Ganesha mudra is named after the Hindu elephant God Ganesh who is known for his ability to remove obstacles, give wisdom, and bless with abundance and prosperity. In this article, we will introduce you to the Ganesh mudra practice that is designed to help you relieve stress, lift your spirits, and give you the confidence and courage to overcome anything that is holding you back.
Who Is Ganesh?
Ganesh, also known as Ganapati and in the Hindu traditions represents wisdom and prosperity. He is the patron of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and trade. The offspring of the Supreme God Shiva and his second wife Parvati, Ganesh has a rather strange appearance: he has a human body, a big belly, four hands, and an elephant head.
Ganesha is potbellied and generally depicted as holding in his hand a few round Indian sweets, of which he is inordinately fond. His vehicle (vahana) is the large Indian bandicoot rat, which symbolizes Ganesha’s ability to overcome anything to get what he wants. Like a rat and like an elephant, Ganesha is a remover of obstacles. Ganesha mudra is believed to invoke Ganesh energy as the remover of obstacles. As such, practicing the Ganesha mudra is said to enhance self-confidence and provide the courage to overcome anything that is holding one back.
According to the Vedic tradition, Ganesha is the embodiment of the mantra “Om”. The elephant’s head crowning the body of the deity resembles the symbol “Om” in its shape. Its large size symbolizes wisdom. Big ears are called to listen carefully and to separate good from evil, truth from lies. They hear everything, but at the same time, they perceive only good and true.
What Is Mudra?
“Mudra” can be translated as “seal”, “mark”, or “gesture”.
Mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers.
Connecting the fingers in certain combinations, you can activate the meridians and direct energy throughout the body, restore the flow of energy and eliminate “breakdowns” in diseased organs. Thus, each position of the hands has its own meaning and can benefit us if we learn to use this knowledge correctly.
How Does It Work?
Different positions of the fingers have the ability to close or clear the energy channels. In addition, performing this or that mudra, we affect the biologically active points of the palms and fingers.
Mudras were invented for the correct redirection of energy in the body, for the control of prana, and for changing the psycho-emotional state. Also, with their help, you can eliminate problems in the body and the mind by pressing on particular acupuncture points.
Connecting the fingers in certain combinations, you can activate the meridians and direct energy throughout the body, restore the flow of energy and eliminate “breakdowns” in diseased organs. Thus, each position of the hands has its own meaning and can benefit us if we learn to use this knowledge correctly.
The acupressure points located on the tips of all five fingers can influence the proportion of the corresponding element within the body.
The practice of Ganesha Mudra activates and stimulates the fire element in the body that further helps with better digestion and metabolism. In addition, this mudra is also associated with the Anahata chakra (Heart chakra) and contributes to its activation. Some practitioners say that they experience a strong feeling of warmth and light in the heart area when they perform this mudra.
Ganesha Mudra Benefits
This powerful mudra helps:
- helps to open the Heart chakra
- improves the upper body strength
- boost self-esteem and self-confidence
- cultivates a sense of inner power
- develops the courage to approach life with an open heart
- helps relieve heartache, depression, and feelings of heaviness and sadness
- strengthens the muscles of the arms, chest, and shoulders
- releases stress and tension
- help to open the bronchial tubes and lungs
- stimulates the metabolism
- improves digestion
- lifts mood
- strengthens the heart muscle
- boosts creativity
- helps to settle quarrels and build trust in your relationship
- calms down
- helps to deal with life challenges
How to Perform Ganesha Mudra?
- Bring your palms to touch in Anjali Mudra.
- Swivel your hands so that your fingertips point toward opposite elbows, with your right palm facing your heart.
- Bend your fingers and lock them in the heart area (Anahata chakra). The elbows are directed to the sides.
- Close your eyes, inhale, pull your elbows to the sides while exhaling, trying to uncouple your fingers, then exhale and relax. Repeat this process six times, then repeat on the other side six more times.
- Disconnect your fingers, put your hands on your knees, relax and focus on your breathing, stay in this position for a while.
Additional instructions:
- Remove any jewellery or watch from the arms before practicing Ganesha Mudra.
- To deepen your practice, combine Ganesh mudra with Ganesh mantra practice. When performing the mudra, chant Ganesh mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.
- Make sure you practice Ganesh mudra on an empty stomach – keep a gap of at least 4 hours between your last meal and the time of practice.
- For maximum benefits, perfrom Ganesh mudra 5-6 times a day.
The Bottom Line
This powerful mudra stimulates the Anahata chakra (Heart) and can, therefore, be considered a heart-opening practice. With regular practice, Ganesh mudra may evoke strong feelings of warmth and brightness in the heart area. As a result, you become more open and gain self-confidence.