The imagination of a deity so huge and heavy, represented by an elephant’s face and an equally heavy human body, riding a little mouse, is enough for any mental being to have a thought to delve deeper in the mysteries behind this symbol or ignore it and call it a myth. But for an intelligent and well intentioned person, it does not matter much whether this shape and kind of deity would ever exist, or have existed in the physical dimension because that person will be able to go beyond the symbolic representations and uncover the useful knowledge by arranging the hints shown through stories, like a crossword puzzle, to reveal the Truth behind this imagery.
A group of words for instance, or a group of groups of words, multitude of crosswords, or categorical systems of the science behind crossword can be logically called Ganā. The knowledge beyond the veil of symbols is a hint of the existence of a conscious power guiding with clues to solve the puzzle. The analogy of crossword puzzle can be expanded to any length and breadth of objects and their groups. The mouse is the notorious symbol of problems or obstacles which keep showing up but can be controlled with the help of a gigantic mind and a robust body. Ganesha as a whole is the symbol of the lord of these multitudinous groups of things and/or features, keeping synchronicity among them with resolute intelligence. All the other names and stories reserved for Ganesha are only the representation of forces that work behind the veil to maintain that synchronicity.
But when Ganpati, Ganesh, Lambodara, Gajanana, or any of these names are heard, the image of an elephant-headed deity with a huge body, and a belly is flashed in mind. Many intellectuals, bankers, and authors entrust their writings to Ganesha. And since Hindus, culturally worship Knowledge or Intelligence or Ganesha first, we came up with several rituals to imbibe the habit of dealing with the notorious mouse symbol through devotion and surrender towards intelligence and robustness. Hence an yearly grand reminder of it through Ganesh Chaturthi and quarterly and occasional reminders with other rituals.
So let’s dive into the stories now to make the reminders unforgettable because stories have this capacity of conveying a message deep in our consciousness and long in time.
During the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada (August or September according to the Gregorian calendar), Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated during the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha, which lasts for 10 days. There are Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations all over India, but Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka are especially popular.
There are lots of different stories about the birth of Ganesha, including one in which Parvati makes him from cloth and asks her consort, Shiva, to bring him to life. As Parvati takes a bath, one of the most well-known story begins with her longing for someone to stop Shiva from barging in on her. After rinsing off the dirt from her body, she kneads it into the shape of a child who springs back to life. According to some variants of the story that purport to absolve Shiva of the crime, when Shiva sees the handsome boy-or when the inauspicious planet Saturn (Shani) glances at him-he or one of his attendants chops off the child’s head. Shiva cuts off an elephant’s head, and he bestows it to Ganesha. One of the elephant’s tusks breaks, and Ganesha is depicted holding the broken piece of the tusk. The story says that Ganesha was born from Parvati alone, despite Shiva’s negative interference. Nevertheless, Ganesha is traditionally considered to be the child of both Shiva and Parvati.
Also read about Gayatri Mantra.
While Ganesha is often depicted as a celibate in India, he has also been described as married to both Buddhi (“Intelligence”) and Siddhi (“Success”). In some traditions, he has a third wife named Riddhi (“Prosperity”).
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ is a very popular mantra describing Lord Ganesha and asking for the removal of obstacles and bestow success in any tasks we do and is sang before starting any new activity by Hindus. Let us recite and understand it.
Ganesha Mantra 1
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakōṭi samaprabha ।
nirvighnaṁ kuru mē dēva sarvakāryēṣu sarvadā ॥
Meaning:
Salutations to Sri Ganesha who has a Curved Trunk, who has a Large Body and whose Splendour is similar to Million Suns;
O Deva, Please Make my Undertakings Free of Obstacles, By extending Your Blessings in All my Works, Always.
Ancient Vedic texts contain the origin of this divine mantra. Even though a precise reference to its origin can’t be given, it is believed that it appears in the Mudgala Purana. This mantra is ideal to chant or listen to on the very first day of a new endeavor. With this Ganesha mantra, negative energy is expelled and fruitful results are attracted. As we recite this mantra, we cultivate confidence, vision, and find new and effortless ways to achieve our goals. Another famous mantra leading to similar results as वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय is गजाननं भूतगणादि सेवितं.
Ganesha Mantra 2
गजाननं भूतगणादि सेवितं
कपित्थजम्बूफलसार भक्षितम् ।
उमासुतं शोकविनाशकारणं
नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पादपङ्कजम् ॥
gajānanaṁ bhūtagaṇādi sēvitaṁ
kapitthajambūphalasāra bhakṣitam ।
umāsutaṁ śōkavināśakāraṇaṁ
namāmi vighnēśvara pādapaṅkajam ॥
Meaning:
I Reverentially Salute the Lotus-Feet of Sri Vigneshwara
One Who is having the Face of an Elephant, One Who is Served by the Bhutaganas (Celestial Attendants) and Others,
By Whom is Partaken the Juice of Kapittha (Wood-Apple) (Kapittha) and Jambu (Rose-Apple) (Jambu) Fruits (Offered by the Devotees);
Who is the Son of Devi Uma (Devi Parvati), And the Cause of the Destruction of Sorrows,
I Reverentially Salute the Lotus-Feet of that Vighneshwara (the Lord Who removes the Obstacles).
