MAHODARA ETI KHYATO JNANABRAHMAPRAKASHAK
MAHASURASYA SHATRURVAHA AKHUVAHANAM SRIRITAM||

Meaning:- Lord Ganesha's, name Mahodar (incarnation) is the significance of Jnana Brahmatattva, he is the one who slayed Mahasura and his vehicle is the rat.

One of the disciples of Guru of the Demons Shukracharya was Mahasura who was very strong. According to the orders of Shukaracharya Mahasura worshipped the Sun God and attained the name of DaityaRaja meaning King of the demons. He also conquered all the three worlds and became the king of the three worlds.

All the gods, sages hid in caves and jungles in fear of him. There was anarchy all over. At this time Surya, Sun God advised all the gods to worship Mahodara.

All the Gods and the Sages started worshipping Mahodara. AT last Mahodara was pleased with their devotion and blessed them, by saying that he would slay Mahasura himself.

When Shukracharya heard this, he told Mahasura to surrender in front of Mahodara. Lord Vishnu also explained to Mahasura that if he surrenders he will not be killed or destroyed. That's why he should accept the friendship of Mahodara. By saying this he started praising and singing the glories of Lord Lambodara.

Listening to this Mahasura became frightened and he requested Lord Vishnu to bring Mahodara giving him due honour and respect.

When Lord Mahodara arrived, Mahasura greeted and welcomed him with pomp and gaiety. He sang his praises and asked for forgiveness for his evil sins. Mahasura promised the gods that he would return them their Swargalok and assured that he would be always on the path of righteousness. He also assured them that henceforth, he would not a dare to harass the Gods and Sages.

Listening to this Lord Mahodara was pleased and commanded him to go back to Pataal lok and never return again. All the Gods and the Sages were elated, They all started singing the praise of Lord Mahodara. It is situated in Taluka Kholapur, District Raigad.