Ganesh Mantras for Life’s Problems and Difficult Times

Introduction

In hard times, devotees place their trust in Lord Ganesha and turn to him daily. This page gives two mantras for life’s problems. The first is chanted every day, and can restart stalled work and ease dealings with the people who matter. The second is kept for the most difficult situations.

The Mantras

Mantra 1: For Daily Chanting

ॐ नमो सिद्धिविनायक
सर्वकार्याणि
सर्वविघ्नप्रशमनाय
सर्वज्ञवशीकरणाय
श्री ॐ स्वाहा

Om Namo Siddhivinayaka
Sarvakaryani
Sarvavighnaprashamanaya
Sarvajnavashikaranaya
Shri Om Swaha

In English: “Om, salutations to Siddhivinayaka, who accomplishes all works and calms all troubles. Shri Om Swaha.”

Chant it for at least 15 minutes every day. It suits people from every walk of life, and can restart stalled work and ease dealings with the people who matter.

Mantra 2: For Difficult Times

ॐ ग्लौं गं
गणपतये मम
वाञ्छित कार्यसिद्धि
कुरु कुरु स्वाहा

Om Glaum Gam
Ganapataye Mama
Vanchhita Karyasiddhi
Kuru Kuru Swaha

In English: “Om Glaum Gam: O Ganapati, accomplish my work, accomplish it. Swaha.”

Chant it for 15 minutes in the early morning, just before sunrise.

What the Words Mean

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

• Glaum (ग्लौं), a seed syllable of Ganesha
• Gam (गं), Ganesha’s own seed syllable, as in Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Its other words:

• Siddhivinayaka, Ganesha as the giver of success
• Karyasiddhi, the success of a work or undertaking
• Kuru kuru, do it, do it
• Swaha, the word of offering that closes a mantra

Which Mantra to Use

The two are used differently. The first is chanted daily, and there is no harm in keeping it up until the success you pray for comes. The second is a single, devoted recitation, recommended for the hardest situations.

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

For everyday problems, chant the Siddhivinayaka mantra for 15 minutes daily. For the hardest times, chant Om Glaum Gam before sunrise. Both ask Ganesha, Lord of success, to clear the way. See also Sankatahara Ganapati, the form of Ganesha who removes distress.