In addition to offering a sense of confidence, eagerness, and self-awareness, chanting this mantra can also increase your awareness. The vibrations of joy, success, and peace of mind are tuned into. The energy inspires deep, fulfilling mental visualization that is free of any blocks. Positive thoughts fill our minds before we begin our day when we chant this mantra.
अगजानन पद्मार्कं is another well-known mantra of Lord Ganpati
Ganesha Mantra 3
अगजानन पद्मार्कं गजाननं अहर्निशम् ।
अनेकदंतं भक्तानां एकदन्तं उपास्महे ॥
agajānana padmārkaṁ gajānanaṁ aharniśam ।
anēkadaṁtaṁ bhaktānāṁ ēkadantaṁ upāsmahē ॥
Meaning:
As the Rays from the Lotus-Face of Gauri (Devi Parvati) is Always on Her Beloved Son Gajanana ( Who is having the Face of an Elephant ),
Similarly, the Grace of Sri Ganesha is Always on His Devotees; Granting their Many Prayers; the Devotees who with deep devotion Worship the Ekadanta ( Who is having a Single Tusk ).
By chanting this mantra, one is always protected from evil.
Mantra 4 – Ganesh Gayatri Mantra
ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्धमहे, वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि,
तन्नो दन्ति प्रचोदयात्॥
oṁ ēkadantāya viddhamahē, vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi,
tannō danti pracōdayāt॥
Meaning:
We pray to the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth, who is omnipresent. We meditate upon and pray for greater intellect to the Lord with the curved, elephant-shaped trunk. We bow before the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth to illuminate our minds with wisdom.
Chanting this mantra regularly attunes the devotee to wisdom of the upper levels in her character, makes her modest and aware of the importance of right intention and action.
संकटनाशक गणेश स्तोत्र which is derived from Narada Purana is capable of removing obstacles from a person’s life. Ganpati Stotra makes you strong enough to endure life’s hurdles and is an effective way of seeking favorable blessings from Lord Ganesha throughout your life.
Ganesha Stotra 1 – संकटनाशक गणेश स्तोत्र
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्र विनायकम् ।
भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यायुष्कामार्थसिद्धये ॥१॥
प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकम् ।
तृतीयं कृष्णपिङ्गाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकम् ॥२॥
लम्बोदरं पञ्चमं च षष्ठं विकटमेव च ।
सप्तमं विघ्नराजं च धूम्रवर्ण तथाष्टमम् ॥३॥
नवमं भालचन्द्रं च दशमं तु विनायकम् ।
एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तु गजाननम् ॥४॥
द्वादशैतानि नामानि त्रिसन्ध्यं यः पठेन्नरः ।
न च विघ्नभयं तस्य सर्वसिद्धिश्च जायते ॥५॥
विद्यार्थी लभते विद्यां धनार्थी लभते धनम् ।
पुत्रार्थी लभते पुत्रान्मोक्षार्थी लभते गतिम् ॥६॥
जपेद् गणपतिस्तोत्रं षड्भिर्मासैः फलं लभेत् ।
संवत्सरेण सिद्धिं च लभते नात्र संशयः ॥७॥
अष्टाभ्यो ब्राह्मणेभ्यश्च लिखित्वा यः समर्पयेत् ।
तस्य विद्या भवेत्सर्वा गणेशस्य प्रसादतः ॥८॥
praṇamya śirasā dēvaṁ gaurīputra vināyakam ।
bhaktāvāsaṁ smarēnnityāyuṣkāmārthasiddhayē ॥1॥
prathamaṁ vakratuṇḍaṁ ca ēkadantaṁ dvitīyakam ।
tr̥tīyaṁ kr̥ṣṇapiṅgākṣaṁ gajavaktraṁ caturthakam ॥2॥
lambōdaraṁ pañcamaṁ ca ṣaṣṭhaṁ vikaṭamēva ca ।
saptamaṁ vighnarājaṁ ca dhūmravarṇa tathāṣṭamam ॥3॥
navamaṁ bhālacandraṁ ca daśamaṁ tu vināyakam ।
ēkādaśaṁ gaṇapatiṁ dvādaśaṁ tu gajānanam ॥4॥
dvādaśaitāni nāmāni trisandhyaṁ yaḥ paṭhēnnaraḥ ।
na ca vighnabhayaṁ tasya sarvasiddhiśca jāyatē ॥5॥
vidyārthī labhatē vidyāṁ dhanārthī labhatē dhanam ।
putrārthī labhatē putrānmōkṣārthī labhatē gatim ॥6॥
japēd gaṇapatistōtraṁ ṣaḍbhirmāsaiḥ phalaṁ labhēt ।
saṁvatsarēṇa siddhiṁ ca labhatē nātra saṁśayaḥ ॥7॥
aṣṭābhyō brāhmaṇēbhyaśca likhitvā yaḥ samarpayēt ।
tasya vidyā bhavētsarvā gaṇēśasya prasādataḥ ॥8॥
Meaning:
(Salutations to Sri Ganesha) Who is the Deva (Who is) to be Saluted (first) by bowing the Head, Who is the Son of Gauri, and Who is Vinayaka,
Who is the Abode of the Devotees, and Who should be Remembered always for accomplishing Long Life, Health, Fulfillment of Desires and (also) Objectives (of Life). ॥1॥
