Ganapati Atharvashirsha is a sacred Hindu text that is part of the Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas of ancient Indian scriptures. It is a hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and beginnings.
Ganapati Atharvashirsha is a conversation between the sage Atharva and Lord Ganapati. It consists of a series of verses or mantras that extol the various aspects and attributes of Ganesha. The hymn emphasizes the significance of Ganesha in the realms of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
The text explores the symbolic meaning of Ganesha’s various body parts, each representing different aspects of cosmic existence. It also stresses the importance of chanting the mantra “Om” and the significance of invoking Ganesha with devotion and understanding.
गणपति अथर्वशीर्ष Ganapati Atharvashirsha
ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः ।
भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः ।
स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाग्ँसस्तनूभिः ।
व्यशेम देवहितं यदायूः ।
Om Bhadram Karnebhih Shrnūyāma Devāḥ
Bhadram Pashyemākṣabhiryajatrāḥ
Sthirairaṅgaiṣtuṣṭuvāg̱ṁsasstanūbhiḥ
Vyaṣema Devahitam Yadāyūḥ
English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Om Bhadram Karnebhih Shrnūyāma Devāḥ | Om. May we hear auspicious words with our ears, O Devas (Gods). |
| Bhadram Pashyemākṣabhiryajatrāḥ | May we see auspicious things with our eyes, those who are performing yajna (sacrifice) |
| Sthirairaṅgaiṣtuṣṭuvāg̱ṁsasstanūbhiḥ | May we enjoy the life allotted by the Devas (Gods) with our stable bodies and limbs, praising them with steady and strong voices. |
| Vyaṣema Devahitam Yadāyūḥ | May we attain a life that is beneficial to the Devas (Gods), given by them |
This prayer is an invocation for divine blessings and protection. It seeks well-being and positive experiences through the senses during the performance of a ritual or any auspicious activity. The emphasis is on engaging in actions pleasing to the gods and leading to a life in harmony with the divine order. The use of the universal sound “Om” at the beginning signifies the sacredness and completeness of the prayer.
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः ।
स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः ।
स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः ।
स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Svasti Na Indro Vrddha-Shravaah |
Svasti Nah Puussaa Vishva-Vedaah |
Svasti Nas-Taarkssyo Arisstta-Nemih |
Svasti No Brhaspatir-Dadhaatu ||
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Svasti Na Indro Vrddha-Shravaah | May Lord Indra, who is mighty and renowned, bestow blessings and well-being upon us. |
| Svasti Nah Puussaa Vishva-Vedaah | May the universal nourisher bless and provide well-being to us. The reference is to a nurturing force that sustains all of creation. |
| Svasti Nas-Taarkssyo Arisstta-Nemih | May the dispeller of darkness and the remover of obstacles bring well-being to us. This is a prayer for overcoming challenges and difficulties. |
| Svasti No Brhaspatir-Dadhaatu | May Brihaspati, the deity associated with wisdom and guidance, bestow blessings upon us. This is a request for intellectual and spiritual well-being. |
| Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih | “Om” is a sacred sound, and “Shaantih” means peace. The repetition of “Shaantih” three times signifies peace in the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. |
This prayer seeks well-being and blessings from various deities associated with different aspects of life, such as power, nourishment, guidance, and wisdom. The concluding “Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih” emphasizes the desire for peace in all dimensions of existence.
“ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये”
Om Namaste Ganapataye English Meaning
“ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये” is a Sanskrit mantra that is commonly used to offer salutations to Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. This mantra is often recited at the beginning of prayers or rituals to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha for a smooth and successful endeavor.
