Ganesha Ganapataye
Om
Namo Nama Namo Nama
Om Gam Ganapataye Ganapataye
Namo Nama, Namo Nama
Ganesha Ganapataye
OM Life, the universe, and everything. Go here for more about Om.
Namo Nama words of respect and acknowledgement. One definition is that Na-Ma means not mine, as in not my will but thine be done. Another is that it is a simple salutation.
Gam The ‘seed mantra’ of Ganesha, invokes the ideas and energies of the Remover of Obstacles. Variations include Gan and Gang (rhymes with long).
Ganapataye Another name for Ganesha.
Ganesha, in Hinduism, is the son of Shiva and Shakti. Ganesha was killed by his own jealous father who didn’t know Ganesha was his son. When he found out that he had killed his son, the grieving Shvia reanimated him with the head of the nearest animal. Ganesha was brought back from death and ‘overcame’ the obstacle of murder and loss of his head. Our problems pale in comparison, so to call on Ganesha reminds us that we too can overcome our obstacles.
This chant invites the energy of overcoming or removing obstacles. It is not so much a prayer to a deity to remove the obstacles themselves, but a meditation on creating change within ourselves that allows us to move easily around things that were previously viewed as obstacles in our path.
Where are Ganesha chants used?
In addition to private and personal practice, Kirtan and other spiritual/teaching gatherings are frequently opened with chants to Ganesha. It sets the tone to remind us to let go of that which hinders us, whether on our own path, or on our shared path with others. We join our energy to establish the idea that we will not be distracted by our differences, or anything else that would hinder the well-being of our togetherness.
Next – Bhrim Hanumate
