Ganesha mantras

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe!

Ganesha is one of the oldest and most revered deities in Hinduism. Almost the entire east has a connection to this "pot-belly elephant-headed" energy of the divine! That's probably because of what it stands for: overcoming every obstacle that comes up in life. Unsurprisingly, there is an enormous amount of mantras to use to transmit the energy of Ganesha onto yourself. Ganesha also has something cozy about it. His appearance in particular gives me a feeling of familiarity, friendship and warmth. He's friendly, he's funny, he played a lot of pranks as a kid, he dances and makes music. In other words, he's so worldly and yet there is an enormous amount of wisdom behind it all! Actually, he always seems a bit childlike. Maybe it's the childlike approach to things that makes him so wise. A child questions things that we no longer perceive as adults. It often sees the world in a much more objective, unbiased way. And so it is open and receptive to the divine.

On this page I would like to explain a few Ganesha mantras to you based on my own personal experience. You can recite the mantras quietly for yourself, you can also recite them out loud, or first out loud and then inwardly. You can also sing them or write them down. No matter what you choose, it is important that you do it with sincere dedication. Bring in a rhythm that becomes one with breathing. Although Ganesha is considered to be good luck and the eliminator of obstacles, a Ganesha statue or picture cannot bring you happiness. Nor can it remove the obstacles just because you are singing the mantra. Become one with the divine energy that surrounds this deity. It represents a certain aspect of the Absolute. Be preoccupied with Ganesha. On my "Ganesha" page you can learn a lot about him, for example what his whole figure says. Everything about him has a meaning. It gives you inspiration on your own path that you really have to go. A Ganesha mantra can help you with this as a tool. I often recite the Bija mantra to strengthen myself and also to make myself aware. The strength is in each of us, but unfortunately we all too often forget it!

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

This is one of the most famous and widely spread Ganesha mantras. It is so easy to recite and yet so effective!

It is called “Ganesha Bija Mantra” and comes from the Ganapati Upanishad – This mantra is used for Yoga Sadhana in which the Yogi(ni) pray to Ganesha and merge themselves with the supreme knowledge and peace. You can use this mantra before you start any new venture so that success comes without any hassle. For example, the beginning of a day, a new project, a new course at school or university, a new job, starting a new company or a trip (well, traveling isn't that popular at the moment). The goal is to remove obstacles so that everything goes well.

It's such a simple mantra and yet you can feel so much light with its help. When I go into Japa meditation with the Ganesha Bija mantra (recite 108 times), then I do it with unconditional love, devotion and divine feeling. I do not hurry, I do not recite it quickly, but rather like a song with devoted emphasis on the individual syllables. As I repeat the mantra, I imagine that Ganesha is actually listening to me. I feel his closeness, his presence in everything and everywhere. And the longer I recite the mantra, the lighter it becomes in me. Ganesha radiates into my heart. He is, so to speak, a witness to my mantra repetitions. I never have a wish or something in my head that I want to aim at with the mantra. I have no goal. I am empty, pure, flowing and just receive the healing energy that I experience through the vibration and the light. By emphasizing the OM and the GAM, the two seed syllables, an unbelievable sound vibration arises in me, ... as if I were becoming a singing bowl !!! Yes, a bowl with which I can catch the divine energy. The mantra becomes Ganesha himself. Ganesha IS the mantra. The energy of Ganesha manifests itself in the sound body. As soon as I feel that, I am really one with him.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Om the sound of the universe ॐ

Gam the secret power sound of Ganesha It is his "seed syllable" or Bija mantra गं

Ganapataye another name of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles गणपतये

