Vinayakas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vināyakas were a group of four troublesome demons who created obstacles and difficulties in Hindu mythology,[1] but who were easily propitiated.[2] One theory of the origin of Ganesha is that he gradually came to prominence in connection with the Vināyakas.[3]
In Puranic literature of a much later period the group of four Vināyakas was merged into one definite god named Vināyaka whom Rudra appointed as the "Leader of the Ganas" (Ganapati).[4] This Vināyaka-Ganapati is associated with another god called Dantin, "the one with the tusk," who is said to possess a twisted trunk (vakratuṇḍa) and who holds a corn-sheaf, a sugar cane, and a club.[5] This description of Dantin is so characteristic of the Puranic Ganapati that Heras says "we cannot resist to accept his full identification with this Vedic Dantin."[4] The name Vināyaka is a common name for Ganesha both in the Purāṇas and in Buddhist Tantras.[6]
In the Smrti of Yājñavalkya, written in the 6th century, Vināyaka is definitely mentioned as a demon who had been exalted to the rank of a deva.[7] He is clearly described as elephant-headed by the 8th century.[8]