(Salutations to Sri Ganesha Whose Twelve Names are as follows:) First He is known as Vakratunda (literally means with Curved Trunk) and Second He is known as Ekadanta (literally means with a Single Tusk),
Third He is known as Krishnapingaksha (literally means with Dark Brown Eyes) and Fourth He is known as Gajavaktra (literally means with an Elephant Face). ॥2॥
Fifth, He is known as Lambodara (literally means with a Large Belly) and Sixth He is known as Vikata (literally means with a Huge Body),
Seventh He is known as Vighnaraja (literally means the best in [removing] Obstacles) and Eighth He is known as Dhumravarna (literally means Dark or Grey-Coloured).||3||
Ninth He is known as Bhalachandra (literally means with moon on the Forehead) and Tenth He is known as Vinayaka (literally means the remover [of Obstacles] ),
Eleventh He is known as Ganapati (literally means the Chief of Ganas or Celestial Attendants) and Twelfth He is known as Gajanana (literally means with an Elephant Face).||4||
He Who recites these Twelve Names of Sri Ganesha during the three junctions of the day (Dawn, Noon and Evening), …
To him, there will be no Fear of Obstacles and all accomplishments will happen (by the Grace of Sri Ganesha).||5||
By reciting Whose Twelve Names the seekers of Knowledge will obtain Knowledge and the seekers of Wealth will obtain Wealth, …
The seekers of Son will obtain Son and the seekers of Moksha (Liberation) will obtain that state. ॥6॥
By reciting this Hymn of Sri Ganapati for six months, one will start getting the fruits,
And by reciting for one year, one will obtain siddhi, there is no doubt in this.॥7॥
(Salutations to Sri Ganesha) He who offers this Hymn to eight Brahmins after writing this, …
To him will come all knowledge by the Grace of Sri Ganesha.॥8॥
Also read about Agnihotra Mantra.
How and when to chant this stotra?
The best time to chant Gana]esh Stotra is early morning in front of Ganpati Idol or picture. We must sit in the eastern direction in sukhasana or padmasana and chant this stotra by understanding the meaning. This goes the same for reciting all Ganesh Mantras and Stotras.
Ganpati Atharvashirsha is another powerful Stotra dedicated to Lord Ganpati and is also known as Ganapati Upanishad. Ganesha is described as the ultimate Brahman in this late Upanishad. The scripture states its own status as an Upanishad in its final line, which reads “Thus, the Śrī Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa Upanishad” (Sanskrit:श्रीगणपत्यथर्वशीर्षोपनिषद्; śrīgaṇapatyatharvaśīrṣopaniṣad).
There are devotees of Ganesha in Maharashtra who often recite the Atharvashirsha. Gurye indicates that its emergence in Maharashtra coincided with a time of increasing Ganapati worship among Brahmins in Pune during the early 19th century. It is not included in the MuktikA canon of 108 Upanishads composed in the 17th century. According to scholars, it was composed between 1650 and 1750. A devotee who regularly recites the Atharvashirsha gains immense power.
Aharvashirsha is the definitive text on Ganesha. As explained in Hinduism, this text helps the worshipper reach the four goalposts of life – Dharma (doing the right thing), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (enjoying sensual pleasures) and Moksha (liberation from suffering). By meditating upon the text every morning and every evening, one is able to erase the consequences of any sins committed between those periods.
Additionally, it consists of the ‘seed mantra’ of Ganesha – Gam – which teaches a devotee how to utilize it as a means of worship.
Significance
An Atharvashirsha recitation performed regularly enables a devotee to accomplish great things. The worship with दूर्वा – Durva grass brings wealth. Rice flakes bring fame and scholarship. Those who offer modaks receive their hearts’ desires. Offering all three, as well as ghee, will bring all success.
