Ganesh Mantra for Lifelong Blessings: A 31-Day Practice

Introduction

This Ganesh mantra is chanted as a single, dedicated practice of 31 days, to receive Lord Ganesha’s blessing for a lifetime. It is a structured practice, with its timing, count and direction all set out, while leaving room for individual circumstances.

The Mantra

ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं ध्रीं क्लीं लं
गं गणपतये वर वर दे
सर्व बह्समानाय कुरु स्वाहा

Om Shreem Hreem Dhreem Kleem Lam
Gam Ganapataye Vara Vara De
Sarva Bahsamanaya Kuru Swaha

What the Words Mean

The mantra is built on bijas, seed syllables, each holding a power of the Divine:

• Shreem (श्रीं), the seed syllable of Lakshmi, of abundance and grace
• Hreem (ह्रीं), the seed syllable of Shakti, the Goddess’s power
• Kleem (क्लीं), the seed syllable of attraction
• Lam (लं), the seed syllable of earth and of the muladhara chakra, where Ganesha sits
• Gam (गं), Ganesha’s own seed syllable, as in Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Its other words:

• Ganapataye, to Ganapati, Lord of the hosts
• Vara, boon, and de, give
• Kuru, do, make it so
• Swaha, the word of offering that closes a mantra

The 31-Day Practice

• Begin on a Wednesday, or on the fourth day after the new moon.
• Continue for 31 days without a break. Women may pause during their monthly cycle.
• Chant the mantra 2,268 times over the 31 days.
• Face east while chanting.
• Use a mala of sandalwood, coral or rudraksha beads.

The book Loving Ganesha, in its chapter Mantra Recitation, adds general guidance for all Ganesha mantras: bathe or wash before sitting, take three or more slow breaths first, and chant at the same time each day.

Conclusion

Completed with devotion, this 31-day practice is held to free the devotee from worry for the rest of life, and to bring well-being, prosperity, joy and protection from adversaries. For a daily mantra, see Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.