demon with which he bathed after victory—hence the offering of sindoor to Ganesha.
4. Dhumraketu – The Harbinger of Renewal
At the end of Kali Yuga, Dhumraketu will appear riding a blue horse to punish the wicked and initiate a new cosmic cycle.
5. Vakratunda – The Conqueror of Matsasura (Envy)
To destroy Matsasura, the demon of envy, Ganesha manifested as Vakratunda, arriving on a lion. After defeating the demon, he forgave him, teaching that jealousy can be overcome only through patience and wisdom.
6. Ekadanta – The Subduer of Madāsura (Arrogance)
To defeat Madāsura, the demon of arrogance, Ganesha appeared as Ekadanta and banished him to the underworld.
7. Mahodara – The Disperser of Mohasura (Delusion)
When delusion threatened the worlds through Mohasura, Ganesha incarnated as Mahodara, showing that the light of knowledge always overcomes illusion.
8. Gajanan (Lobhasura-Vimocana) – The Purifier of Greed
To purify Lobhasura, the demon of greed, Ganesha again took the form of Gajanan and sent the demon to the underworld, restoring balance.
9. Lambodara – The Pacifier of Krodhasura (Anger)
As Lambodara, Ganesha defeated Krodhasura, the demon of anger. He taught that serenity alone can extinguish the destructive flames of rage.
10. Vikata – The Redeemer of Kamasura (Lust)
To conquer Kamasura, the demon of lust, Ganesha became Vikata. When Kama Asura repented, the avatar forgave him—revealing that uncontrolled desire leads only to ruin.
11. Vighnaraja – The Subduer of Mamasura (Ego)
In his form as Vighnaraja, Ganesha defeated the proud demon Mamasura using nothing more than a single flower, symbolizing the power of purity and devotion.
12. Dhumravarna – The Conqueror of Abhimanāsura (Pride)
Finally, to overcome Abhimanāsura, the demon of pride, Ganesha appeared as Dhumravarna, restoring harmony across the worlds.