Namaha I bow नमः

When we were in total lockdown here in Spain last year (we weren't allowed to leave the house for more than two months, with the exception of one time to the supermarket) I made myself a special mala for this time. When we were allowed to go outside again in the summer, I took off this mala. It now rests on the Shiva altar. The coming period has been called "New Reality" by the government. I received the time with an open mind. I was aware that obstacles would come my way. But I wasn't afraid of it. I met them with energy, courage, drive and creativity. These were all aspects of Ganesha and at that time I started writing about Ganesha for you every Monday. And so this mala became my "Ganesha-Bija-Mantra" mala. Symbolically, the "Meru" -bead is also a seed (bija), a seed of a coconut. It is said that when coconuts are washed ashore from the sea, paradise islands are created! Usually I still have other beads between the "Meru"-bead and the tassel. Definitely a symbolic amber that connects me with my loved ones. On this mala there is a second amber, which is partly full of inclusions (thoughts), yellow like light and transparent (clarity). And then there is a Rudraksha, symbolic of Shiva, but also his son Ganesha. This Rudraksha has five eyes for the five elements that make life possible and he tassel has threads of all colors, symbolic for my open mind.

The Rig Veda says: If you perform the sacred fire ceremony (yanja) on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaturthi and follow all rituals correctly, Ganesha will surely grant you the fruits of this sacred and meritorious act. When I made this post it was such a day, it was Vinayaka Chaturthi, the monthly fasting day during the waxing moon.

I am definitely not performing the rituals "properly" myself, but I am in true prayer with Ganesha, a prayer that comes from my soul and I feel that everything I do with awareness and true love also bears fruit. And that includes deeply reciting the Ganesha-Bija mantra OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA.

Ganesha is referred to as “GANA-NAM-PATI”. This means my beloved Shree Ganesha is the Supreme God (PATI) who presides over all forms of creations (GANA), including the semi-gods (Devata), the stars (Nakshatras), the millions of galaxies (Brahmandas) and even the holy seven sages (Rishi). NAM means one who grants liberation. Colloquially it is called “GANAPATI”, the Lord of all Ganas!

The significance of the name GAN-ESHA can be understood by learning about the meaning of each syllable in the name:

GANA, as you already know … means all forms of creations

ISHA, means the Divine who rules

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

OM, the sound of the universe

GAM, stands for the eternal knowledge (jnana), it is the seed-sound of Ganesha

GANAPATAYE, the Lord of all Ganas, who gives liberation

NAMAHA, I bow

So when I recite the Ganesha-Bija mantra, thus Ganesha/Ganampati is the embodiment of the formless Supreme Consciousness, who grants eternal knowledge and nirvana… he is my “Nirakara Para Brahma Svarupa”.

“OM GAM” is the verily the subtle form of my beloved Ganesha. I love to chant sometimes only these two sacred syllables instead of the complete mantra. When I chant “OM GAM” my heart and my body is filled with effulgence and brightness. As my heart radiates with effulgence and light, the six enemies in my mind (kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), Mada (arrogance), moha (delusion), and matsarya (jealousy)) burnt away and I filled with supreme peace in my heart.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

GANAPATI GAYATRI MANTRA

The Ganapati or Ganesha Gayatri is in principle a kind of reference to the original Gayatri mantra (Sartivi), which is aimed at our spiritual sun energy. The Gayatri is the mantra of light and is very powerful. And over the centuries, various aspects of the divine (light) have formed. So also the Ganapati Gayatri. With this mantra seekers call Ganesha's energy. May he enlighten the seeker and give him strength.

There are several versions of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra (composed in the 24-syllable meter of the original Gayatri Mantra). I would like to introduce you to the three most famous ones:

OM EKADANTAYA VIDDHAMAHE
VAKRATUNDAYA DHIMAHI
TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH
TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH

Ekadantaya - The one with the single tusked elephant tooth
Viddhamahe - who is omnipresent
Vakratundaya - Curved trunk
Dhimahi - We meditate upon and pray for greater intellect
Tanno Danti - We bow before the one with the single tusked elephant tooth
Prachodayat - Illuminate our minds with wisdom

We pray to the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth who is omnipresent. We meditate upon and pray for greater intellect to the Lord with the curved, elephant-shaped trunk. We bow before the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth to illuminate our minds with wisdom.

