Phra Ganesha

Ganesha

Ganesha, born several centuries ago, is a highly revered deity in Brahmanism-Hinduism. Renowned for his intelligence and wisdom, Ganesha is capable of resolving any issue and transcending all conflicts. He is the patron of arts and sciences, excelling in both thought and speech. Even high-ranking deities acknowledge his prowess, making him a revered teacher with many devotees. According to legend, one day while Shiva was returning to Mount Kailash, he unknowingly fought Ganesha. In the heat of battle, Shiva beheaded Ganesha with his trident, not realizing it was his own son. Upon discovering the truth, Shiva revived Ganesha with an elephant’s head, granting him great wisdom and making him revered by gods, demons, and humans alike. Over time, Ganesha’s following grew, and his worship continues to this day.

Why People Worship Ganesha
Ganesha is the deity of success, wisdom, intellect, and obstacles. As one of the most popular deities, he is worshipped as the granter of blessings and success to his devotees.

Who Should Worship Ganesha?
According to belief, Ganesha is considered the god of the universe. Worshipping Ganesha and praying for any blessings within one’s fate can help achieve success in all matters. Ganesha is believed to grant wishes and provide assistance with studies, career, finances, and love. He also helps remove obstacles, solve problems, and ensure success in all endeavors.

How to Worship Ganesha
1. Choose an appropriate time for worship, ideally during quiet moments such as early morning or before bedtime.
2. Calm your mind, clear your thoughts, and focus on Ganesha before beginning the worship.
3. Place all offerings in front of the idol. Recommended offerings include:

  • Clean water
  • Ripe bananas
  • Coconut water
  • Sugarcane juice
  • Sweets
  • Spices
  • Grains
  • Milk
  • Salt

Note: Do not offer any kind of meat or savory items. All offerings should be placed in new, unused containers.

4. For flowers, if offering a single flower or a bouquet, place it in front of the idol. If offering garlands, drape them over the arms or weapons of the idol.
5. Light incense, lamps, and candles. It’s recommended to use fragrant incense sticks to carry the prayers to the gods. There is no specific number of incense sticks required; you can use 3, 5, or 9 sticks.
6. While worshipping, keep your hands pressed together in a flat position, with palms touching vertically. Avoid forming a lotus bud shape with your hands.
7. Recite the Ganesha worship mantra.
8. Conclude with your personal prayers and wishes.

1. Mantra for Offering Worship Items
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurumedeva
Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada

(Chant once before offering worship items)

2. Short Ganesha Worship Mantra
For quick worship without offerings, such as when passing by a Ganesha statue or shrine, or from a distance, chant “Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha” once, followed by your prayer for success in life, wealth, and prosperity.

3. Thai Ganesha Worship Mantra
Om Phra Phikanesuan
Sitthiprasitthi Mae Maha Labo
Dutiyampi Phra Phikanesuan
Sitthiprasitthi Mae Maha Labo
Tatiyampi Phra Phikanesuan
Sitthiprasitthi Mae Maha Labo

(Chant once for auspiciousness, longevity, and wealth)

4. Ganesha Mantra
Ongkar Bindu Nathang Uppanang Brahmma Nocha Indho
Phikkhaganesatho Mahathevo Ahung Wanthami Sabbatha Siththi Kitchang
Siththi Kammang Siththi Kariyaang Prasitthi Mae

(Chant once to request blessings and dispel misfortunes, envy, and unseen dangers, making malicious people face their own defeat)

5. Ganesha Worship Mantra for Success
Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha
Jaya Ganesh Jaya Ganesh Jaya Ganesh
Deva Mata Jaki Parvati Pitamaha Deva Ladduwan
Ka Koka Laka Santa Kare Seva Eka Danta
Dayawan Dara Bhuja Dhari Maate Sindura Sehe
Muse Ki Asawari Andhana Ko Anga Deta
Ka Kaya Bamanana Ko Kutar Deta
Kadina Nirana Maya

(Chant once to achieve success in work, finances, business, studies, and more, overcoming obstacles and adversities)

6. Prayer Mantras
There are eight prayer mantras as follows:

  • Om Putaya Namaha
    Please grant me purity.
  • Om Bhaktavighna Vinashine Namaha
    Please remove all distress.
  • Om Vighnarajaya Namaha
    Please eliminate all obstacles in my life.
  • Om Sudhipariyaya Namaha
    Please grant me wisdom in my profession.
  • Om Shrishaya Namaha
    Please bless me with wealth and prosperity.
  • Om Sthiraya Namaha
    Please grant stability in my life.
  • Om Samahitaya Namaha
    Please grant me good health.
  • Om Samudaya Namaha
    Please grant me peace and tranquility.

Chant all eight mantras consecutively once.

After chanting, make your wishes as desired. Once you finish your prayer, conclude with the mantra “Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti” to invoke peace. This completes the worship. It is not necessary to chant all the Ganesha mantras every time; you can choose any mantra according to your needs. If you are worshipping at different places, you can follow the provided chants as appropriate. Besides chanting once, if you have more time, you can choose to chant three or nine times as well.

Regardless of the method of worship, the key is to maintain a focused mind during chanting. Create an environment conducive to concentration, chant correctly, and worship with a pure heart. Do not pray out of greed, curse others, or challenge the divine. If any steps are done incorrectly, seek forgiveness. The blessings of Ganesha will still protect you.

Popular Places to Worship Ganesha in Bangkok and Nearby Provinces

  • Ganesha Shrine, Ratchada-Huai Khwang Intersection, Bangkok
  • Vishnu Temple (Hindu Dharma Sabha Association), Bangkok
  • Dev Mandir Temple (Hindu Samaj Association), Bangkok
  • Ganesha Shrine, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi
  • Wat Saman Rattanaram, Chachoengsao
  • Wat Phong Akat, Chachoengsao
  • Standing Ganesha Park, Khlong Khuean, Chachoengsao