Maha Ganapati is perhaps the most popular form among the 32 forms of the Lord Ganesha. Maha Ganapati means the "Great One". This incarnation of Lord Ganesha is considered to be a Tantric form of the Lord. The great Ganapati is popularly worshipped and seated majestically with one of his shaktis on his knee. He is regarded as the great Creator. Maha Ganapati is believed to have existed before the creation of the universe and will exist after its dissolution.

Iconography of Maha Ganapati
Maha Ganapati is depicted with a red complexion. In this form, Lord Ganesha has ten arms and three eyes. There is also a crescent moon above his head like Lord Shiva, his father. He is presented in a seated posture with one of his wives sitting on his left lap. The consort of Ganesha has a white complexion and holds a lotus in her hand. Maha Ganapati holds various objects in his hands such as His broken tusk, a sugarcane bow, a pomegranate, a golden Kamandalu adorned with jewels, a mace, a lotus, a twig of paddy, a noose, a chakra and a blue lily. The icon symbolizes happiness, wealth and magnificence of Ganesha.

Worship of Maha Ganapati
Maha Ganapati is worshipped and prayed with a devotional mantra which is chanted by His worshippers. The Maha Ganapati Moola Mantra is generally chanted before the beginning of any new work or project as it removes all obstructions. Moreover, the devotee is blessed with success and prosperity. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the devotees perform the Maha Ganapati Moola Mantra Homam. The hymn is chanted 5000 times and 1008 modakas or sweet balls are presented to Lord Agni (fire). One who meditates on this form of Ganesha is said to obtain Supreme Bliss.

Mantra for Maha Ganapati
The Maha Ganapati Moola Mantra is mentioned below-
"Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Klowm Gum Ganapathaye Var
Varatha Sarvajanamay Vasamaanaya Swaha
Hasteemdranana Minduchuda Marunachayam Trinetram Rasah
Dashilishtam Priyaya Sa Padmakaraya Svankashtayah Santatam
Beejapoora Gadekshu Karmuka Laschhakrabja Pashotapala
Vreehagra Svavishaana Ratna Kalasham Hastaih Vahantam Bhaje".

Legend of Maha Ganapati
According to local legend, Maha Ganapati had aided his father Lord Shiva to fight the demon Tripurasura. Shiva had forgotten to pay his respects to Maha Ganapati before starting the battle against the demon. An enraged Maha Ganapati caused Shiva"s chariot to fail. Shiva realized his mistake and paid his respects to his son and then was successful in defeating the demon.