OM TAT PURUSHAYA VIDDHMAHE

VAKRATUNDAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH
TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH

We pray to the supreme consciousness (Tatpurushaya) who is omnipresent (vidhmahe). We meditate upon and pray for greater intellect (dhīmahi) to the Lord with the curved, elephant-shaped trunk (vakratunḍāya). We bow before the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth (tanno danti) to illuminate our minds with wisdom (Prachodayat)

OM LAMVODARAYA VIDDHMAHE

MAHODARARAAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH
TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYATH

We pray to the one with the expandable belly (lambodarāya) who is omnipresent (vidhmahe). We meditate upon and pray for greater intellect (dhīmahi) to the Lord with the huge belly (mahodaraaya). We bow before the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth (tanno danti) to illuminate our minds with wisdom (prachodayat).

The Ganapati Gayatri Mantra is very suitable as an invocation before you recite 108 cycles with the Ganesha-Bija-Mantra.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

OM GAM GLAUM GANAPATAYE VIGHNA-VINASINE SVAHA

Suffering and sadness,

I am very moved that there is so much suffering and sadness in this world. Sometimes I hear it from the media, sometimes from people who are close to me like you beloved Sangha. Sometimes I feel it because it cannot be spoken - I feel it in animals, in plants, in people who don't want to burden anyone. Sometimes I see it because my eyes are receptive. Sometimes it affects myself.

Suffering and sadness,

I can see a doctor if I have a physical ailment; if I have a mental ailment, I can basically only help myself. Outsiders, families, friends can support me in this, but I have to draw the strength to overcome obstacles deep within myself, at the roots. Ganesha is considered to be the remover of obstacles. He cannot remove your obstacles, he cannot heal your (mental) wounds either, but you can strengthen your own forces through him. Visualize his shape, visualize the symbolism of his extraordinary body and his attributes. And become one with him. Start chanting a mantra. It can be its basic mantra OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA, but I would like to bring you closer to another mantra that also names the obstacles and suffering with words:

OM GAM GLAUM GANAPATAYE VIGHNA-VINASINE SVAHA

OM = the sound of the universe

GAM (Gum) = means to move, let go, bring about

GLAUM is another bija (seed) mantra from Ganesha. It activates my willpower for letting go of old behavioral patterns, thus creating a new beginning. It activates my willpower to lead a life in meditation and to act out of it, too. And it activates my willpower to be myself.

GANAPATAYE = Ganapati is another name of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

VIGHNA-VINASINE= refers to Ganesha's power to remove suffering and obstacles

SVAHA= With Svaha one expresses that the power of the mantra, the power of the ritual, may be effective as a blessing power

It is said that this mantra has the power to dissolve all kinds of suffering and obstacles through the blessings of Ganesha. It is particularly powerful when you recite this mantra on the fourth day of the waning moon.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

VAKRATUNDA MAHAKAYA GANESHA MANTRA

The Vakratunda Ganesha Mantra is one of the first mantras I recite every morning in our shop-museum. It is like a soul food for me. We have several Ganesha altars in the shop. The statue, especially at the entrance, always receives a particularly large number of flowers. It is also worshiped by our neighbors and people walking by.

Ganesha is cheerful, courageous, meditative, wise, and goes new ways. The Vakratunda mantra has the power of unity and as such, it removes all energetic blocks from my existence.

Many people see Ganesha as the god of happiness, wealth, good luck, prosperity and success. He cannot give you these. You are responsible for all. But you can use his core statements as inspiration for your life. Take the obstacles that stand in your way as a chance. Do not damn this circumstances, but use all your strength to overcome them. Learn from these experiences. Have the courage to do something new. Be happy, playful and yet responsible.

The Vakratunda Mantra is one of the most important Ganesha mantras and also one of the most common Ganapati Mantras. It is the mantra for wealth and wisdom, The Vakratunda is dedicated to Ganesha and his consorts Goddess Riddhi (Hindu Goddess of Prosperity) and Goddess Siddhi (Hindu Goddess of spiritual enlightenment).

