Uchchhishta Ganapati

Described in Tantric and sectarian sources as a specific Tantric aspect of Ganesha rather than an independent species, Uchchhishta Ganapati functions as the primary deity of the Uchchhishta Ganapatya school. The sect is presented in the sources as influenced by Kaula/Shakta vamachara currents; its identity is organized around worship practiced in the ritual state uchchhishta (literally 'leftovers' or ritually impure remnants), which in Tantric usage is a deliberately invoked condition of sadhana and transgressive ritual practice.

Textual sources vary. The Mantra-maharnava describes him as red; the Uttara-kamikagama describes him as dark and mentions a ratna-mukuta (jeweled crown) and a third eye; another account describes him as blue. He appears with four or six arms in texts and is usually seated (sometimes on padmasana). Attributes assigned in different manuals differ by source: Kriyakramadyoti lists lotus (occasionally blue lotus), pomegranate, veena, akshamala and a rice sprig among his hands; Mantra-maharnava lists bana (arrow), dhanus (bow), pasha (noose) and ankusha (goad); Uttara-kamikagama (four-armed) gives pasha, ankusha and sugarcane. A common sculptural pattern holds pasha, ankusha and a modak/ladoo, with a fourth arm embracing a female consort (shakti) seated on his left lap. Texts (e.g., Uttara-kamikagama; Mantra-maharnava) prescribe explicit erotic contact: a nude consort (called Hasti Pisachi in Uttara-kamikagama), the god touching her genitalia or his trunk touching her yoni, and in some prescriptions an ithyphallic form.

Sources ascribe multiple functions: he is worshipped as a giver of great boons (Kriyakramadyoti summary), regarded in one note as guardian of the country, and meditative practice on his form is said to grant control over the five sensory organs; a temple association (Tirunelveli) links him with granting progeny. Doctrinally and ritually he is a vamachara/Kaula deity whose cult intentionally employs ritual impurity and sexualized symbolism. Separately, sources state Uchchhishta Ganapati is associated with six specific abhichara rituals (malevolent spells) by which an adept may cause a target to suffer delusions, be overcome with irresistible attraction or envy, be enslaved, paralysed, or killed.