Lord Ganesha, also called by different names like Ganapati and Vinayak, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ganesha is considered to be the Lord of all Beginnings and the ultimate remover of obstacles. He is worshipped as the god of good fortune, new ventures, and wisdom. Ganesh Chalisa is a religious hymn devoted to Lord Ganesha.

The devotional song including forty verses is written in Sanskrit language and addresses the Lord by many names and recalls his great deeds. The hymn was completed by Sundaradasa in the Vikrama Samvat to demonstrate his affection for the God. Ganesha Chalisa is the most commonly recited Hindu prayer. Many devotees chant the sacred verses as a daily prayer. It is believed that those who say this prayer with sincerity and devotion is granted wealth, knowledge and prosperity in no time.

The Ganesh Chalisa & Meaning

॥ श्री गणेश चालीसा ॥

जय गणपति सद्गुणसदन कविवर बदन कृपाल ।
विघ्न हरण मंगल करण जय जय गिरिजालाल ॥
जय जय जय गणपति राजू । मंगल भरण करण शुभ काजू ॥
जय गजबदन सदन सुखदाता । विश्व विनायक बुद्धि विधाता ॥
वक्र तुण्ड शुचि शुण्ड सुहावन । तिलक त्रिपुण्ड भाल मन भावन ॥
राजित मणि मुक्तन उर माला । स्वर्ण मुकुट शिर नयन विशाला ॥
पुस्तक पाणि कुठार त्रिशूलं । मोदक भोग सुगन्धित फूलं ॥
सुन्दर पीताम्बर तन साजित । चरण पादुका मुनि मन राजित ॥
धनि शिवसुवन षडानन भ्राता । गौरी ललन विश्व-विधाता ॥
ऋद्धि सिद्धि तव चँवर सुधारे । मूषक वाहन सोहत द्वारे ॥
कहौं जन्म शुभ कथा तुम्हारी । अति शुचि पावन मंगल कारी ॥
एक समय गिरिराज कुमारी । पुत्र हेतु तप कीन्हा भारी ॥
भयो यज्ञ जब पूर्ण अनूपा । तब पहुँच्यो तुम धरि द्विज रूपा ॥
अतिथि जानि कै गौरी सुखारी । बहु विधि सेवा करी तुम्हारी ॥
अति प्रसन्न ह्वै तुम वर दीन्हा । मातु पुत्र हित जो तप कीन्हा ॥
मिलहि पुत्र तुहि बुद्धि विशाला । बिना गर्भ धारण यहि काला ॥
गणनायक गुण ज्ञान निधाना । पूजित प्रथम रूप भगवाना ॥
अस कहि अन्तर्ध्यान रूप ह्वै । पलना पर बालक स्वरूप ह्वै ॥
बनि शिशु रुदन जबहि तुम ठाना । लखि मुख सुख नहिं गौरि समाना ॥
सकल मगन सुख मंगल गावहिं । नभ ते सुरन सुमन वर्षावहिं ॥
शम्भु उमा बहुदान लुटावहिं । सुर मुनि जन सुत देखन आवहिं ॥
लखि अति आनन्द मंगल साजा । देखन भी आये शनि राजा ॥
निज अवगुण गुनि शनि मन माहीं । बालक देखन चाहत नाहीं ॥
गिरजा कछु मन भेद बढ़ायो । उत्सव मोर न शनि तुहि भायो ॥
कहन लगे शनि मन सकुचाई । का करिहौ शिशु मोहि दिखाई ॥
नहिं विश्वास उमा कर भयऊ । शनि सों बालक देखन कह्यऊ ॥
पड़तहिं शनि दृग कोण प्रकाशा । बालक शिर इड़ि गयो आकाशा ॥
गिरजा गिरीं विकल ह्वै धरणी । सो दुख दशा गयो नहिं वरणी ॥
हाहाकार मच्यो कैलाशा । शनि कीन्ह्यों लखि सुत को नाशा ॥
तुरत गरुड़ चढ़ि विष्णु सिधाये । काटि चक्र सो गज शिर लाये ॥
बालक के धड़ ऊपर धारयो । प्राण मंत्र पढ़ शंकर डारयो ॥
नाम गणेश शम्भु तब कीन्हे । प्रथम पूज्य बुद्धि निधि वर दीन्हे ॥
बुद्धि परीक्शा जब शिव कीन्हा । पृथ्वी की प्रदक्शिणा लीन्हा ॥
चले षडानन भरमि भुलाई । रची बैठ तुम बुद्धि उपाई ॥
चरण मातु-पितु के धर लीन्हें । तिनके सात प्रदक्शिण कीन्हें ॥
धनि गणेश कहि शिव हिय हरषे । नभ ते सुरन सुमन बहु बरसे ॥
तुम्हरी महिमा बुद्धि बड़ाई । शेष सहस मुख सकै न गाई ॥
मैं मति हीन मलीन दुखारी । करहुँ कौन बिधि विनय तुम्हारी ॥
भजत रामसुन्दर प्रभुदासा । लख प्रयाग ककरा दुर्वासा ॥
अब प्रभु दया दीन पर कीजै । अपनी शक्ति भक्ति कुछ दीजै ॥