ॐ श्री गणेशाय नम

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा

OM SHREE GANESHAYA NAMAHA

VAKRATUNDA MAHA-KAAYA SURYA-KOTTI SAMAPRABHA

NIRVIGHNAM KURU ME DEVA SARVA-KAARYESHU SARVADAA

“Salutations to Shree Ganesha, who has a curved trunk, who has a large body and whose splendour is similar to million suns. Oh Deva, please make my undertakings free of obstacles, by extending your blessings in all my works, always.”

Vakra – means one that is not straight.

Vakratunda – means curved trunk.

Maha-kayaa – means large body

Surya-kotti – means “Surya” or sun and koti means crore.

Samaprabha – means “prabha – aura” , “sama- like”.

Surya-kotti samaprabha – means whose aura is like light of crores of sun put together.

Nirvighnam – obstacle free.

Kuru-me – give me.

Deva – means God.

Sarva – means all.

Kaaryeshu -work.

Sarvadaa -always.

If you look at the mantra, you will see that it describes Ganesha. And exactly in this description lies the meaning for you, because if you know what his trunk and the big belly are saying, then you really understand the mantra.

Ganesha's trunk is a symbol of the perfect balance between knowledge (Gyaan Shakti) and action (Karma Shakti). Ganesha uses his trunk to destroy obstacles and advance. It is also twisted and symbolizes the sound of OM, the universal sound. The trunk of Ganesha means flexibility and the ability to adapt and change over time. Ganesha's big belly contains the infinite universe. It means that he has the ability to swallow all worries and problems. In a figurative sense, it should be said that you too have the ability to digest everything good and bad in life. Don't worry too much, keep calm!

My Guruji Osho once said that a sannyasin must have full trust in his guru. The Guru cannot give me enlightenment, but when I become one with his stillness, his being, then I find the direction back to my inner light. When I have full confidence in the energy and aura of Ganesha, then I will become one with what he embodies. And so I receive the blessings, happiness, prosperity and wealth.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

OM LAMBODARAYA NAMAHA

This mantra is a "Namavali mantra". It refers to one of the many names and forms of Ganesha.

ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः।

OM LAMBODARAYA NAMAHA

Ganesha is known for loving candy and for having a big, round belly. "Lambodar" describes him as the god with the big belly. This belly is not just a result of eating, but according to the Upanishads the whole universe is in it. This mantra now means that the whole universe is in Ganesha. The entire universe is thus also contained in the mantra and the sound vibration of Om, the sound of creation (the cosmic sound). The awareness of Om means that you are connecting to the universe and feeling that connection within you. OM is the cosmic YES! And "YES" can only be positive. If you start your day with a "YES", what else should go wrong?

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

The Ganesha Mantra to remove present obstacles

AUM VAKRATUNDAYA HUM

This powerful mantra invokes Ganesha to remove every obstacle in your life and in your work projects. When recited with a sincere heart, this mantra evokes genuine devotion and is meant to help remove life’s troubles. You need to believe in his might and pray to Ganesha with full devotion and a pure conscience.

AUM VAKRATUNDAYA HUM

VAKRATUNDAYA DHIMAHI

GANESHA AVATARA NAMAHA

What are our "obstacles" actually? Have you ever thought about it and viewed problems from different perspectives? Life is made up of ups and downs. Sometimes we feel in tune with everything, sometimes we feel like we are out of tune with everything at all. Sometimes something is very beautiful, sometimes something happens that may not be so good. This is completely normal, it is the rhythm of life and if I accept this then I feel grateful even when something is supposedly bad. "Obstacles" arise in our head. "Obstacles" arise when I do something against my own nature, when I fight against it. Maybe you say now that it may be, but many obstacles are put in my way by others. So many obstacles come from outside. Don't look at them with negative feelings. See it as a help, a challenge. When I think of such "obstacles", I can say in retrospect that they made me strong, they made me creative, they gave me confidence. Ganesha is my constant companion. My day begins with Ganesha. Ganesha statues surround me all day. I see him everywhere and Ganesha always reminds me that I don't have to be afraid of obstacles. My day begins with Ganesha ... does it end too? No, it is a continuous cycle, like a mala with 108 beads. When it seems to end, I turn and the end becomes the beginning!

