Haridra Ganapati (Sanskrit ???????-?????, Haridra-ga?

apati, literally turmeric G

anesha) is an aspect of the Hindu god Ganesha (Ganapati). Haridra Ganapati is al
so known as Ratri Ganapati.[1] Haridra Ganapati is depicted as yellow like turme
ric and wears yellow garments. He is one of the most popular thirty-two forms of
Ganesha.
Contents
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Iconography
Worship
Notes
References

Iconography
The iconographical treatises Niyotsava and the Mantra-maharnava have similar des
criptions of Haridra Ganapati. He is described as having three eyes. He sits on
a golden throne. He is yellow-complexioned like turmeric and also wears yellow c
lothes. He has four arms and carries a pasha (noose), an ankusha (elephant goad)
, a modaka (sweet) and the danta (his own broken tusk) in his four hands.[2] He
draws his devotees closer by the noose, while goads them in the right direction
by the ankusha.[3]
The Dakshinamnaya mentions that Haridra Ganapati has six arms and sits on a jewe
lled throne, in addition to his yellow colour and yellow vestments. His three ri
ght hands hold the ankusha and display the krodha-mudra (the gesture of anger) a
nd abhayamudra (the gesture of protection). His left hands carry the pasha, a pa
rashu (battle-axe) and displays the varadamudra (gesture of boon-giving).[4]
Other references to the deity describe his face to be ointed with turmeric; him
wearing a yellow yagnopavita (sacred thread) besides his turmeric complexion and
clothes. He is described holding a pasha, an ankusha and a staff.[5]
In the Ajitagama, Haridra Ganapati is described as turmeric-colored and flanked
by two unnamed wives.[6]
Worship
Haridra Ganapati is worshipped for wealth and well-being.[7] He is also describe
d to protect his devotees.[4]
Haridra Ganapati is the patron of the Haridra Ganapatya sect, one of the six maj
or schools of the Ganapatya sect, which regards Ganesha as the Supreme Being. Th
e Haridra Ganapati followers consider him as leader of all deities including Bra
hma, Vishnu, Shiva and Indra; the guru of the sage Bhrigu, the guru of gods
Brih
aspati, the serpent Shesha etc.; the one which the greatest knowledge and the on
e is worshipped by the deities who create the universe. Worshipping Haridra Gana
pati is believed to grant moksha (emancipation). These sectarians used to brand
by iron the head of Ganesha and his tusk on their palms.[5]
Haridra Ganapati is a Tantric form of Ganesha. Special mantras and yantras are u
sed in his worship. Rituals involving his worship generally are performed to ful
fill material objectives, especially gaining boons related to sexuality. He is a
lso associated with six rituals of abhichara (uses of spells for malevolent purp
oses) by which the adept can cause the target to suffer delusions, be overcome w
ith irresistible attraction or envy, or to be enslaved, paralysed or killed