Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka and Ganapati, is the elephant-headed deity revered as the lord of beginnings and the remover of obstacles. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, as described in the Shiva Purana and the Ganesha Purana. The Ganapati Atharvashirsha (verse 1) declares, 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah,' establishing his primary beej mantra 'Gam' as the essence of his energy. This bija is phonetically associated with the root chakra (Muladhara), grounding the practitioner. The Ganesha Upanishad (verse 5) states, 'You are the creator, you are the destroyer, you are the sustainer,' affirming his cosmic role.
Traditionally, Ganesha is invoked at the start of any ritual or endeavor, as per the Rigveda (10.112.9) which calls him 'Ganapati' (lord of the hosts). His iconography—elephant head, one tusk, pot belly, four arms holding a modaka (sweet), axe, noose, and goad—symbolizes wisdom, removal of ignorance, and control over desires. The mouse (Mushika) as his vahana represents the tamed ego. Chanting his mantras, such as 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah' or the Ganesha Gayatri, is recommended during the waxing moon, especially on Chaturthi days, with a minimum of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha or crystal mala. The Mantra Mahodadhi (chapter 3) prescribes this for success in undertakings and removal of obstacles.
Cautions include avoiding chanting after sunset without proper purification, and maintaining a vegetarian diet during mantra sadhana. Ganesha is also associated with the Muladhara chakra, and his worship is said to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and intellect. The Mudgala Purana elaborates on his eight incarnations (Ashtavinayaka), each with specific boons. In the Devi Mahatmya, Ganesha is praised as the scribe of the Mahabharata, highlighting his role as patron of arts and sciences. His festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi and Vinayaka Chaturthi, are celebrated pan-India with immersion of idols, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Om and salutations to the lord of the ganas, Ganesha.
The mantra contains the beej syllable 'Gam' (गं), which is the primary seed-sound of Ganesha, associated with the Muladhara chakra and grounding energy.