Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Glaum Gam Ganapataye Vara Varad Sarvajanjanmme Vashamanaye Swaha||
Tatpurushaye Vidmahe|
Vakratundaye Dhimahi|
Tanno Danti Prachodyat||
Om Shantih: Shantih: Shantih||
Video source: youtube.com
Ganesha Mool Mantra or Beej Mantra is one of the most important mantras used to worship Lord Ganesha. It is known as the Mool/Beej Mantra because it has within it the true essence of Lord Ganesha and chanting this mantra pleases Him for being addressed the best way possible or so say legends.
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.
Chants 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.
Modern science has only begun to understand the subtle intricacy of sound waves that can be used to heal the sick, plants, and animals alike. It has been seen for instance that cows give more milk and trees bear richer fruits when subjected to good music. Every human being who has ever been interested in music would know how it has the power to influence our moods. Sometimes it reflects the exact state of our mind and sometimes, it helps in improving our state of mind.
When one cites these examples one does not talk of any particular kind of music but refers rather to specific kinds of vibrations that are produced by sound. Vedic chants are such formulaic creations, like the Ganesha Mantras and the mool mantras of other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The composition of these mantras work at two levels:
Firstly, the meaning of each word and expression brings to the conscious mind, the various aspects of divinity that make life possible. Such information can further be interpreted in two ways; one is a religious interpretation and the other rational or philosophical, sans religious colouring. Those who believe in the divinity of the Vedic Gods follow their principles as a matter of faith and the non believers observe the philosophical significance of the principles represented by each deity. Many non-believers have been known to choose to convert to Hinduism and many more have decided to continue with their original faiths, but have benefited a lot from using the philosophical insights gained from the Vedic Gods.
Secondly the Ganesha mantras when chanted, especially the powerful ones like the Mool Mantra, generate a sonic field in and around the body of the chanter and the energy produced is capable of warding off negative forces and strengthens among other things, the immune system, the nervous system and even the circulatory systems.
Therefore when one talks of the Ganesha Mool Mantra, one should understand it is not some random incantation but is in fact a very deep and profound mixture of philosophy and science designed at least 3000 years ago for the benefit of all mankind. Religious affinity or secular curiosity, Lord Ganesha’s Mool Mantra has the ability to reach out and remove the obstacles and bring material and spiritual success to one and all.
In Hinduism the formal way to worship a deity is to recite a hymn or a specific prayer in their name. This is called a mantra. A mantra is mostly in Sanskrit and has a spiritual meaning. Every deity has a specific mantra and Lord Ganesha is no exception. With Ganesha’s being one of the most important and powerful deities in Hindu culture the Ganesh mantra or Ganapati mantra has significant importance for the devotees.
The Ganapati mantra is recited not just in honour of Lord Ganesha but also for overcoming obstacles, attaining prosperity, wealth and knowledge. It can be as simple as saying “Shri Ganeshaya Namah” or “Om Gang Ganadhirajaay Namah”, to chanting elaborate mantras. The popular ones with their meanings are given below.
“Vakratunda Mahakaya”
This is one of the most important Lord Ganesha’s mantra. It is recited for Lord Ganesha and Riddhi and Siddhi. The reason for its incantation is to attain prosperity and wealth. It is believed by the priests that recitation of this mantra 1, 25,000 times brings wealth, prosperity and knowledge. All one needs to do is believe and be dedicated to reciting the mantra the given number of times.
“Om Hreeng Greeng Hreeng”
This mantra is also known as the Shaktivinayak mantra. This is recited primarily for financial prosperity.
“Hastipishachilikhey Swaha”
A Tantrik mantra this is again recited for financial and materialistic prosperity.
“Om Ganesh Rhinam Chhindhi Vareniyam Hung Namah Phutt”
A Rhinaharta mantra, it is recited to keep poverty at bay.
“Om Shreeng Hreeng Kleeng Glaung Gang Ganapatye Var Varad Sarvajanmey Vashmanay Tha Tha.”
This Ganesha mantra is one of the most important Ganapati mantra. Most of the important occasions of worshipping Lord Ganesha start with this mantra. This is recited to worship the Lord who removes obstacles.
“Rayaspaushasaya Dadita Nidhido Ratan Dhatuman Rakshohanovalaghano Vakratundaay Hung”
Not as popular with the devotees, this mantra is more popular amongst priests.
“Om Shreeng Gang Soumyaay Ganapatye Var Varad Sarvajanmmey Vashmanay Swaha”
This is a mantra that is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. Since it has the power to invoke the two Gods of financial prosperity , it is believed to be effective in that regard.
“Vakratundaikdaikdanshtraay Kleeng Hreeng Shreeng Gang GanapatyeVar Varad Sarvajanam mey Vashmanay Swaha”
This mantra is known as the Trailokya Mohan Kar Ganesha Mantra. It is believed to bring peace to the one who recites it.
“Om Hung Gang Glaung Haridra Ganapatye Var Varad Sarvajan Hridayam Stambhay Stambhay Swaha”
This mantra is known as Haridra Ganesh Mantra. This mantra is recited for marital happiness. It is specifically recited to remove impotency and bless the devotee with a child.
“Om Namo Siddhivinayakaay Sarvakaryakartrey Sarvavighanprashamnay Sarvarjya Vashyakarnaay Sarvajan Sarvastree Purushakarshanaay Shreeng Om Swaha.”
This mantra is known as the Siddhi Vinayaka mantra. As the name suggests it brings in Siddhi which is spiritual prosperity. It is believed to bring the devotee peace and spiritual happiness if recited 108 times every day.
The mantras stated above are some of the most popular mantras not just with the devotees but also the priests. These are recited particularly on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and (or) otherwise.