[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c9.2000 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.2000 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c9.2000 - **Language:** English ### [c9.2000](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.2000) There are many temples dedicated to Gaṇapati in South India. Chief among the idols are iṭampiri (proboscis turned to the left side) and valampiri (proboscis turned to the right side). Gaṇapati is a physical aspect of Śiva. Being the God who removes obstacles in the devotee's path, Gaṇapati is called Vighneśvara. The universe is contained in his big stomach. - [Previous: c9.1999](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.1999) - [Next: c9.2001](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.2001) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.2000](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.2000) · Pramāṇa