Shaivism / Ganesha worship

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Om Gam Ga-na-pa-ta-ye Na-ma-ha

"Salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles"

Share

Listen & Chant Along

Meaning & Translation

Sanskrit

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

Transliteration

Om Gam Ga-na-pa-ta-ye Na-ma-ha

Deity / Quality Invoked

Ganesha

Pronunciation

Hear It Spoken

ohm gahm gah-nah-PAH-tah-yeh nah-MAH-hah

Full Translation

This mantra invokes Ganesha — the elephant-headed deity who is worshipped at the beginning of all sacred endeavors as the remover of obstacles and the lord of new beginnings. The seed syllable 'Gam' is the bija mantra of Ganesha.

Spiritual Significance

Chanting this mantra before beginning any spiritual practice, project, or journey invokes Ganesha's blessing and removes obstacles from the path. It awakens the quality of wisdom and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace.

Cultural Context & History

Ganesha is one of the most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu tradition, revered as the son of Shiva and Parvati. His worship transcends sectarian boundaries and is found across virtually all Hindu communities.

Terms in the Glossary

Words from this page, explained in our A–Z reference.