Ganesha - pictures & mantras to the ruler of Ganas

Ganesh Gayatri Mantra

Aum Ekadantaya Viddhamahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat॥

Ganapati Mantra - ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

Om Gam Ganpataye Namah

Vakratunda Mahakaya

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha |

Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa ||

I meditate on Ganesha Who has a Curved Trunk, Large Body, and Who has the Brilliance of a Million Suns,

O Dev, please make all my Works, free of Obstacles, always.

Om Ganadhyakhsaya Namaha

Ganadhyaksay – Gana means ‘a group’ and ‘Adhyaksh’ means ‘one who is leader of the group’. One can use this Mantra to ensure the well being of a particular state or a city. One can even chant this Mantra to improve or build upon one’s personal leadership characteristics.

Om Gajananaya Namah

Gajanan - One who carries the elephant head. In Sanskrit, gaj = elephant - if God can carry the elephant’s head to survive and fulfill his duties, then we even more should put aside our ego and live our lives dutifully. This Mantra motivates such humble living and chanting of it helps one attain his/her inner peace and consciousness.

Om Vignanaashnay Namaha

Vigna = obstacles and naashnay = One who removes obstacles. Goal: If one is facing problems with his social life, at work or with interpersonal relationships, it can be made easier by chanting this mantra.

Om Lambodaraya Namah

Ganesha is known to love his food, and has a big, round belly. ‘Lambodar’ thus refers to him as a God who has a big belly.