Lord Ganesh’s Mantras
October 6, 2008
“The only way to reach God is through Japa or Jaap.” This is a loose translation of what is mentioned in our divine scriptures. I say it a loose translation because in this Iron Age or the Kalyuga, this is the only path to follow. Even if I wanted to share more of my thoughts and understandings, most people are not capable of understanding it. Some will question it and others will debate on it.
Holy scriptures are not topics for debate. They are said with a purpose and today’s man has zero authority to challenge them. Making a mockery of them not only proves their ignorance but defiance to our Lord and His plenary expansions who have written those scriptures.
There are different ways in which Japa can be performed:
1) Ucchahi – Here the aspirant does the recitation loudly.
2) Upamshu – In this, the recitation is done softly.
3) Manasikam – Mana denotes the mind so here the recitation in done within the mind.
Repeating the powerful mantra in the mind creates a better awareness and understanding. Beginners are advised to first say it aloud so that they know the exact pronunciation and then do it silently. The speed should be uniform and one should not be in a hurry to finish it. The calm pace will only bring serenity to the lost soul.
Written Japa is also followed by some followers wherein they sit in front of their deity and write the mantra silently on a paper.
Japa is enhanced with japa mala or chain which consists of 108 beads. As one repeats the mantra, one bead is rotated and passed on. Japa malas are of many kinds. Lord Shiva’s devotees perform it with Rudraksh/Rudraskha beads, Lord Vishnu’s aspirants make use of Tulasi mala and Sandalwood beads are used by Lord Ganesh’s followers.
Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah
Mandukya Upanishad explicates the deeper understanding of AUM. The three syllables that comprises this word represents the waking state by the alphabet A, U denotes the waking state and M the deep sleep. It denotes Turyavastha-a state beyond Jagruti (The State of Waking), Svapna (Dream) and Sushupti (Deep Sleep).
This mantra means- All Praises To Lord Ganesh. It is recited at the advent of most rituals, worship and Yagna or havan.
Aum Gung Ganapataye Namah
This is Lord Ganesha’s Moola (root) mantra or Beeja (seed) mantra which is mentioned in the Ganapati Upanishad.
There are Lord Ganesh’s Gayatri Mantras which vary depending from which scriptures they have been derived from.
Aum Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
This Gayatri is from Ganapati Upanishad. It explains that we bow to the One with a single tusk (Ekadanta). We meditate upon Him who has a curved trunk. May He guide us. (To understand why Lord Ganesh is known as Ekadanta, read our posts on Legends Of Lord Ganesh)
Aum Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
This mantra from Narayana Upanishad explains that we dedicate our thoughts to that supreme person –(Tatpurushyaya).
We meditate upon Him who has a curved trunk. May the single-tusked One guide us always.
Aum Tat Karataya Vidmahe
Hasti Mukhaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
Maitrayani Samhita 2.6-9 states this mantra which means we dedicate our thoughts to the mysterious Lord. We meditate on His elephant face- (Hasti Mukhaya) May the single-tusked One guide us on the right path.
Other mantras which are used to worship Lord Ganesh are said during the rituals. Some simple ones are as follows.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Naivedye Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we offer Naivedye to Him. This can be in the form of fruits, dates, sweets like modak or laddoos.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Ape Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we offer Him water.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Ghante Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we ring the bell or ghanti and dedicate it to Him and request Him to accept it.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Pushpe Svaha”
We chant this mantra so that Lord Ganesh accepts the fresh flowers that we offer Him.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Dhoope Svaha”
This mantra is chanted requesting the Lord to accept our offering of the fragrant incense.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Deepe Svaha”
We chant this mantra so that Lord Ganesh accepts the deep or deepam (lighted lamps where the wick is dipped in clarified butter or ghee) that we offer Him.
We will keep updating this post as and when we find mantras that will help devotees to perform their rituals with ease. But do note that most mantras are in Sanskrit and it is very difficult for us commoners to understand and pronounce them exactly as they are supposed to be. Some rituals are best left to the learned Brahmins.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
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9 Responses to “Lord Ganesh’s Mantras”
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Iam follower of GANESH AND I FOUND YOUR MANTRA BHAGA GOOD
hi,i am a chinese i would like to know the procrdure of worshiping lord ganesha.As me a chinese would like to learn more about it.Thanks
Hi Ray,
Thanks for writing in. We have this information in our previous post. Here is the link- http://nayna.in/blog/divine-grace/how-to-worship-lord-ganesh-an-in-depth-understanding-of-rituals-during-ganesh-chaturthi/
Thanks sir for describing all about lord Sree Ganesha.
sir, i’m really thankfull to u for giving us more and more detail about my lord ganapathi………….. i really enjoyed a lot………………………..
sir,
it was wonderful reading the mantras.it was tightly explained not LOSELY. I make special kind of art work of ganesh with the help of DIFFERENT MANTRAS OF LORD GANESHA. THE DIFFERENT MANTRAS LIKE SANKAT MOCHAN, RIN-MUKTI, ROG-MKTI, LAKSHMI PRAPTI ETC. WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU, IF INTERESTED PLS. REVERT BACK SO THAT I CAN SEND YOU SOME OF MY WORKS. RECENTLY COMPLETED 500 ART WORKS ON GANESHA
Hello Vivek,
Thank you for comment. Currently we are not looking for any artwork, if we do in the future, we will get back to you.
i want to know the rin mukti mantra of ganesha
Hello Tanu,
The mantras on this post are for well-being and to promote devotion. As you have a specific requirement, I would recommend that you consult an astrologer or learned priests. The reason behind this is, just chanting the Rin Mukti Mantra alone may not always work out. It requires certain type of method of doing it. Like some special flowers that you need to offer or certain types of do’s and don’t’s. It will be best that you consult someone in authority. A suggestion : You could talk to a priest/pujari of the Ganesh temple in your city. They usually provide the right guidance.
Good Luck.