The western state of Maharashtra in India, where Ganesha worship is supreme, boasts of 8 temples, collectively known as ‘Ashta Vinayak’ or the eight Ganeshas. Of these, the Siddhi Vinayak Temple, built in 1801 in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is one of the oldest and wealthiest Ganesha temples in India.
Ganesh Mantra: Om Kshipra Prasadaya Namah
For all his vastness (and dare we say it, ungainly bulk), Ganesha is known to move with surprising dexterity – hence the name, Kshipra, which means “The Swift One”. Chant this mantra when you are in a tight spot, when you feel overwhelmed, helpless and out of your depth. Regular practice of this mantra will offer you Ganesha’s constant protection and act as a shield against dark, negative forces. In more mundane terms, this mantra endows you with the ability to think on your feet and summon forth reserves of courage you didn’t think you possessed.
Ganesh Namavali: 15-19/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Ganesha was – and is – the original multi-tasker, long before the term was coined! One of his names is Chaturbhujeti, the Four-Armed One. Each arm stands for one of Hinduism’s four main castes, namely, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, a simple, potent representation of the importance of all beings in the scheme of life.
Devadeva is Master of masters, the one who is worshiped first among all heavenly beings. He is also Devantakanashakarin, born with specific powers to destroy demons and reinstate peace in all worlds.Ganesha assumes the name of Devavrata in response to his devotees’ propitiation. To those who undertake penance, he is benevolence personified, granting the boons they seek.
The word ‘shika’ in Devendrashika again refers to Mooshika, his mouse vehicle. He is the Divine Protector of the humblest of creatures.
Ganesh Mantra: Om Vakratundaya Hum
‘Vakratunda’ refers to Vinayaka’s curving trunk, in this powerful mantra from the Ganesha Purana that specifically deals with ordeals, complex problems or situations that are out of the ordinary. Ganesha’s trunk is an extraordinary weapon with which he sets straight those who go astray. In the legends of the Puranas, the mantra is chanted by devotees suffering under the tyranny of demons. By saying ‘hum’, we seek Ganesha’s immediate intervention in resolving our suffering. The mantra is also chanted 1008 times to heal and rectify health problems connected with the spine and limbs. Such powers of healing however, are attained only by those who attain a high degree of spiritual evolvement.
Ganesh Namavali: 8-14/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Balachandra is also Ganesha as a child, sporting a crescent moon on his forehead. Many legends are associated with this aspect.
Loved for his plumpness as a child, Ganesha is also an awesome figure when fully grown as Bheema, or the Gigantic One.
Bhoopati is Lord of all lords, the one who is worshiped in all worlds.
As Bhoovanpati, he is propitiated by the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, in order to save the world from the forces of darkness.
Knowledge and wisdom are particularly associated with Ganesha. He is Buddhinath, the supreme lord of the intellect, the ultimate repository of all knowledge.
As Buddhipriya, he is ever willing to bestow the riches of the mind – one has only to ask.
Ganesha presides over the Mooladhara Chakra, the root of psychic energy
that lies coiled at the base of the spine. By worshipping him as Buddhividhata, a devotee gains enlightenment and sharpens his intellect
Which is the best spot to place a Ganesh Statue in a home?
All devout Ganesh followers begin any activity with the invocation of
Lord Ganesh. He is the God of Success and the remover of obstacles.
A statue of Lord Ganesh is never placed on the floor or near the ends
of beds. The statues are always placed at an elevated level. In fact,
the best place for the statue is above the front door of one’s home.
This is said to bring good luck and positive energy. Small Ganesh
figurines are also enshrined in the altar at the homes. Ritual worship
is offered to such statues every day.
Depicted above is the Stone Ganesh Statue from Ganesh Mall
Ganesh Mantra: Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah
Another mantra for all new beginnings, chanted before undertaking meditation, prayer or any fresh enterprise. ‘Ganeshaya’ is a reference to the god’s elephant head. The elephant evokes images of great size and phenomenal strength but also intelligence, wisdom and an inexplicable gentleness. When we meditate upon Ganesha’s form, we attune ourselves to these qualities. Thus, the mantra is a heartfelt greeting to the elephant-god, a means of drawing upon his great powers to fulfill the task at hand.
Whether you recite, whisper or utter them silently to yourself, mantra japa or repetitive chanting is said to be the simplest way to access God.
Ganesha Namavali: 4-7/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
As Anantachidrupamaya, he is the personification of the Universal Consciousness. Meditation removes the veils of illusion and helps his devotees realize his infinite power.
He is Avaneesh, master and protector of our earth, one to whom the most helpless of beings can turn to in times of need.
Avighna denotes one of Ganesha’s best known aspects, the One before whom all obstacles cease to exist.‘Bala’ means child; as Balaganapati, he is a young boy, radiant as the rising sun and adored by all, both gods and lesser beings.
Ganesh Mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Taken from the sacred text of the Ganapati Upanishad, this mantra is typically chanted at the beginning of all new ventures. Chant it prior to writing an exam; before signing a contract, writing a new book, or starting a business enterprise. Among the simplest of the Ganesha mantras, this chant calls upon Ganesha as ‘gam’, (the seed within which the Universe is contained) to come forth and remove obstacles both seen and unseen. If there’s a way to overcome Murphy’s Law, this is it!
Whether you recite, whisper or utter them silently to yourself, mantra japa or repetitive chanting is said to be the simplest way to access God.
