Vakratunda in Odissi dance

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभः
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा
लम्बोदर नमस्तुभ्यं शकटं मोदकप्रिय
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा

This ancient mantra is chanted to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the Elephant-Headed Deity, before beginning any important task, journey, study, or new endeavor. Through it, we ask Him to clear the path of all obstacles and to guide us with success, clarity, and protection.

But… what happens when we transform this sacred chant into movement?

Let me introduce you to Vakratunda in Odissi dance

In the classical Indian dance form of Odissi, we bring divine stories to life through the body. We narrate the myths of the gods, express their attributes, invoke their compassion, and, with every gesture and glance, we honor their greatness.

Odissi is more than dance – it is a devotional offering, a ritual in motion, a way to sculpt the sacred with the body. Each word, each syllable of the mantra comes alive through rhythm, intention, and intricate movement.

Personally, I find this deeply inspiring: to give physical form to a mantra, to embody its vibration, to give it space, energy, and meaning beyond sound. In this process, we don’t just dance the mantra… the mantra begins to dance through us.

Meaning of the Ganesha Mantra:

“O Lord with the curved trunk,
mighty body, and brilliance equal to a million suns,
I pray that you remove all obstacles in my actions, always.
Salutations to you, Lambodara,
the one with a large belly, lover of sweets (modaka),
who defeated the demon Sakata.
O Lord, forever remove the obstacles from our path.”

VAKRATUNDA IN ODISSI DANCE

In the choreography I’m about to share with you, you will find this mantra embodied in dance — not once, but up to four times, each appearance interpreted in a unique and meaningful way.

Here’s a little hint: the first instance of the mantra appears at 1:52.
Can you spot it?