Ganesha Mudra

गणेश मुद्रा

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Named after Lord Ganesha (गणेश), the remover of obstacles

Finger Position

Interlocked fingers with opposing palm directions

Duration

6-10 repetitions each side

Difficulty

Intermediate

Associated Chakras

Manipura(Solar Plexus)
Anahata(Heart)
Bija Mantra: GAM (traditional obstacle-removing sound)
Tarjani(Air)Madhyama(Space)Anamika(Earth)Kanishthika(Water)Angutha(Fire)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(OUTWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: BENT
  2: BENT
  3: BENT
  4: BENT
  FINGERS(INTERLOCKED)

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(INWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: BENT
  2: BENT
  3: BENT
  4: BENT
  FINGERS(INTERLOCKED)

# Fingers interlocked like claws, pull apart forcefully on exhale

Instructions

This is the mudra traditionally used to invoke Lord Ganesha's elephant-strength for overcoming obstacles. Place your left hand at chest level with palm facing outward, thumb pointing down. Hook your right hand fingers (palm facing inward) with your left hand fingers, creating an interlocked grip like claws. On your exhale, pull your hands gently apart while maintaining the grip, creating resistance. On your inhale, relax the tension. Repeat 6-10 times, then switch hand positions....

Quick Start Checklist

  • 1Sit comfortably; interlock fingers at heart level
  • 2Left palm faces out
  • 3right palm faces in
  • 4Create gentle tension by pulling apart while maintaining grip
  • 5Breathe naturally; feel strength building in chest and arms
  • 6Practice 6-10 pulling repetitions
  • 7then switch hand positions
  • 8Rest between sets; notice increased confidence and determination

Benefits

Physical

  • Strengthens chest
  • shoulders
  • arms muscles. Stimulates heart and improves circulation

Mental

  • Builds self-confidence
  • courage
  • and positive attitude

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "transmitting protective energy and building inner courage" — their terms for how raising the open palm activates the parasympathetic nervous system's confidence-building functions. Practitioners often report that this gesture helps develop what ancient sources called "fearless presence" — a calm, steady state that can provide emotional stability and the capacity

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementDepression & Mood Support

Guided Practice

Hook your fingers together at heart level with your left palm facing your body and right palm facing away. Create gentle tension by pulling your hands apart while maintaining the grip, engaging your arms and chest muscles. This interlocked pulling activates inner strength and determination while opening the heart region. Feel how the gentle resistance builds confidence and removes energetic obsta

Symbolism

Traditional Hindu texts describe Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and patron of new beginnings - the elephant-headed deity who clears the path for successful ventures. Ancient practitioners believed this gesture represented what they called 'obstacle dissolution' - the capacity to overcome challe

Traditional Uses

Obstacle removalinvoking courageGanesha worship
Source: Hindu devotional practices