Difference between Bala Ganapati, Taruna Ganapathi and Bhakti Ganapathi

Ganapathi Bappa Morya!!

Lord Ganapathi is the son of the Almighty Shiva and the fierce Durga Maa. He is also the elder brother of the brave Karthikeya or Murugan. Having been born from clay, Lord Ganesha died at the hands of Lord Shiva, as he didn’t let Lord Shiva enter his abode at the discretion of Goddess Parvati. Later, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma brought the little Ganesha back to life with an elephant head to soothe the anger and pain of Durga Maa. 

Lord Ganapathi is known by several names. Vighnaharta, the remover of all obstacles; Alampata, one who is forever eternal; Balaganapati, a beloved child; Buddhinath, the god of wisdom; and much more. 

He is one of the most revered and worshipped deities in India, known for his holy spiritual values and wisdom. Each element of Ganesha holds a different meaning, which, when learned and practiced, appears to be a holy path to success, health, happiness, and ultimately Moksha. 

Today, let’s learn the difference between Bala Ganapathi, Taruna Ganapathi, and Bhakthi Ganapathi. 

Bala Ganapathi

Lord Ganapathi is the remover of all obstacles and is worshipped first for any auspicious occasion, before any other deity. Each avatar or manifestation of Lord Ganesh has its own symbolism, aspects, characteristics, and abilities. Bala Ganapthi is the first form of the 32 avatars of Lord Ganesha listed in the Sritattvanidhi.

Iconography and symbolism

Bala in Sanskrit means child, hence the name Bala Ganapathi, where Lord Ganesha is represented as a small child. He is seen holding a “modak” in his trunk, which is his favorite sweet, often presented in temples and other celebrations of Ganesha. 

He shines in a golden hue in the form of Bala Ganapthi, symbolizing the fertility of mother nature. He also holds mango, banana, sugar cane, and jackfruit. He also represents the abundance and unmatched beauty of Mother Earth. 

Praying and worshipping Bala play an important role in improving the health conditions of a person and leading a healthier life. Bala Ganapathi is also the deity who helps children realize and reach the full potential of their intellect. So, it is a huge blessing for children to worship Bala Ganapthi and excel in their lives. 

Taruna Ganapathi

Lord Ganesh is known as the “Pratham Pujya,” as he is the deity who must be acknowledged and prayed to before the commencement of any good deed. His elephant tusk symbolizes intellectual strength and adaptability. He is also the patron of arts and sciences, scribes, and authors. 

Iconography and symbolism

The word “Trauna” means youth in Sanskrit, representing the youthful phase of Lord Ganapathi’s life. It is believed that dedicating oneself to him and worshipping Taruna Ganapathi will bring forth beauty and youthfulness. He is depicted in a red color, a symbol of fierce and fresh youth. 

In this form, Lord Ganesh has his right arm holding a noose and goad, modaka, rose apple, wood apple, his broken tusk, sugar cane, and a sprig of paddy. 

The noose represents control over worldly desires, whereas the goad symbolizes Symbolizes steering devotees towards the right path. Modaka symbolizes the sweetness of inner wisdom and the weapons, the power to overcome obstacles and negative forces. 

Bhakti Ganapati

Bhakti Ganapthi is the third form of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha, as said above, is the destroyer of evil. Besides, he is also the harbinger of success and the symbol of intellect, strength, happiness, and compassion. 

Iconography and symbolism

Bhakti in Sanskrit means devotion, hence the name Bakti Ganapthi, as this form of Ganesha is known to be the most compassionate towards his devotees. He elicits coolness, composure, and pleasant feelings in this avatar. He is represented as a fair, white, and shining deity who shines like the full moon. 

Instead of weapons, his four hands hold mango, banana, and coconut with kheer (a type of sweet), and payasam (milk pudding made with jaggery). 

Bakti Ganapathi is closely related to the primordial element, water, and he is considered to be mild-mannered. Worshipping this form of Lord Vinayaka is said to help his devotees control their anger, get relaxed, and lead a happy and fulfilling life.

The symbolism of Bakthi Ganapathi also represents the aspect of the divine relation between the diety and Bhakti. 

Comparative Analysis

Bala Ganapathi appears as a kid who is young and playful. Taruna Ganpathy is depicted as a fierce yet playful and spiritually grounded deity. Bhakti Ganapathi is depicted as a calm, serene diety. 

Bala Ganpathi is the symbol of innocence, playfulness, and the early life of spiritual growth. Taruna Ganapathy is the symbol of fierce passion and emphasizes the holistic approach to spiritual growth and the importance of embodying divine virtues. Whereas, Bhakti Ganapathi is the symbol of devotion, spiritual maturity, and also the deep connection between the Lord and his people. 

Furthermore, differences can also be attributes of Lord Ganesha in different forms, where he holds different items in his hands. One holds fruits and sweets, while the other holds items of devotion like flowers and offerings. In Taruna Ganapathi form he holds weapons and other items that signify a spiritual quest. 

Conclusion

While all three forms celebrate different aspects of Ganesha's divine persona, Bala Ganapati focuses on the joy and innocence of childhood. Bhakti Ganapati highlights the depth and sincerity of devotional practice. Taruna Ganapthi represents the power of youth and the necessity to fight evil and learn spiritual significance. 

Each avatar, symbol, and attribute of Lord Ganesha holds significant values that prove his divine as the remover of obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. Through these symbols, Ganesha guides devotees on a path of spiritual growth, wisdom, and prosperity.

If you wish to bring home the blessings of Bala Ganapathi, Trauma Ganapathi Bakti Ganapathi, buy yourself a beautiful Ganesha Tanjore painting. 

Tanjore paintings are a pride of the Tamil culture, having risen from the golden era of the Chola dynasty. The painting style is an excellent piece of art with vivid colors, 3D embossing works adorned with rare gems, and 22-carat gold foils. 

To explore more about Tanjore paintings, check out our website, Ethnic Tanjore Arts.