Now, let us understand the
श्रीगणपत्यथर्वशीर्ष – Sri Ganapatyatharvasheersha
ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये ॥१॥
त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं तत्त्वमसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं कर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं धर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं हर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्मासि ।
त्वं साक्षादात्माऽसि नित्यम् ॥२॥
ऋतं वच्मि । सत्यं वच्मि ॥३॥
अव त्वं माम् ।
अव वक्तारम् ।
अव श्रोतारम् ।
अव दातारम् ।
अव धातारम् ।
अवानूचानमव शिष्यम् ।
अव पुरस्तात् ।
अव दक्षिणात्तात् ।
अव पश्चात्तात् ।
अवोत्तरात्तात् ।
अव चोर्ध्वात्तात् ।
अवाधरात्तात् ।
सर्वतो मां पाहि पाहि समन्तात् ॥४॥
त्वं वाङ्मयस्त्वं चिन्मयः ।
त्वमानन्दमयस्त्वं ब्रह्ममयः ।
त्वं सच्चिदानन्दाऽद्वितीयोऽसि ।
त्वं प्रत्यक्षं ब्रह्मासि ।
त्वं ज्ञानमयो विज्ञानमयोऽसि ॥५॥
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तो जायते ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तस्तिष्ठति ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि लयमेष्यति ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि प्रत्येति ।
त्वं भूमिरापोऽनलोऽनिलो नभः ।
त्वं चत्वारि वाक् {परिमिता} पदानि ।
त्वं गुणत्रयातीतः ।
त्वं अवस्थात्रयातीतः ।
त्वं देहत्रयातीतः ।
त्वं कालत्रयातीतः ।
त्वं मूलाधारस्थितोऽसि नित्यम् ।
त्वं शक्तित्रयात्मकः ।
त्वां योगिनो ध्यायन्ति नित्यम् ।
त्वं ब्रह्मा त्वं विष्णुस्त्वं
रुद्रस्त्वमिन्द्रस्त्वमग्निस्त्वं
वायुस्त्वं सूर्यस्त्वं चन्द्रमास्त्वं
ब्रह्म भूर्भुवस्सुवरोम् ॥६॥
गणादिं पूर्वमुच्चार्य वर्णादींस्तदनन्तरम् ।
अनुस्वारः परतरः ।
अर्धेन्दुलसितम् ।
तारेण ऋद्धम् ।
एतत्तव मनुस्वरूपम् ॥७॥
गकारः पूर्वरूपम् ।
अकारो मध्यरूपम् ।
अनुस्वारश्चान्त्यरूपम् ।
बिन्दुरुत्तररूपम् ।
नादस्संधानम् ।
सग्ंहिता संधिः ॥८॥
सैषा गणेशविद्या ।
गणक ऋषिः ।
निचृद्गायत्रीच्छन्दः ।
गणपतिर्देवता ।
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥९॥
एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि ।
तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात् ॥१०॥
एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं पाशमङ्कुशधारिणम् ।
रदं च वरदं हस्तैर्बिभ्राणं मूषकध्वजम् ॥
रक्तं लम्बोदरं शूर्पकर्णकं रक्तवाससम् ।
रक्तगन्धानुलिप्ताङ्गं रक्तपुष्पैस्सुपूजितम् ॥
भक्तानुकम्पिनं देवं जगत्कारणमच्युतम् ।
आविर्भूतं च सृष्ट्यादौ प्रकृतेः पुरुषात्परम् ।
एवं ध्यायति यो नित्यं स योगी योगिनां वरः ॥११॥
नमो व्रातपतये ।
नमो गणपतये ।
नमः प्रमथपतये ।
नमस्तेऽस्तु लम्बोदरायैकदन्ताय
विघ्ननाशिने शिवसुताय वरदमूर्तये नमः ॥१२॥
एतदथर्वशीर्षं योऽधीते स ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ।
स सर्वविघ्नैर्न बाध्यते ।
स सर्वत्र सुखमेधते ।
स पञ्चमहापापात्प्रमुच्यते ।
सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
सायं प्रातः प्रयुञ्जानो पापोऽपापो भवति ।
सर्वत्राधीयानोऽपविघ्नो भवति ।
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षं च विन्दति ॥१३॥
इदमथर्वशीर्षमशिष्याय न देयम् ।
यो यदि मोहाद्दास्यति स पापीयान् भवति ।
सहस्रावर्तनाद्यं यं काममधीते तं तमनेन साधयेत् ॥१४॥
अनेन गणपतिमभिषिञ्चति स वाग्मी भवति ।
चतुर्थ्यामनश्नन् जपति स विद्यावान् भवति ।
इत्यथर्वणवाक्यम् ।
ब्रह्माद्यावरणं विद्यान्न बिभेति कदाचनेति ॥१५॥
यो दूर्वाङ्कुरैर्यजति स वैश्रवणोपमो भवति ।
यो लाजैर्यजति स यशोवान् भवति ।
स मेधावान् भवति ।
यो मोदकसहस्रेण यजति स वाञ्छितफलमवाप्नोति ।
यस्साज्यसमिद्भिर्यजति स सर्वं लभते स सर्वं लभते ॥१६॥
अष्टौ ब्राह्मणान् सम्यग् ग्राहयित्वा सूर्यवर्चस्वी भवति ।
सूर्यग्रहेमहानद्यां प्रतिमासन्निधौ वा जप्त्वा सिद्धमन्त्रो भवति
महाविघ्नात् प्रमुच्यते ।
महादोषात् प्रमुच्यते ।
महाप्रत्यवायात् प्रमुच्यते ।
स सर्वविद् भवति स सर्वविद् भवति ।
य एवं वेद ।
इत्युपनिषत् ॥१७॥
।। अर्थर्ववैदिय गणपत्युनिषदं समाप्त:।।
ॐ शान्तिश्शान्तिश्शान्तिः ॥
oṁ namastē gaṇapatayē ॥1॥
tvamēva pratyakṣaṁ tattvamasi ।
tvamēva kēvalaṁ kartā’si ।
tvamēva kēvalaṁ dhartā’si ।
tvamēva kēvalaṁ hartā’si ।
tvamēva sarvaṁ khalvidaṁ brahmāsi ।
tvaṁ sākṣādātmā’si nityam ॥2॥
r̥taṁ vacmi । satyaṁ vacmi ॥3॥
ava tvaṁ mām ।
ava vaktāram ।
ava śrōtāram ।
ava dātāram ।
ava dhātāram ।
avānūcānamava śiṣyam ।
ava purastāt ।
ava dakṣiṇāttāt ।
ava paścāttāt ।
avōttarāttāt ।
ava cōrdhvāttāt ।
avādharāttāt ।
sarvatō māṁ pāhi pāhi samantāt ॥4॥
tvaṁ vāṅmayastvaṁ cinmayaḥ ।
tvamānandamayastvaṁ brahmamayaḥ ।
tvaṁ saccidānandā’dvitīyō’si ।
