Based on teachings attributed to the Varṇavilāsa (Tantra-Śāstra)
Important Note
The core body-location mantras (Nyāsa/Bodhana sequence) below are derived from instructions attributed to the Varṇavilāsa. The opening prayers, Guru invocation, Gaṇeśa tarpaṇa, repetition counts, and concluding dedication have been included as a traditional preparatory framework to support contemporary practice. They should be understood as supplementary devotional elements rather than necessarily constituting the exact wording of the original source text.
The purpose of this practice is traditionally understood as awakening and harmonizing the subtle Gaṇa forces associated with the body and the cakra system before undertaking deeper mantra-japa, meditation, or worship.
Phase 1: Traditional Preparatory Invocations
Sit comfortably facing East or North. Light a lamp, calm the breath, and invoke Lord Gaṇeśa and the Guru lineage.
Gaṇeśa Dhyānam
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā
Meaning: O Lord of the curved trunk and mighty form, whose radiance equals millions of suns, remove all obstacles from my endeavors.
Guru Vandanā
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः । गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥
gururbrahmā gururviṣṇuḥ gururdevo maheśvaraḥ guruḥ sākṣāt parabrahma tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ
Meaning: The Guru is Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara. The Guru is the direct manifestation of the Supreme Reality. Salutations to that revered Guru.
Optional Gaṇeśa Tarpaṇa
Practitioners who wish may offer water, milk-water, or flower-infused water to Lord Gaṇeśa before beginning the Bodhana practice.
Repeat 11 times:
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Oṁ gaṁ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Offer the liquid with devotion and the intention of honoring and pleasing Lord Gaṇeśa.
Phase 2: Chaura Gaṇeśa Bodhana Nyāsa
Traditional Tantric teachings describe subtle Gaṇa energies associated with the body, senses, and the petals of the inner cakras. This practice serves to awaken, acknowledge, and harmonize these forces before commencing one's principal sādhana.
Touch each location lightly while reciting the corresponding mantra 10 timed.
| Body Location | Mantra |
|---|---|
| Heart | क्रौं (Krauṁ) x 10 |
| Right Eye | ह्रीं ह्रीं (Hrīṁ Hrīṁ) x 10 |
| Left Eye | ह्रीं ह्रीं (Hrīṁ Hrīṁ) x 10 |
| Right Ear | ह्रीं ह्रीं (Hrīṁ Hrīṁ) x 10 |
| Left Ear | ह्रीं ह्रीं (Hrīṁ Hrīṁ) x 10 |
| Right Nostril | हुं हुं (Huṁ Huṁ) x 10 |
| Left Nostril | हुं हुं (Huṁ Huṁ) x 10 |
| Mouth | ह्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं (Hrīṁ Hrīṁ Hrīṁ Hrīṁ Hrīṁ) x 10 |
| Navel | ऐं क्लीं (Aiṁ Klīṁ) x 10 |
| Liṅga / Yoni | हसौः (Hasauḥ) x 10 |
| Between the Eyebrows | हुं (Huṁ) x 10 |
Suggested Practice: Recite each mantra 10 times while maintaining awareness at the corresponding location. Advanced practitioners may follow the repetition method received from their lineage or teacher.
Phase 3: Concluding Dedication
After completing the Bodhana sequence, sit quietly for a few moments and offer gratitude to Lord Gaṇeśa and the Guru lineage.
You may conclude with a simple name chant:
श्री गणेश जय गणेश
Śrī Gaṇeśa Jaya Gaṇeśa
or any Gaṇeśa mantra received from your tradition.
Having completed the Bodhana, proceed to your principal mantra-japa, meditation, scriptural recitation, or worship.
Note: Several variants of the Caura Gaṇeśa Bodhana practice are known in Tantric circles. The mantra sequence presented here represents one traditional recension attributed to the Varṇavilāsa tradition, though repetition counts and auxiliary prayers may vary among lineages.