THE MEANING OF GANESHA'S NAME

Aum-shaped body

Ganapati, Lord of the Ganas, In the army of Shiva

Vakratunda, Curved Trunk

Ekadanta, One-Tusked

Shupakarna, Large/Auspicious Ears

Gajanana, elephant face

Anangapujita, The Formless, or Bodiless

Lambodara, big bellied

Vinayaka, a distinguished Leader (Vi stands for vishesha Special and nayaka from root ni to lead, thus Leader

Vighnesh, Vighneshwara, controller of obstacles (Vighna = obstacle, eeshwara = lord)
Vighnaharta, remover of obstacles

Pillaiyar ,meaning "whose child?", Shiva 's question in one story of how Ganesh got his head and also Pillai an affectionate term in Tamil, aar for added respect