tvaṁ pratyakṣaṁ brahmāsi ।
tvaṁ jñānamayō vijñānamayō’si ॥5॥
sarvaṁ jagadidaṁ tvattō jāyatē ।
sarvaṁ jagadidaṁ tvattastiṣṭhati ।
sarvaṁ jagadidaṁ tvayi layamēṣyati ।
sarvaṁ jagadidaṁ tvayi pratyēti ।
tvaṁ bhūmirāpō’nalō’nilō nabhaḥ ।
tvaṁ catvāri vāk {parimitā} padāni ।
tvaṁ guṇatrayātītaḥ ।
tvaṁ avasthātrayātītaḥ ।
tvaṁ dēhatrayātītaḥ ।
tvaṁ kālatrayātītaḥ ।
tvaṁ mūlādhārasthitō’si nityam ।
tvaṁ śaktitrayātmakaḥ ।
tvāṁ yōginō dhyāyanti nityam ।
tvaṁ brahmā tvaṁ viṣṇustvaṁ
rudrastvamindrastvamagnistvaṁ
vāyustvaṁ sūryastvaṁ candramāstvaṁ
brahma bhūrbhuvassuvarōm ॥6॥
gaṇādiṁ pūrvamuccārya varṇādīṁstadanantaram ।
anusvāraḥ parataraḥ ।
ardhēndulasitam ।
tārēṇa r̥ddham ।
ētattava manusvarūpam ॥7॥
gakāraḥ pūrvarūpam ।
akārō madhyarūpam ।
anusvāraścāntyarūpam ।
binduruttararūpam ।
nādassaṁdhānam ।
sagṁhitā saṁdhiḥ ॥8॥
saiṣā gaṇēśavidyā ।
gaṇaka r̥ṣiḥ ।
nicr̥dgāyatrīcchandaḥ ।
gaṇapatirdēvatā ।
oṁ gaṁ gaṇapatayē namaḥ ॥9॥
ēkadantāya vidmahē vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi ।
tannō dantiḥ pracōdayāt ॥10॥
ēkadantaṁ caturhastaṁ pāśamaṅkuśadhāriṇam ।
radaṁ ca varadaṁ hastairbibhrāṇaṁ mūṣakadhvajam ॥
raktaṁ lambōdaraṁ śūrpakarṇakaṁ raktavāsasam ।
raktagandhānuliptāṅgaṁ raktapuṣpaissupūjitam ॥
bhaktānukampinaṁ dēvaṁ jagatkāraṇamacyutam ।
āvirbhūtaṁ ca sr̥ṣṭyādau prakr̥tēḥ puruṣātparam ।
ēvaṁ dhyāyati yō nityaṁ sa yōgī yōgināṁ varaḥ ॥11॥
namō vrātapatayē ।
namō gaṇapatayē ।
namaḥ pramathapatayē ।
namastē’stu lambōdarāyaikadantāya
vighnanāśinē śivasutāya varadamūrtayē namaḥ ॥12॥
ētadatharvaśīrṣaṁ yō’dhītē sa brahmabhūyāya kalpatē ।
sa sarvavighnairna bādhyatē ।
sa sarvatra sukhamēdhatē ।
sa pañcamahāpāpātpramucyatē ।
sāyamadhīyānō divasakr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati ।
prātaradhīyānō rātrikr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati ।
sāyaṁ prātaḥ prayuñjānō pāpō’pāpō bhavati ।
sarvatrādhīyānō’pavighnō bhavati ।
dharmārthakāmamōkṣaṁ ca vindati ॥13॥
idamatharvaśīrṣamaśiṣyāya na dēyam ।
yō yadi mōhāddāsyati sa pāpīyān bhavati ।
sahasrāvartanādyaṁ yaṁ kāmamadhītē taṁ tamanēna sādhayēt ॥14॥
anēna gaṇapatimabhiṣiñcati sa vāgmī bhavati ।
caturthyāmanaśnan japati sa vidyāvān bhavati ।
brahmādyāvaraṇaṁ vidyānna bibhēti kadācanēti ॥15॥
yō dūrvāṅkurairyajati sa vaiśravaṇōpamō bhavati ।
yō lājairyajati sa yaśōvān bhavati ।
sa mēdhāvān bhavati ।
yō mōdakasahasrēṇa sa vāñchitaphalamavāpnōti ।
yassājyasamidbhiryajati sa sarvaṁ labhatē sa sarvaṁ labhatē ॥16॥
aṣṭau brāhmaṇān samyag grāhayitvā sūryavarcasvī bhavati ।
sūryagrahēmahānadyāṁ pratimāsannidhau vā japtvā siddhamantrō bhavati
mahāvighnāt pramucyatē ।
mahādōṣāt pramucyatē ।
mahāpratyavāyāt pramucyatē ।
sa sarvavid bhavati sa sarvavid bhavati ।
ya ēvaṁ vēda ।
ityupaniṣat ॥17॥
।। artharvavaidiya gaṇapatyuniṣadaṁ samāpta:।।
oṁ śāntiśśāntiśśāntiḥ ॥
Meaning:
1.1: Om, Salutations to You, O Ganapati,
2.1: (O Ganapati) You indeed are the visible Tattvam (Conscious Essence underlying everything),
2.2: (O Ganapati) You indeed are the only Creator (Karta) (by Whose Power the Universe is Created),
2.3: (O Ganapati) You indeed are the only Sustainer (Dharta) (by Whose Power the Universe is Sustained),
2.4: (O Ganapati) You indeed are the only Destroyer (Harta) (by Whose Power the Universe is finally Dissolved in its Conscious Essence),
2.5: (O Ganapati) You indeed are All This (The Universe); You verily are the Brahman (giving Consciousness to All),
2.6: (O Ganapati) You are the visible Atman, the Eternal (underlying Reality),
3.1: I declare the Ritam (Divine Law); I declare the Satyam (Absolute Reality) (that there is an Absolute Consciousness underlying everything, which I saw as Ganapati),
4.1: (Now) Protect me (O Ganapati) (Protect the Truth I declared),
4.2: Protect the Speaker (O Ganapati) (Protect the Teacher who declares this Truth),
4.3: Protect the Listener (O Ganapati) (Protect the Student who listens to this Truth),
4.4: Protect the Giver (O Ganapati) (Protect the Giver of knowledge who transmits this Truth),
4.5: Protect the Sustainer (O Ganapati) (Protect the Sustainer who retains this Truth in Memory),