दोहा
श्री गणेश यह चालीसा पाठ करें धर ध्यान ।
नित नव मंगल गृह बसै लहे जगत सन्मान ॥

संवत् अपन सहस्र दश ऋषि पंचमी दिनेश ।
पूरण चालीसा भयो मंगल मूर्ति गणेश ॥

Jai Ganapati Sadguna Sadan,
Kavivar Badan Kripaal,
Vighna Haran Mangal Karan,
Jai Jai Girijaalaal

Glory, glory, glory to you, O Ganesha; the whole world pays homage to you for you are the charming son of Shiva and the delight of Gauri and the destroyer of all suffering, pain, and difficulties.

Jai Jai Jai Ganapati Ganaraaju,
Mangal Bharana Karana Shubha Kaajuu,
Jai Gajbadan Sadan Sukhdaata,
Vishva Vinaayaka Buddhi Vidhaataa

Victory to you the son of Gauri and Shiva; you are the destroyer of all fear and worries. Victory be yours in all battles of happiness and safety of all. You are the remover of all ignorance and the giver of wisdom, knowledge, and intellect.

VakraTunda Shuchi Shunda Suhaavana,
Tilaka Tripunda bhaal Man Bhaavan,
Raajata Mani Muktana ura maala,
Swarna Mukuta Shira Nayana Vishaalaa

O Ganesha, you carry a huge tusk on your elephant face and your sacred trunk is well-adorned. The crescent-shaped triple mark on your forehead is beautiful like the moon and the men, warriors, and saints who behold your loveliness cannot ignore its spell.

Pustak Paani Kuthaar Trishuulam,
Modaka Bhoga Sugandhit Phuulam,
Sundara Piitaambar Tana Saajit,
Charana Paadukaa Muni Man Raajit

You wear a garland of jewels and your eyes are like a fully-bloomed lotus flower and your head is adorned with a jeweled crown. You, Ganesha, give freedom to your devotees from worries and stress. You carry a trident and axe in your hands and your favorites are ladoos and scented flowers.

Dhani Shiva Suvan Shadaanana Bhraataa,
Gaurii Lalan Vishva-Vikhyaata,
Riddhi Siddhi Tav Chanvar Sudhaare,
Mooshaka Vaahan Sohat Dvaare

Dressed in yellow silk and adorned with jewel-studded wooden sandals, O Lord Ganesha, the giver of happiness and peace to the world, you are the son of Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Kartikeya. You are great.

Kahaun Janma Shubh Kathaa Tumhari,
Ati Shuchi Paavan Mangalkaarii,
Ek Samay Giriraaj Kumaarii,
Putra Hetu Tapa Kiinhaa Bhaarii

Prosperity and Accomplishment serve you with fans while your vehicle of mouse adds splendor. For the strange, mysterious story of your birth, who can describe your greatness?

