VAKRATUNDAVTARANCH DEHANAM BRAHMA DHARAKAHA|
MATSARASURA HANTA CHA SIMHAVAHANAMAHA SMRITAH||

Meaning: The Vakratunda incarnation of Lord Ganeshji has all the elements of theBrahma Tattva in the entire body, he is the one who slayed Matsarasura and his vehicle is the lion on which he is seated. One can see a number of forms of Lord Ganesha, which are explained in scriptures and penance.

Matsarasura was born because of the sheer negligence of Lord Indra. He learnt the Shiv Panchakshara mantra from the Guru of the Demons Shukracharya and performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased by his severe penance and blessed him with immortality. After he received the blessing he returned and Shukracharya made him the king of all the Demons. After this all the demons encouraged Matsarasura to conquer the universe.

Matsarasura successfully conquered the Bhulok, the Swargalok and the Patal Lok. He even threw Lord Indra out from Swarga lok. All the gods finally went to Lord Shiva, who was meditating on the Kailash Mountain along with Brahma and Vishnu.

When Shivji came to know about the terror of Matsarasura, he severely criticised him. Listening to the criticism Matsarasura flared up and attacked Kailash and tied even Lord Shiva by a strong noose. He himself started residing there and proclaimed himself the Lord of the Universe. All creatures were terrified by the wrath of the demons.

All the Gods were worried, the reason because they could not find a way out. At that time Lord Dattatraya appeared before them. He gave all the gods Lord Ganesha's Ekashara Mantra and told them to constantly recite it. All the gods started reciting the Mantra and worshipping Lord Ganesha.

After some time Lord Ganesha was pleased with their devotion and promised them that he would definitely slay Matsarasura.

Ganeshji then assumed the Vakratunda (the curved trunk) forms and surrounded the city of Matsarasura with innumerable Ganas. The war between them started. Both the sons of Matsarasura, Sundar Priya and Vishay Priya were slain in the war. Seeing the Vakratunda form of Ganeshji Matsarasura's heart pounded. He immediately surrended. Ganeshji forgave him and gave him a blessing of Vakratunda as devotion. He told him to go to Pataal Lok and never to return back. Eventually all the gods were happy as they got their Swargalok back. Vakratunda blessed all the gods with his devotion. It is situated in Taluka Haweli, District Pune.