4.6: Protect the Disciple (O Ganapati) (Protect the Disciple who repeats this Truth following the Teacher),
4.7: Protect this Truth from the East (O Ganapati),
4.8: Protect this Truth from the South (O Ganapati),
4.9: Protect this Truth from the West (O Ganapati),
4.10: Protect this Truth from the North (O Ganapati),
4.11: Protect this Truth from the Top (O Ganapati),
4.12: Protect this Truth from the Bottom (O Ganapati),
4.13: (Now) Please Protect me (O Ganapati) (Protect this Truth I declared) from all Sides,
5.1: You are of the nature of Words (Vangmaya), and You are of the nature of Consciousness (Chinmaya) (which is the source of all words) (Therefore, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have spoken have come from You),
5.2: You are of the nature of Bliss (Anandamaya), and You are of the nature of Brahman (Brahmamaya) (which is the source of all Bliss) (Therefore, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have spoken will give Bliss to all who realize it),
5.3: You are Sacchidananda (Sat-Chit-Ananda) (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss), and You are the One without a second (Therefore, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have spoken will liberate all to the Greater Consciousness who realize it),
5.4: You are the visible Brahman (manifested as the Universe) (Therefore, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have spoken will make the realized see this vast World as emanating from Sacchidananda),
5.5: You are of the nature of Gyana (Spiritual Knowledge) (Self-Manifesting within the Core of our Being as Bliss-Consciousness), and You are Vigyana (Giving the Spiritual Vision of the whole World from the standpoint of the Greater Consciousness),
(Therefore, O Ganapati, protect the Absolute Truth I have spoken for the welfare of all)
6.1: The Entire Universe has Manifested (Born) from You (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence within the Core of our Hearts),
6.2: The Entire Universe is Sustained by Your Power (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence within the Core of our Hearts),
6.3: The Entire Universe will Dissolve in You (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence within the Core of our Hearts),
6.4: The Entire Universe will thus finally Return to You (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence within the Core of our Hearts),
6.5: You have manifested as Bhumi (Earth),
You have manifested as Apas (Water),
You have manifested as Anala (Fire),
You have manifested as Anila (Wind),
and You have manifested as Nabha (Sky or Space),
(Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence in the manifested World),
6.6: You are the Four Types of Speech (Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and Vaikhari),
(Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your essence as the source of Speech),
6.7: You are beyond the Three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your Conscious Essence beyond all the variations of the Mind due to the play of Gunas),
6.8: You are beyond the Three States (Waking, Dreaming and Deep Sleep) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your Conscious Essence beyond the three States),
6.9: You are beyond the Three Bodies (Gross Body, Subtle Body and Causal Body) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your Conscious Essence beyond the three Bodies),
6.10: You are beyond the Three Times (Past, Present and Future) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your Eternal Essence beyond all Times),
6.11: You always abide in the Muladhara (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us in awakening our Kundalini Shakti),
6.12: You are the source of the Three Shaktis (Iccha Shakti, Kriya Shakti and Gyana Shakti) (Will Power, Power of Action and the Power of Knowledge) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us in awakening these Shaktis to realize Your Conscious Essence),
6.13: The Yogis always meditate on You (to realize Your Conscious Essence, which is the aim of Human Life),
6.14: (O Ganapati) You are Brahma, You are Vishnu, You are …
