Lord Lambodara - Fifth Form of Lord Ganesha

Lord Lambodara

This form of Lord Ganesha is celebrated for the annihilation of the demon Krodhasura. Lord Lambodara is considered the embodiment of 'Shakti-Brahma.' According to the Mudgala Purana, He is described as the one who contains the entire universe within His belly.

When Lord Vishnu took the mesmerising Mohini form, both Gods and demons were enchanted, even Lord Mahadeva was momentarily captivated due to His Lila. This illusionary beauty of Lord Vishnu, capable of beguiling all beings, even deceived His dear friend and devotee, Lord Shiva. At this time, Vishnu reverted to His masculine form, leaving Bholenath momentarily disheartened as part of the Lila. From this state of sorrow, a radiant and powerful being emerged from Lord Shiva's essence, later known as Krodhasura. His complexion was dark and his eyes gleamed with a fiery copper-like glow.

Under the guidance of the Daityaguru Shukracharya, Krodhasura acquired knowledge of the demon tradition. Soon, the demon was married to Preeti, the charming daughter of the demon Shambhara. Expressing his desire for universal conquest, Krodhasura sought his Guru's assistance. Shukracharya initiated him into the Surya Mantra - Vrini Surya Aditya Om. With this Mantra, Krodhasura went to the forest to perform intense penance, enduring heat, rain, and cold while standing on one leg. After thousands of years of penance, Lord Surya was pleased and appeared before Krodhasura, offering him the boon of his choice by saying, "Varam Vrinu" which means "ask for a boon".

On listening to Lord Surya's words, the demon Krodhasura rejoiced and requested a rare boon, stating - "O Lord of creation, preservation, and destruction! Grant me immortality. Let me conquer the entire universe and rule over all living and non-living beings. Bless me with perfect health and make me unparalleled in might and accomplishments." Bound by His promise, Lord Surya granted Krodhasura this extraordinary boon and assured him - "Your desires will be fulfilled."

Upon receiving the boon from Lord Surya, Krodhasura returned to his city, where he paid homage to his Guru before heading home. Over time, his wife bore him two sons, Harsha and Shoka. Settling in his city, Aveshapuri, Krodhasura indulged in luxuries and sought his Guru's blessings, unveiling his ambitious desire to conquer the universe to his demon allies. Empowered by Lord Surya's boon, he swiftly subjugated the Prithviloka and Devaloka, unleashing havoc. Emboldened by his victories, Krodhasura turned his sights on divine domains, launching attacks on Vaikuntha and Kailasha. He boldly dispatched a messenger to Suryaloka, claiming supremacy. However, Lord Surya, burdened by granting the boon that fueled such devastation, sorrowfully abandoned Suryaloka, leaving behind a distressing silence amidst the chaos of Krodhasura's reign.

The grief-stricken Gods and sages, overwhelmed by the havoc wreaked by Krodhasura, invoked Lord Lambodara with heartfelt praise. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Lambodara manifested before them in a radiant form and reassured them, proclaiming - "O revered sages and Gods, fear not! I shall destroy Krodhasura's arrogance and annihilate him to restore Dharma." This divine promise reached Krodhasura, striking terror into his heart and causing him to faint. On regaining consciousness, his aides reminded him of his immense power as the ruler of the universe, emboldening him with words of confidence. Encouraged by their support and his belief in Lord Surya's boon, Krodhasura sounded the war bugle and prepared for battle. On the battlefield, he witnessed Lord Lambodara's extraordinary form: an elephant-like face, three piercing eyes, serpents coiled around His navel, and seated upon a mouse. Awestruck yet defiant, Krodhasura engaged in a fierce battle. With the Gods by His side, Lord Lambodara unleashed His might, decimating Krodhasura's army and slaying even his most powerful warriors.

Enraged, Krodhasura issued a challenge to Lord Lambodara, ready to face him in a climactic confrontation. He said - "You wish to battle Krodhasura, the conqueror of the universe? If you don't seek refuge in me, I shall pierce your long belly with my arrows and destroy you!"

Lord Lambodara replied - "O demon! I have come here solely to slay you. You have committed many dreadful deeds through the boon granted by Lord Surya, which have led to the destruction of all your virtues. Now, I shall destroy you and your unrighteousness to establish Dharma. I transcend the mind and speech, embody bliss, and reside within all beings. How can you possibly achieve victory over me?"

The demon questioned - "If Brahma is unborn, then how am I able to perceive that which is beyond the grasp of the mind and speech?"

Lord Lambodara said - "The Siddhi residing on my left is illusory in nature. People become entranced by Siddhi, chasing it blindly and falling into delusion. On my right resides Buddhi (intelligence), which holds this illusion. Through contemplation with Buddhi, humans enter into this delusion. Buddhi itself is of the nature of consciousness and exists in five forms. Similarly, Siddhi consists of five illusions, and I am the master of both Siddhi and Buddhi. The diverse universe and Brahma reside within my belly, which is why I am called 'Lambodara.' The entire cosmos originates, thrives, and finally dissolves into my belly, and I continually play with it. Therefore, if you desire life, surrender to me. Shukracharya knows me well. Despite explanations, you fail to understand my essence. I neither take pleasure in slaying demons nor favour the destruction of Gods. I uphold those engaged in their respective Dharma without a doubt."

All of Krodhasura's doubts were resolved, and he surrendered to Lord Lambodara, falling at His feet in devotion. With a heart filled with gratitude, he praised Lord Lambodara and acknowledged his defeat. Subsequently, he departed to the Patala Loka. The Gods rejoiced and began to praise Lord Lambodara, celebrating His divine greatness and victory.