Bhayo Yagya Jaba Poorana Anupaa,
Taba Pahunchyo Tuma Dhari Dvija Rupaa,
Atithi Jaani Kay Gaurii Sukhaarii,
Bahu Vidhi Sevaa Karii Tumhaarii

A demon, disguised as Shiva, tried to delude mother Gauri who molded you a divine form from the scurf of her body to foil the demon’s attempts.

Ati Prasanna Hvai Tum Vara Diinhaa,
Maatu Putra Hit Jo Tap Kiinhaa,
Milhii Putra Tuhi, Buddhi Vishaala,
Binaa Garbha Dhaarana Yahi Kaalaa

Mother Gauri then assigned you the work of protecting the home at the door and when Shiva came, he was not recognized and was not allowed to enter.

Gananaayaka Guna Gyaan Nidhaanaa,
Puujita Pratham Roop Bhagavaanaa,
Asa Kehi Antardhyaana Roop Hvai,
Palanaa Par Baalak Svaroop Hvai

Shiva asked ‘Who is your father?’ and you replied in a sweet voice ‘I am Gauri’s son. Do not dare to advance a single step beyond this point into the house.’

BaniShishuRudanJabahiTum Thaanaa,
Lakhi Mukh Sukh Nahin Gauri Samaanaa,
Sakal Magan Sukha Mangal Gaavahin,
Nabha Te Suran Suman Varshaavahin

You asked Shiva to wait there before you obtained mother’s permission and Shiva attempted to enter and you challenged him.

Shambhu Umaa Bahudaan Lutaavahin,
Sura Munijana Suta Dekhan Aavahin,
Lakhi Ati Aanand Mangal Saajaa,
Dekhan Bhii Aaye Shani Raajaa

At that moment, Shiva did not think and hurled his trident at you, severing your head which soared into the sky and disappeared.

Nija Avaguna Gani Shani Man Maahiin,
Baalak Dekhan Chaahat Naahiin,
Girijaa Kachhu Man Bheda Badhaayo,
Utsava Mora Na Shani Tuhi Bhaayo

Shiva then entered the house and saw Gauri, the daughter of Himalaya, the Mountain King. Shiva asked her smilingly ‘Tell me Sati how did you give birth to your son?’

Kahana Lage Shani Man Sakuchaai,
Kaa Karihau Shishu Mohi Dikhayii,
Nahin Vishvaasa Umaa Ura Bhayauu,
Shani Son Baalak Dekhan Kahyau

At this point, hey Ganesha, the mystery of your birth was disclosed and Gauri learned what happened to you. Your mother was hurt and fell to the ground. She told Shiva ‘You did not do good. Go and bring my son’s head from wherever you find it.’

Padatahin Shani Drigakona Prakaashaa,
Baalak Sira Udi Gayo Aakaashaa,
Girajaa Girii Vikala Hvai Dharanii,
So Dukha Dashaa Gayo Nahin Varanii

Shiva, the knowledgeable, accompanied by Vishnu, searched for the head in vain and they eventually brought the head of a baby elephant and placed it on your body and blew life into it.

Haahaakaara Machyo Kailaashaa,
Shani Kiinhon Lakhi Suta Ko Naashaa,
Turat Garuda Chadhi Vishnu Sidhaaye,
Kaati Chakra So GajaShira Laaye

Shiva named you Ganesha and blessed you with knowledge, wisdom, and immortality. Shivaji also said that you will be the first to be worshipped and you will remove all obstacles and bring joy and enhance the intellect.

Baalak Ke Dhada Uupar Dhaarayo,
Praana Mantra Padhi Shankar Daarayo,
Naama’Ganesha’ShambhuTabaKiinhe,
Pratham Poojya Buddhi Nidhi Vara Diinhe

O Lord Ganesha, whoever takes your name before starting any venture achieves success. Those who worship you enjoy peace and happiness because without your blessing, there is no success.

Buddhi Pariikshaa Jab Shiva Kiinhaa,
Prithvii Kar Pradakshinaa Liinhaa,
Chale Shadaanana Bharami Bhulaai,
Rache Baithii Tum Buddhi Upaai

It was your curse that caused moon’s face to be tarnished with the black reflection of the earth on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada so that no one dares to look at it. And when Shiva wanted to test your intelligence, he asked you to go around the earth.