Now back to the mantra. The mantra should be recited more than one mala (108 times) (if possible). It doesn't matter if you do it loudly or quietly for yourself. You can sing it or recite it traditionally. But don't forget to emphasize it correctly, with full heart and consciousness! It is best to use a Rudraksha Japa Mala. Make the place where you are right now, to a temple. Light a candle, incense, and have something alive around you. A plant, your pet, ... If you recite the mantra intensely for days and months and let it become a meditation, then spiritual powers arise in you. Mantras are wonderful. They vibrate in the body. Especially the seed sounds.

This mantra has two seed sounds: AUM (OM) and HUM.

AUM (OM), this sacred sound is not from any religion or language. It is the universal symbol for individuals of all faiths, races, religions and cultures. In the Upanishads it says: “Om is the primordial throb of the universe. It is the sound form of Atma.” Atma (Atman) is a Sanskrit word which means "essence, breath, soul”.

HUM (HOOM) is a very powerful bija (seed sound). It is dedicated to the male deity Shiva with his feminine energy Shakti, the parents of Ganesha. The vowel "U" is a sound of depth and refers to the descending energy in me. When I sing the "U", it vibrates in my lower body. With a deeply sung "HUUUUM" I connect with the earth. It gives me stability. Shiva is the destroyer. This may sound a bit negative, but this energy only destroys what is not mine and creates space. This mantra is also used for offerings in the sacred fire. Fire burns everything. So I see offerings as something that I associate with my ego. Only when I part with it can I connect with the divine. Letting go of something and throwing it into the fire, that makes me whole, holy. HUM is the power of fire. HUM - related to this Ganesha mantra means that I dissolve the obstacles with the help of Ganesha. HUM removes the obstacles, HUM straightens my spiritual path.

By the way, “Vakratundaya” is the name of Ganesha’s curving trunk.

AUM VAKRATUNDAYA HUM

VAKRATUNDAYA DHIMAHI

GANESHA AVATARA NAMAHA

When things are not in your favor, or when your thoughts are negative, depressed, or discouraged, then recite this mantra. Let Ganesha in your head, in your heart, in your soul, and straighten your way again. Do not fight against your nature, do not fight against the nature of the eternal rhythm of life. Don't see obstacles as bad. Accept change and the unchangeable.

I wrote this post at the end of 2020. A year full of obstacles and change. A year of contemplation, a year that I viewed from many perspectives. A year that asked for creativity, for awareness, for acceptance, for compassion, for forgiveness…

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

The Ganapati Moola Mantra - the true essence of Ganesha

Everything begins with Ganesha - so I start every spiritual practice with Ganesha. Is it actually possible not to like this elephant-headed divine being? You just have to love him, especially since he is wise, simple, cheerful and mischievous at the same time. Just like a bright, little boy! He is one of the most revered gods in the Hindu religion. There are various chants or mantras associated with Ganesha like this easy to learn Bija mantra:

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

When I recite or chant this mantra, I connect with the wisdom and light that comes from Ganesha. With this power in the background I am strengthened for all problems and obstacles of the day, a new path or undertaking. Of course, that doesn't mean that success will come by itself, but only that I have the strength to remove obstacles.

I wanted to recommend another mantra from Ganesha to you. I start my day and also my yoga sadnhana (spiritual practice) with it. It is one of my favorite mantras and I also do my mantra meditation with it at 7pm (Central European Time) in the Gayatri Sangha OMline APPshram.The name is Ganapati (Ganesha) Moola mantra:

OM SHREEM HREEM KLEEM GLAUM GAM GANAPATAYE

VARA VARAD SARVAJANJANMME VAHAMANAYE SWAHA

EKADANTAYA VIDMAHE ~ VAKRATUNDAYA DHEEMAHI

TANNO DANTIH PRACHODAYATH ~ TANNO DANTH PRACHODAYATH

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTIHI

The Ganapati Moola Mantra is one of the most important mantras used to worship Ganesha. It contains the true essence of Ganesha.

