Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. He rules over the first chakra.
Ganesha is the younger son of Shiva and Paravati. When Shiva had left for a long time Paravati decided to create a son so she could have some company. Shiva came home unannounced and saw this man he did not recognize in his house. Ganesha was protecting the home while Paravati was in the bath. Shiva promptly cut off Ganesha’s head.
At that time Paravati came out of the bath and told Shiva that Ganesha was their son. Shiva was now in a predicament where he had to look for another head for their son. An elephant gave his head to Shiva with love and reverence.
That is how Ganesha came to have an elephant head.
Ganesha comes in many forms and is the organizing principle. His beeja or seed sound is gum and his mula mantra or main mantra is Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha.
You can chant Ganesha mantras every morning, before any sadhana (spiritual practice) or before starting any venture. You can also have Ganesha pujas or ceremonies done for you. There are thousands of Ganesha mantras but that is the base one to start with, Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha.
Ganesha has his festival in the fall. There is a ten day festival in his honor. The tenth day is considered one of the most powerful days of the year.
Each morning there is a puja (spiritual ceremony) done for him. After the ceremony the people chant Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha as a group 108 times. On the last day of the festival a giant murti (statue) of Ganesha is taken and put in the ocean. On that day there are also many feedings of elephants.
Ganesha mantras are a great place to start with spiritual practices.
For more information on mantras or which Ganesha mantra is right for you and your situation please visit my website.
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