Charana Maatu-Pitu Ke Dhara Liinhen,
Tinake Saat Pradakshina Kiinhen
Dhani Ganesha Kahi Shiva Hiye Harashyo,
Nabha Te Suran Suman Bahu Barse

Your brother, Kartikeya, took his peacock and went flying around the earth. You, Ganesha, wrote Rama’s name on the ground and went around the name meditating Rama.

Tumharii Mahima Buddhi Badaai,
Shesha Sahasa Mukha Sake Na Gaai,
Main Mati Heen Maliina Dukhaarii,
Karahun Kaun Vidhi Vinaya Tumhaarii

You, hey Ganesha, with utmost devotion, touched the feet of your parents, Shiva and Gauri and circumnavigated seven times achieving the blessing equal to circumnavigating the earth and the Gods were so pleased with you that they showered flowers upon you.

Bhajata ‘Raamsundara’ Prabhudaasaa,
Jaga Prayaaga Kakraa Durvaasaa,
Ab Prabhu Dayaa Deena Par Keejai,
Apnii Bhakti Shakti Kuchha Deejai

While living in the hermitages of the sage Durvasa, Sundardasa, a devotee of Lord Rama, composed the hymn to Lord Ganesha in forty verses. Those who sing the glory of Ganesha daily are blessed with the supreme bliss.

|| Dohaa ||

Shri Ganesha Yeh Chaalisaa, Paatha Karre Dhara Dhyaan |
Nita Nav Mangala Graha Base, Lahe Jagat Sanmaana ||
Sambandh Apna Sahasra Dash, Rishi panchamii dinesha |
Poorana Chaalisaa Bhayo, Mangala Moorti Ganesha ||

He who repeats the hymn with sincerity is blessed with gracious gifts and his novelty and honor grow greater and greater. The forty verses hymn was completed on the third day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra in the Vikram year two thousand and ten. Sundardaasa has thus shown his unflinching devotion towards Lord Ganesha.

Ganesh Chalisa Benefits

In Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha is believed to be the first to be worshipped. He is considered to be the remover of all obstacles and hence offered prayers before starting any new task to achieve success in it. It is also said that reciting Ganesh Chalisa every day brings peace and prosperity to any home.

Ganesha Chalisa is known to remove all the problems in a family. Lord Ganesha is the giver of wealth and prosperity and worshipping him with devotion brings bliss and good fortune. Those who recite the hymn every day get everything in their life. They enjoy peace and happiness continuously.

It is advisable to chant or listen to the Ganesha Chalisa :

• For the accomplishment of fame, intelligence, and desires
• To remove obstacles from all the areas of life
• To regain lost wealth and fame
• To defeat enemies
• To accomplish all sorts of desires
• To acquire children
• To eliminate hurdles in business
• For the attainment of wealth and prosperity
• To rise from a long illness
• To restart closed businesses

Reciting The Ganesh Chalisa

The forty verses of the Ganesha Chalisa are chanted by groups of devotees. This hymn can be repeated as a prayer on daily basis or chanted before starting any new work or venture.

The Ganesha Chalisa, if recited 108 times in a proper way, can help a devotee achieve peace, accomplishment and prosperity and spiritual enlightenment and social influence.

One can light up ghee’s lamp in the home every evening and worship him to maintain peace and happiness in the home.

Ganesh Chalisa is a very powerful hymn and is believed to be effective in solving problems in one’s life. Those who want to eliminate difficulties and obstacles and achieve success in whatever they undertake should chant Ganesh Chalisa on a regular basis. Lord Ganesha is the giver of prosperity and good fortune and if pleased, surely bestows wealth and accomplishment on the devotees. Ganesh Chalisa has gained immense popularity in modern world too. The forty verses are recited at the beginnings of prayers and new ventures to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha.

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Chudamani

Ms. Chudamani has spent years studying and uncovering the wealth of spiritual knowledge that exists in India and beyond. She is now committed to sharing the same with readers from across the world.

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