त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं तत्त्वमसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं कर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं धर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं हर्ताऽसि ।
त्वमेव सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्मासि ।
त्वं साक्षादात्माऽसि नित्यम् ॥१॥
Tvameva pratyakṣaṁ tattvamasi ।
Tvameva kevalaṁ kartā'si ।
Tvameva kevalaṁ dhartā'si ।
Tvameva kevalaṁ hartā'si ।
Tvameva sarvaṁ khalvidam brahmāsi ।
Tvam sākṣādātmā'si nityam ।
English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Tvameva pratyakṣaṁ tattvamasi | You alone are the visible reality. |
| Tvameva kevalaṁ kartā’si | You alone are the creator. |
| Tvameva kevalaṁ dhartā’si | You alone are the sustainer. |
| Tvameva kevalaṁ hartā’si | You alone are the destroyer. |
| Tvameva sarvaṁ khalvidam brahmāsi | You indeed are all of this, the whole universe is Brahma. |
| Tvam sākṣādātmā’si nityam | You are the Self, the innermost essence, truly the eternal. |
This verse profoundly declares the identity between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). It expresses the idea that the divine is the ultimate source of creation and the essence of everything in the universe.
The repetition of “Tvameva” (You alone) emphasizes the oneness of the individual self with the supreme reality. The verse essentially conveys the concept of “Tat Tvam Asi,” which means “That Thou Art,” emphasizing the identity of the individual soul with the cosmic reality.
ऋतं वच्मि । सत्यं वच्मि ॥2॥
Rtam Vacmi | Satyam Vacmi ||2||
| Sanskrit Verse | English Meaning |
| Rtam Vacmi | I speak of the cosmic order |
| Satyam Vacmi | I speak of truth |
This verse expresses a commitment to truth and the cosmic order (Ṛta). It reflects a declaration of honesty and a dedication to aligning one’s speech with the fundamental principles of truth and the natural order of the universe.
अव त्वं माम् ।
अव वक्तारम् ।
अव श्रोतारम् ।
अव दातारम् ।
अव धातारम् ।
अवानूचानमव शिष्यम् ।
Ava Tvam Maam |
Ava Vaktaaram |
Ava śrotāram |
Ava dātāram |
Ava dhātāram |
Avānūcānam ava śiṣyam |
Meaning
| Sanskrit Phrase | Meaning in English |
| Ava Tvam Maam | “Ava” means ‘please’ or ‘come.’ “Tvam” means ‘you,’ and “Maam” means ‘me’ or ‘my.’ So this phrase means; Please come to me” or “I invoke you |
| Ava Vaktaaram | “Vaktaaram” means ‘speaker’ or ‘one who imparts knowledge.’ “Please come, O Speaker” or “I invoke the one who imparts knowledge.” |
| Ava śrotāram | Śrotāram” means ‘listener’ or ‘one who listens.’ Please come, O Listener” or “I invoke the one who listens. |
| Ava dātāram | “Dātāram” means ‘giver’ or ‘bestower.’ “Please come, O Giver” or “I invoke the one who bestows.” |
| Ava dhātāram | “Dhātāram” means ‘supporter’ or ‘sustainer.’ Please come, O Supporter” or “I invoke the one who sustains. |
| Avānūcānam ava śiṣyam | “Avānūcānam” means ‘remover of obstacles’ or ‘dispeller of ignorance.’ “Ava śiṣyam” means ‘disciple’ or ‘student. Please come, O Remover of Obstacles, and O Student” or “I invoke the dispeller of obstacles and the student. |
अव पुरस्तात् ।
अव दक्षिणात्तात् ।
अव पश्चात्तात् ।
अवोत्तरात्तात् ।
अव चोर्ध्वात्तात् ।
अवाधरात्तात् ।
सर्वतो मां पाहि पाहि समन्तात् ॥३॥
Ava purastāt Ava dakṣiṇāttāt Ava paścāttāt Avottarāttāt Ava cōrdhvāttāt Avādharāttāt Sarvato māṁ pāhi pāhi samantāt English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Ava purastāt | Come from the front. |
| Ava dakṣiṇāttāt | Come from the right. |
| Ava paścāttāt | Come from the back. |
| Avottarāttāt | Come from the north. |