I firmly believe that singing Sanskrit mantras changes the vibrations in my body. The vibrations in the physical and mental body. If I had negative or consumed, interrupted vibrations before, I bring them back to their original state. I become whole. Holy, healing!

Each of the words like Shreem, Hreem, Kleem Glaum Gam etc are classic phrases used in Sanskrit mantras. They address the fundamental concepts that make creation possible like desire, purity, auspiciousness and all other forms of positive energy concepts that make life and creation possible.

If you look at these seed sounds, you'll notice that they all end in "m". The "m" is so important. That's why Miten always says that we should let enough breath for the "m".

My emphasis when singing or reciting mantra is always on these seed sounds. And the Ganesha Mool mantra has a particularly large number of them! Here is the meaning:

OM ,the sound of the universe

Shreem (Shrim) , it presents beauty, abundance, wealth and well-being in any form.

Hreem (Hrim) , everything that is or happens is divine. Everything is experience and ultimately emerged from the whole. Good and seemingly bad things. HRIM destroys all illusions of good and evil. It makes room for the real. According to the Vedas, it is the mantra of the sun. HRIM opens your inner consciousness sun. It is a BIJA mantra of "heaven" and consciousness space in which all worlds exist. HRIM is the solar energy of Shakti (the elemental force of the universe)

Kleem (Klim) , a symbol of wishfulness, satisfaction, attraction, joy, sexual and also transcendent desire. KLIM is the magnetic energy of Shakti (the elemental force of the universe)

Glaum , is another BIJA MANTRA from Ganesha. It activates my willpower for letting go of old behavioral patterns, thus creating a new beginning. It activates my willpower to lead a life in meditation and to act out of it, too. And it activates my willpower to be myself.

Gam (Gum) , means to move, let go, bring about

The Ganapati- Mool-Mantra is translated as follows:

”We devote our thoughts to the One Tusked Lord
We meditate upon Him who has a Curved trunk
We bow before the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth to illuminate our minds with wisdom.”

The Ganapati Mool mantra is a very profound mixture of science and philosophy that is more than 3000 years old. Mantras like this are always repeated for a lot of times and the rhythm created produces a trance like state but not one that dulls or lulls the senses but a certain kind of trance that induces a heightened state of consciousness. Beginning from our navel, the sound is said to travel upwards through the oesophagus, into the vocal chords, finally escaping from the mouth. This energy thus generated is said to have the power to purify the body and mind, instilling positive energy that helps in the daily affairs of man.

Best days to initiate the Ganapati-Mool-Mantra is on Tuesdays. You can chant or recite this mantra for 27, 54 or 108 times. It is best to use a quartz crystal Japa Mala. Never use a Tulsi mala while doing japa of a Ganesha Mantra, because the Tulsi plant is related to Krishna or another incarnation of Vishnu, and Ganesha loved to annoy Vishnu!

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

Nritya Ganapati Mantra

Ganesha is not only the remover of obstacles, he is also a very cheerful deity. He loves music and he loves to dance. His dance is a symbiosis of energy, strength, lightness, joy and grace. And so we should encounter obstacles and difficulties in everyday life. See life as a kind of dance and with all this positive energy we should start the day and face all tasks.

Ganesha is the happy dancer and thus represents the relaxed and enjoyable form of himself. He probably has dancing in his blood from his parents. Ganesha’s style of dancing is a beautiful synthesis of two dance forms: Tandava from his father Lord Shiva and Lasya from his mother Goddess Parvati. Shiva's Tandava is described as a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Parvati's Tandava is known as Lasya, in which the movements are gentle, graceful and sometimes erotic. Therefore, before every performance, musicians, dancers or fine arts performers, they honour Ganesha by singing his mantra.

