With his elephant head and human body, Ganesha (or Ganesh) is one of the most beloved and popular of all the Hindu gods. This is because he brings good fortune while destroying all obstacles. He also looks endearingly cute, with a big pot belly and pretty little eyes. We all want success and good luck, which is why we all love mighty Ganesha!
Ganesha is also popular because he’s believed to make things happen quickly, spontaneously even. We all love the quick fix, especially in this day and age. Everything happens so fast in the modern world, and Ganesha is right on track with these rhythms. His superhuman powers move mountains faster than we ever could, which is why we invoke him through chanting his mantra: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha. Chant this auspicious mantra 108 times whenever you want to call upon Ganesha for help.
Hindus believe that Ganesha is the bringer of miracles, he is the answer when we want a shortcut to success. We call upon Ganesha whenever we start new journeys, beginnings and projects, as he is said to free these thresholds from obstacles. Ganesha also teaches us the tried and true yogic truth that our true source of happiness comes from within – not from chasing externals; that we need to calm our mind and remember our essential nature, which is without fear and full of love and peace.
He reminds us to get rid of our ego so that we can achieve peace and move toward the blissful state of enlightenment. So, meditate and chant Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha to Ganesha if you’d like to invoke his superhuman powers for a more heightened consciousness and a happier, luckier, more successful life. Keep a little statue of him with you as a reminder of his inherent goodness. (Read on in Ganesh: Hindu God of Good Fortune.)