6.15: … Rudra, You are Indra, You are Agni (God of Fire), You are …
6.16: … Vayu (God of Wind), You are Surya (The Sun God), You are Chandrama (The Moon God), You are …
6.17: … Brahman (Absolute Consciousness), You pervade the Bhur-Bhuvah-Suvar Lokas; You are the Om Itself (Parabrahman).
7.1: (The Mantra Swarupa of Ganapati is as follows) The first syllable of the word Gana (i.e. “G”) is to be pronounced first; then the first varna (i.e. “A”) should immediately follow (thus making “Ga”),
7.2: The Anuswara should follow next (thus making “Gam”),
7.3: Then it should be made to shine with the Half-Moon (i.e. the Nasal Sound of Chandrabindu, thus making “Gang”),
7.4: This should be Augmented by Tara (a Note signifying Om) (thus making “Om Gang”),
7.5: This is Your Mantra Swarupa (O Ganapati),
8.1: (In Your Mantra Swarupa) G-kara is the first form, …
8.2: … A-kara is the middle form, …
8.3: … And Anuswara is the last form (thus forming “Gam”),
8.4: Bindu is the form on the top (giving the nasal sound of Chandra-Bindu, thus forming “Gang”),
8.5: This is joined with Nada,
8.6: All the forms combine together (and when it finally ends with Nada, it gives the mantra a transcendental form),
9.1: This is the Ganesha Vidya (A path leading to the Knowledge of the Self through the worship of Ganesha through His Mantra Swarupa),
9.2: The Rishi who realized this Vidya is Ganaka Rishi,
9.3: The Chhanda (Metre) is Nicrdgayatri,
9.4: The Devata (God) worshipped is Ganapati,
9.5: Om Gang Ganapataye Namah (My Reverential Salutations to Ganapati),
(I seek Your Blessings to practice this Vidya)
10.1: (The Ganapati Gayatri) (Let our mind go) to the Ekadanta (the One with a Single Tusk) to know (His Conscious Form deeply); (And then) Meditate on that Vakratunda (the One with a Curved Trunk) (to get absorbed in His Conscious Form),
10.2: May that Danti (One with a Tusk) awaken (our Consciousness),
11.1: (The visible Form of Ganapati is as follows) His Face has a single Tusk (Ekadantam); He has Four Hands (Catur-Hastam); with two of His Hands, he is holding Noose (Pasha) and Goad (Ankusha),
11.2: With His third Hand He is holding a Tusk (Rada), and with His fourth Hand He is showing the gesture of Boon-Giving (Varada Mudra); His Flag is having the Emblem of a Rat (Mushaka),
11.3: His Form is having a Beautiful Reddish Glow (Raktam), with a Large Belly (Lambodara) and with Large Ears like Fans (Shurpa Karna); He is wearing Red Garments (Rakta Vasam),
11.4: His Form is annointed with Red Fragrant Paste (Rakta Gandha), and He is worshipped with Red Flowers (Rakta Pushpa),
11.5: The Heart of this Lord throbs with the Devotees (with empathy, He being the in-dweller) (Bhakta Anukampinam); And He has descended for the Cause of the World (Jagat Karanam); He is Imperishable (i.e. Eternal) (Acyutam) (and takes the Devotees to the Eternal realm),
11.6: He manifested during the beginning of Creation (Sristhi Aadi) within the manifested Nature (Prakriti), (He manifested) from the Supreme Purusha (Purusha Param),
11.7: He who meditates on Him in this way everyday is the best Yogi among the Yogis,
12.1: (Ganapati Mala Mantra) Salutations to the Lord of all Human Beings,
12.2: Salutations to the Lord of all Ganas (Demi-Gods attending to Lord Shiva),
12.3: Salutations to the Lord of all Pramathas (Ghosts attending to Lord Shiva),
12.4: Salutations to You, the One with a Large Belly (Lambodara) and a Single Tusk (Ekadanta),
12.5: Salutations to the One Who is the Remover of all Obstacles, Who is the Son of Lord Shiva and is a personification of Boon-Giving,
13.1: He who studies this Atharvashirsha (with Shraddha), will become fit to realize Brahman,
13.2: He will not be (permanently) tied down by any obstacles (and his consciousness will become clearer),
13.3: (Permanent) Happiness will increase within his consciousness, wherever he is (i.e. at all times),
13.4: He will get freed from the five grave Sins (the memory of sins tend to create permanent obstacles within the consciousness for the jivas to sense the Paramatman),