The name of the dancing Ganesha is “Nritya Ganapati” und this form of Ganesha has its own mantra.

PAASHAMKUSHAA POOPAKUTAAR DHANTA

CHANCHATH KARAMKLUPTHA VARAANGULEEYAKAM
PEETHAPRABHAM KUKSHIHIKARASTHA DHANTAM
BHAJAAMINRUTHTHOP PADAHAM GANESHAM

It is really not so easy to learn. Basically, this mantra describes Ganesha as the happy deity dancing under the sacred wish-fulfilling tree "Kalpataru". Golden in its color, a light phenomenon in our life! After that, its attributes are mentioned.

But Ganesha is certainly also happy when you sing a much simpler mantra with all your heart!

Jai Ganesha, Jai Ganesha, Jai Ganesha Deva!

This is a famous Ganesha-Mantra from the Ganapati Upanishad.

Om Namaste Gannapataye

Tvameva Pratyakssam Tattvamasi

Tvameva Kevalam Kartaasi

Tvameva Kevalam Dhartaasi

Tvameva Kevalam Hartaasi

Tvameva Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmaasi

Tvam Saakssaad-Aatmaasi Nityam

Om, Salutations to You, Ganapati,

you are indeed the visible Conscious Essence that underlies everything

Indeed, you are the only creator by whose power the universe will be created,

You are indeed the only sustainer whose power sustains the universe,

Indeed, you are the only Transformer

through whose power the universe will eventually be dissolved in its conscious essence,

You are, in fact, the entire universe;

You are verily Brahman, the immutable, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality,

which is the eternal source of all that is.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.

Vikataya Mantra

This mantra belongs to the "Eka Vimshati Namavali of Ganpati", the 21 names of Lord Ganesha. During the “Vinayaka Chaturthi” ceremony there is a special Puja Ganesha's 21 favorite (healing) leaves. Each leaf is dedicated to one of the most important names of Ganesha. And for each name there is also a mantra.

Om Vikataya Namah – Kaner Patram Samarpayami

Today I did not choose the name that is generally prayed to first, but "Vikataya" because our world is full of difficult situations. As a seeker you so often feel that you are on the right way and all too often you reach a dead end. It is said that the direct way is so easy and yet one is always on detours. None of this should discourage us. Even if we sometimes cannot concentrate on the essentials. All of this is also part of the path and gives us experience. Sometimes we get too distracted by the outside world. Wouldn't it be easier to find the way to the inner light somewhere in the mountains, in nature, in a monastery or ashram? Maybe yes, but what if we get back to our "normal" life. Living a spiritual life in everyday life is fraught with difficult situations. It is a challenge. This mantra reminds us that our ultimate goal is nirvana, and no matter what, we shouldn't lose sight of it, don't give up thinking that we will never make it that far. This Ganapati mantra is a reminder that it doesn't have to happen today or tomorrow. Perhaps it is even better not to see it as a final goal, but rather as a motivation for your own path.

Om Vikataya Namah – Kaner Patram Samarpayami

OM, I bow to Vikataya, who encourages us in difficult times, and offer him his beloved Kaner leaf.

Kaner is a relative of Nerium oleander, giving it a common name yellow oleander. Oleander is actually poisonous, but traditional medicine in India is also used to treat extreme diseases such as malaria.

Om Vikataya Namah – Kaner Patram Samarpayami

It is very interesting that another translation of the mantra says that Vikataya is the one who makes us laugh. We really shouldn't be that serious, even if everything isn't the way we'd like it to be. Meditation is not something serious, once said my beloved Guruji Osho. A meditative person is playful, life is fun for him, life is “leela”. Meditation is something that delights you, something that gives you joy. If you want to spend your life in meditation (anything can be meditation, can be made into meditation), then don't be serious, but be humorous and relaxed.

ॐOm Gam Ganapataye Namahaॐ

Be aware, that Ganesha is in everybody of us, in every atom of the universe.