गणेश मुद्रा
Ganesha (Lord of the People) + Mudra (seal)
Ganesha Mudra Definition
Ganesha Mudra is a Sanskrit term referring to a hasta gesture (a gesture performed with hands and fingers). It is named after the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesha. Like all mudras, its purpose is to guide energy flows to certain parts of the body.
Ganesha is a compound Sanskrit word combing the words Gana, meaning a multitude or group. Ganas may also refer to Ganesh’s father Shiva’s attendants, who were goblin-like creatures and spirits.
Isha means lord or master.
Mudra means “gesture” or “seal.”
This mudra is sometimes referred to as Ganapa Mudra or Agragami Mudra.
Ganesha Mudra Deep Dive
Ganesha is one of the most loved and familiar deities in the Hindu tradition. Sometimes called Vighnaharta, Ganesha is perhaps best known as the remover and creator of obstacles.
This mudra, therefore, is said to put you in touch with the power that removes both physical and mental obstacles.
How?
In yogic philosophy, our bodies are comprised of the Pancha Bhoota, the five basic elements, and each finger is said to represent one of those elements.Fire – Thumb
Air – Index
Ether – Middle
Earth – Ring
Water – Pinky
Therefore, hasta mudras can influence the flow of energy through our bodies during meditation, pranayama, and other yogic practices.
Ganesha Mudra is unique among mudras as it engages all of your fingers to potent effect.
How To Do Ganesha Mudra
It’s easy to do. Here are the basics:
- While seated comfortably in padmasana, sukhasana, vajrasana, or even in a chair, begin by placing your hands in prayer position, Anjali Mudra.
- Rotate your right hand forward, and your left hand backward, sliding your palms together until your right palm faces your heart, and your left palm faces outward.
- Interlock your fingers at chest level. The elbows should be evenly pointed outwards, and the thumbs resting on the pinky finger of the opposite hand.
Expand your practice by incorporating your breath and a pulling/gripping action:
- While in Ganesha Mudra, inhale and begin to pull your elbows apart. Keep a firm grip. Then exhale and relax your grip. Do this 3 times or more.
- Place your hands on your chest. Feel it rise and fall and sense your heart beat.
- Switch your grip to the other side, with your left palm facing inward and your right palm outward, and repeat the above sequence.
On the exhalation you may want to chant the Ganesha Mantra:
Om gam ganapateyei namaha
Om is the sound of the universe coming into being, the primordial sound.
Gam is a Bija Mantra associated with Ganesha.
Ganapateyei is the name of Ganesha, with the ‘eyei’ sound indicating that the chant is being given in devotion.
Namaha can be translated as “surrender” and is used as a humble salutation.
The energetic effect of this mudra is said to be mainly on your Anahata Chakra, the heart chakra. Anahata forms the connective bond between our three earthbound chakras and three spiritual chakras. Many sources also claim there is a pronounced effect on the bottom three chakras as well, especially on the navel chakra, Manipura, which activates the fire element.
Ganesha Mudra in Your Life
So, what does this mudra do?
Beginners and experienced yoga practitioners can benefit from Ganesha Mudra, spiritually and physically.
Notice as you clasp your hands and begin to pull it is you who creates the tension – and you who releases it. Just like Ganesha creates and removes obstacles. Let this tension and release, this inhale and exhale, be a reminder of the truth – and temporal nature – of things.
Purported benefits include:
- Increased confidence and courage
- Increased focus
- Calming the mind
- Improved circulation
- Improved digestion
- Increased metabolism
- Improved strength and flexibility in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Let this mudra open you up to the possibility of pure love and compassion, for yourself and those around you. And see how it activates the fire – the Pitta – in you, by practicing wherever your yoga journey takes you.
To go deep and expand your yogic knowledge, access our free Yoga Terms Encyclopedia, where we host a profound wealth of ancient and timeless yogic wisdom in an accessible modern format.