13.5: Studying this in the Evening will destroy the Sins committed during the Day (including the tendency to commit Sins),
13.6: Studying this in the Morning will destroy the Sins committed during the Night (including the tendency to commit Sins),
13.7: Joining (the Study and Deep Contemplation) both in the Evening and Morning, will make a Sinful person Sinless (by gradually revealing the deeper consciousness and thereby removing the tendencies to commit Sins),
13.8: Studying everywhere (i.e. in all situations) will remove the Obstacles, …
13.9: … (And) the Devotee will obtain Dharma, Artha (Prosperity), Kama (Right Desires fulfilled) and (finally) Moksha (Liberation by discovering the deeper consciousness),
14.1: This Atharvasirsha is not to be given to undeserving Persons (Those who do not have any interest or faith in higher life),
14.2: If anyone gives this out of attachment to someone (inspite of knowing the person to be undeserving), he becomes a sinner,
14.3: When thousand Parayana of this Atharva Shirsha is done by Deep Study (and Contemplation), then by this (Upanishad), Siddhi (Spiritual attainments) will be attained,
15.1: He who anoints Ganapati with this Upanishad (i.e. worships Ganapati as Brahman-Consciousness) becomes a fluent Speaker (Vagmi),
15.2: He who fasts on Chaturthi and recites this Upanishad becomes filled with Knowledge (becomes Vidyavan),
15.3: This is the word of the Atharvana Rishi,
15.4: He (finally) gains the Knowledge of the envelop of Brahman (i.e. understands Brahma Vidya), and thereafter does not have any Fear anytime (i.e. he becomes free from the fears caused by the ego),
16.1: He who worships (Ganapati) with tender Durva Grass (Durva) will become Prosperous like Kubera,
16.2: He who worships (Ganapati) with Parched Rice will become Glorious (i.e. will have Name and Fame),
16.3: He will (also) become Medhavan (filled with Medha or retentive capacity of the mind),
16.4: He who worships (Ganapati) with thousand Modakas (a type of Sweetmeat), he will obtain his Desired Fruits,
16.5: He who worships (Ganapati) with Twigs dipped in Ghee, he obtains Everything, he obtains Everything,
17.1: He who makes Eight Brahmins receive this Upanishad (i.e. either teaches this Upanishad to eight Brahmins or recites this in the company of eight Brahmins in the satsang of pure-souled persons) becomes filled with the splendour of the Sun,
17.2: He who recites this during Solar Eclipse on the bank of a great River (Nature providing the backdrop of the greater consciousness) or in-front of the image of Ganapati, becomes Mantra-Siddha (i.e. Mantra gradually reveals the deeper consciousness),
17.3: He becomes free from great Obstacles (i..e. when Brahman-Consciousness frees one from inner obstacles, the effect of outer obstacles also tend to loosen their grip),
17.4: He becomes free from great Vices (i.e. the Upanishad will gradually release from the Sins of the past Vices and remove the evil tendencies to create new Vices),
17.5: He becomes free from Sins or situations which as if drowns the life in a River (i.e. the Upanishad will gradually lift up one’s spirit amidst drowning life situations),
17.6: He becomes All-Knowing, He becomes All-Knowing (Brahman being the underlying essence of everything, knowing Brahman is knowing the essence of everything),
17.7: This indeed is the Veda (the ultimate Knowledge),
17.8: Thus ends the Upanishad (giving the message of the all-freeing Brahman Consciousness embodied as Ganapati and fresh hope to all)
Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (May this bring Peace to all at all the three levels – Adhibhautika, Adhidaivika and Adhyatmika).
Please note: The article has become so long that it is distantly impossible to provide each and every clues behind the symbols used in each stories and mantras. But a mere google search might bring some help. You can also ask in the comments below and either the author or someone from team or the community might come to rescue. The original method to discovering truth in Sanatana Dharma has always been through discussions and we should encourage ourselves into a healthy one.
