Ganas- Hindu GroupCollective"Shiva's Attendants"
Also known as: Pramathas, Bhutaganas, Shivaganas, गण, and Gaṇa
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Description
Shiva's attendant hosts, bhutas and pramathas and other spirit classes who dwell on Mount Kailash. At his wedding they formed a procession of howling, misshapen figures that terrified the bride's family. In war they stormed Daksha's sacrifice and scattered the gods.
Mythology & Lore
The Contest
The Ganas lacked a single chief, and disorder reigned among their ranks. Shiva's sons Kartikeya and Ganesha both sought the position. Shiva set a contest: whoever circumambulated the entire universe first would be named lord of the Ganas. Kartikeya mounted his peacock and raced around the cosmos. Ganesha walked once around his parents and declared them to be his entire universe. Shiva appointed Ganesha as Ganapati, lord of the Ganas.
The Wedding Procession
At Shiva and Parvati's wedding, the Ganas formed the groom's procession: a vast horde of misshapen, howling spirits accompanying the ash-smeared, serpent-garlanded bridegroom. The bride's father Himavat and his court were terrified. In battle the Ganas were no less alarming. When Shiva sent them to destroy Daksha's sacrifice, hordes led by Virabhadra stormed the sacrificial grounds and scattered the gods.