॥ अथ श्री गणेशाष्टकम् ॥
श्री गणेशाय नमः।
सर्वे उचुः।
यतोऽनन्तशक्तेरनन्ताश्च जीवायतो निर्गुणादप्रमेया गुणास्ते।
यतो भाति सर्वं त्रिधा भेदभिन्नंसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥1॥
यतश्चाविरासीज्जगत्सर्वमेतत्तथाऽब्जासनोविश्वगो विश्वगोप्ता।
तथेन्द्रादयो देवसङ्घा मनुष्याःसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥2॥
यतो वह्निभानू भवो भूर्जलं चयतः सागराश्चन्द्रमा व्योम वायुः।
यतः स्थावरा जङ्गमा वृक्षसङ्घासदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥3॥
यतो दानवाः किन्नरा यक्षसङ्घायतश्चारणा वारणाः श्वापदाश्च।
यतः पक्षिकीटा यतो वीरूधश्चसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥4॥
यतो बुद्धिरज्ञाननाशो मुमुक्षोर्यतःसम्पदो भक्तसन्तोषिकाः स्युः।
यतो विघ्ननाशो यतः कार्यसिद्धिःसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥5॥
यतः पुत्रसम्पद्यतो वाञ्छितार्थोयतोऽभक्तविघ्नास्तथाऽनेकरूपाः।
यतः शोकमोहौ यतः काम एवसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥6॥
यतोऽनन्तशक्तिः स शेषो बभूवधराधारणेऽनेकरूपे च शक्तः।
यतोऽनेकधा स्वर्गलोका हि नानासदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥7॥
यतो वेदवाचो विकुण्ठा मनोभिःसदा नेति नेतीति यत्ता गृणन्ति।
परब्रह्मरूपं चिदानन्दभूतंसदा तं गणेशं नमामो भजामः॥8॥
॥ फल श्रुति ॥
श्रीगणेश उवाच।
पुनरूचे गणाधीशःस्तोत्रमेतत्पठेन्नरः।
त्रिसन्ध्यं त्रिदिनं तस्यसर्वं कार्यं भविष्यति॥9॥
यो जपेदष्टदिवसंश्लोकाष्टकमिदं शुभम्।
अष्टवारं चतुर्थ्यां तुसोऽष्टसिद्धिरवानप्नुयात्॥10॥
यः पठेन्मासमात्रं तुदशवारं दिने दिने।
स मोचयेद्वन्धगतंराजवध्यं न संशयः॥11॥
विद्याकामो लभेद्विद्यांपुत्रार्थी पुत्रमाप्नुयात्।
वाञ्छितांल्लभतेसर्वानेकविंशतिवारतः॥12॥
यो जपेत्परया भक्तयागजाननपरो नरः।
एवमुक्तवा ततोदेवश्चान्तर्धानं गतः प्रभुः॥13॥
॥ इति श्रीगणेशपुराणे उपासनाखण्डे श्रीगणेशाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
Introduction to Ganesh Ashtakam
Overview of the Hymn
Ganesh Ashtakam is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha, composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It comprises eight verses that praise the deity's virtues and seek his blessings for protection and spiritual growth.
Significance of the Hymn
Reciting Ganesh Ashtakam is believed to invoke Lord Ganesha's grace, ensuring the devotee's safety from adversities and guiding them towards righteousness. It emphasizes surrendering to the divine will and seeking refuge in the deity.
Historical Context
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and protection of devotees.
Deity Worshipped
Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is depicted as the remover of obstacles, the provider of wisdom, and the patron of arts and sciences. He is revered as the deity who ensures the success of all endeavors.
Global Reverence
While primarily worshipped in India, Lord Ganesha's significance transcends borders. His depiction in temples and homes underscores the universal need for protection and the divine's role in ensuring the well-being of all beings.
Structure of the Ashtakam
Verse 1
The first verse praises Lord Ganesha as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges him as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
Verse 2
This verse describes Lord Ganesha adorned with various jewels, his body fragrant with sandalwood, and his residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes his role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
Verse 3
The third verse highlights Lord Ganesha's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays him as a protective force for the three worlds.
Verse 4
This verse venerates Lord Ganesha as the consort of Goddess Parvati, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges him as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
Verse 5
The fifth verse lauds Lord Ganesha's omnipresence, his control over the visible and invisible realms, and his role in imparting knowledge. It underscores him as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
Verse 6
This verse depicts Lord Ganesha as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon his devotees. It portrays him as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
Verse 7
The seventh verse describes Lord Ganesha as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes his role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
Verse 8
The final verse venerates Lord Ganesha adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of his devotees. It concludes with a plea for his blessings of food and prosperity.
Benefits of Reciting the Ashtakam
Spiritual Upliftment
Regular recitation of the Ganesh Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Material Prosperity
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Lord Ganesha is the provider of all sustenance.
Protection from Misery
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the deity's grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Enhancement of Knowledge
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Lord Ganesha is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
Peace and Harmony
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
How to Recite the Ashtakam
Best Time for Recitation
The ideal time to recite the Ganesh Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
Method of Recitation
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Number of Recitations
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
Accompanying Rituals
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Group Chanting
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Conclusion
Summary of the Ashtakam
The Ganesh Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Lord Ganesha's virtues and seeks his blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Significance in Daily Life
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Encouragement for Devotees
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Ganesh Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in the deity's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
Final Blessing
May the recitation of the Ganesh Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
Ganesh Ashtakam is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha, composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It comprises eight verses that praise the deity's virtues and seek his blessings for protection and spiritual growth.
Reciting Ganesh Ashtakam is believed to invoke Lord Ganesha's grace, ensuring the devotee's safety from adversities and guiding them towards righteousness. It emphasizes surrendering to the divine will and seeking refuge in the deity.
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and protection of devotees.
Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is depicted as the remover of obstacles, the provider of wisdom, and the patron of arts and sciences. He is revered as the deity who ensures the success of all endeavors.
While primarily worshipped in India, Lord Ganesha's significance transcends borders. His depiction in temples and homes underscores the universal need for protection and the divine's role in ensuring the well-being of all beings.
The first verse praises Lord Ganesha as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges him as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
This verse describes Lord Ganesha adorned with various jewels, his body fragrant with sandalwood, and his residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes his role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
The third verse highlights Lord Ganesha's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays him as a protective force for the three worlds.
This verse venerates Lord Ganesha as the consort of Goddess Parvati, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges him as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
The fifth verse lauds Lord Ganesha's omnipresence, his control over the visible and invisible realms, and his role in imparting knowledge. It underscores him as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
This verse depicts Lord Ganesha as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon his devotees. It portrays him as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
The seventh verse describes Lord Ganesha as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes his role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
The final verse venerates Lord Ganesha adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of his devotees. It concludes with a plea for his blessings of food and prosperity.
Regular recitation of the Ganesh Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Lord Ganesha is the provider of all sustenance.
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the deity's grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Lord Ganesha is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
The ideal time to recite the Ganesh Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
The Ganesh Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Lord Ganesha's virtues and seeks his blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Ganesh Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in the deity's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
May the recitation of the Ganesh Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
