The Mudgala Purana A Hindu holy literature called the Mudgala Purana is devoted to the Hindu god Ganesha (ga?esa). It’s an upapura?a with a lot of Ganesha-related tales and ceremonial components. The principal texts for those who worship Ganesha, or Ga?apatyas, are the Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana. These two puras are the only ones that are devoted solely to Ganesha. Ganesha is regarded by the Mudgala Purana as the embodiment of the ultimate truth of existence. Ganesha has therefore had many incarnations, but eight of them are particularly significant. In mudp 1.17.24–28, the eight incarnations are introduced. For each of these incarnations, the text is divided into portions. These are not to be confused with the four ganesha incarnations mentioned in the ganesha purana. The mudgala purana describes an incarnation that occurred in many cosmic eras. These incarnations are used by the mudgala purana to convey intricate philosophical ideas related to the world’s gradual construction. Every incarnation is a phase of the absolute as it manifests itself in creation. Granoff offers an overview of each incarnation’s philosophical significance within the context of the Mudgala Purana. The narrative revolves mostly on standard puranic themes of demon combat, in addition to the philosophy. The sequence of the incarnations is as follows: The first figure in the sequence, Vakratunda, symbolizes the absolute as the totality of all bodies, or as the physical manifestation of Brahman. This incarnation’s goal is to vanquish the demon matsaryasura, or jealousy and envy. He is riding a lion. Ekadanta is an embodiment of the fundamental qualities of Brahman; it is the totality of all individual souls. This incarnation’s goal is to vanquish the demon madasura, or hubris and arrogance. A mouse is his horse. Mahodara is a combination of ekadanta and vakratu??a. As it moves into the creative process, it is the absolute. It is a manifestation of Brahman’s knowledge. To defeat the demon mohasura is the aim of this incarnation. A mouse is his horse. Mahodara’s opposite is called Gajavaktra. To defeat the demon Lobhasura (greed) is the aim of this incarnation. A mouse is his horse. Lambodara is the first of four incarnations that align with the puranic creation stage. The pure force of Brahman, known as sakti, is represented as lambodara. To defeat the demon Krodhasura is the aim of this incarnation. A mouse is his horse. Vikhata is equivalent to Surya. He represents the enlightening quality of Brahman. The aim of this incarnation is to vanquish desire, the demon kamasura. He rides a peacock. Vighnaraja is equivalent to vi??u. He is the personification of Brahman’s maintaining quality. To defeat the demon mamasura is the aim of this incarnation. Shesha, the heavenly snake, is his mount. Dhumravarna is the equivalent of Shiva. He represents the destructive aspect of Brahman. To defeat the demon abhimanasura is the aim of this incarnation. A mouse is his horse.