Lord Ganesha is usually associated with auspicious beginnings, wisdom and the removal of obstacles. But within tantric traditions, there is a much less familiar form known as Ucchista Ganapati. His worship is described differently from the everyday Ganapati puja many devotees know. Ancient ritual texts treat Ucchista Ganapati as a specific form with its own meditation, mantra and specialised practices. One study of the Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati identifies Ucchista Ganapati among several distinct forms of Ganapati and records specialised rites associated with him.
