Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.1

v1.c9.1

VIGHNĒŚVARA is, as the name indicates, the deity presiding over obstacles; as such, he happens to be the god who either puts obstacles in the way or removes them. That he has the capacity for doing both these things is evident from the account of his origin given in the *Lingapurāṇa*. It is stated therein that the *Asuras* and *Rākshasas*, performed sacrifices and other acts of virtue, and received several boons from Śiva the Supreme God. Protected with the boons thus acquired from god Śiva, they began to fight against the *Dēvas* and defeat them. Indra and the other gods, afflicted by the defeats received at the hands of the *Rākshasas*, complained about their hard lot to the Supreme God and prayed to him that he should create a being, who would be the lord of obstacles, Vighnēśvara, and throw obstacles in the way of the *Asuras* and *Rākshasas* in their attempts to perform acts of merit, and thus render them unfit to receive any more boons from God. Śiva yielded to this request of the gods and willed that a son be born to him to fulfil this object. Then one of his *aṃśas*, that is, a part of his power, took shape in the form of a handsome being and was delivered out of the womb of Pārvatī. Him Śiva named Vighnēśvara, and advised him to hinder the *Asuras*, *Rākshasas* and other wicked people from performing sacrifices and other virtuous acts, but to render all assistance to the *Dēvas* and other good beings in their endeavour to perform such acts. Vighnēśvara, thus born and thus installed in his position, has continued discharging his duties in the world of his Hindu devotees and worshippers.