| Ava cōrdhvāttāt | Come from above. |
| Avādharāttāt | Come from below. |
| Sarvato māṁ pāhi pāhi samantāt | Protect me from all sides; protect me completely. |
त्वं वाङ्मयस्त्वं चिन्मयः ।
त्वमानन्दमयस्त्वं ब्रह्ममयः ।
त्वं सच्चिदानन्दाऽद्वितीयोऽसि ।
त्वं प्रत्यक्षं ब्रह्मासि ।
त्वं ज्ञानमयो विज्ञानमयोऽसि ॥४॥
Tvaṁ vāṅmayastvaṁ cinmayaẖ Tvamānandamayastvaṁ brahmamayaẖ Tvaṁ saccidānandādvitīyo'si Tvaṁ pratyakṣaṃ brahmāsi Tvaṁ jñānamayo vijñānamayo'si English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Tvaṁ vāṅmayastvaṁ cinmayaẖ | You are of the nature of speech, and you are consciousness itself. |
| Tvamānandamayastvaṁ brahmamayaẖ | You are of the nature of bliss, and you are the embodiment of Brahman. |
| Tvaṁ saccidānandādvitīyo’si | You are the truth, consciousness, and bliss; you are beyond duality. |
| Tvaṁ pratyakṣaṃ brahmāsi | You are directly perceived, and you are Brahman. |
| Tvaṁ jñānamayo vijñānamayo’si | You are of the nature of knowledge, and you are the essence of supreme knowledge. |
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तो जायते ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तस्तिष्ठति ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि लयमेष्यति ।
सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि प्रत्येति ।
Sarvam jagadidam tvatto jāyate Sarvam jagadidam tvattastiṣṭhati Sarvam jagadidam tvayi layameṣyati Sarvam jagadidam tvayi pratyeti English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Sarvam jagadidam tvatto jāyate | All this world is born from You. |
| Sarvam jagadidam tvattastiṣṭhati | All this world exists in You. |
| Sarvam jagadidam tvayi layameṣyati | All this world will dissolve back into You. |
| Sarvam jagadidam tvayi pratyeti | All this world comes forth from You. |
This verse reflects the philosophical concept of the divine as the universe’s source, sustainer, and ultimate destination. It suggests that everything in the world is born from the divine, exists in the divine, will eventually dissolve back into the divine, and continuously emanates from the divine. It underscores the interconnectedness and dependence of the entire cosmos on the divine reality.
त्वं भूमिरापोऽनलोऽनिलो नभः ।
त्वं चत्वारि वाक् पदानि ॥५॥
Tvam bhūmirāpo'nalō'nīlō nabhaḥ Tvam catvāri vāk padāni English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Tvam bhūmirāpo’nalō’nīlō nabhaḥ | You are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. |
| Tvam catvāri vāk padāni | You are the four types of speech. |
This verse acknowledges the divine as the fundamental elements of the physical world (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether) and the source of all types of speech. It expresses the idea that the divine is both the material essence of the universe and the creative force behind communication.
त्वं गुणत्रयातीतः ।
त्वं अवस्थात्रयातीतः ।
त्वं देहत्रयातीतः ।
त्वं कालत्रयातीतः ।
Tvam guṉatrayātītaẖ Tvam avasthātrayātītaẖ Tvam dehatrayātītaẖ Tvam kālatrayātītaẖ English Meaning
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Tvam guṉatrayātītaẖ | You are beyond the three gunas (modes of nature: sattva, rajas, tamas). |
| Tvam avasthātrayātītaẖ | You transcend the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep). |
| Tvam dehatrayātītaẖ | You go beyond the three bodies (physical, subtle, causal) |
| Tvam kālatrayātītaẖ | You transcend the three aspects of time (past, present, future). |
This verse highlights the transcendental nature of the divine, signifying that the ultimate reality goes beyond the limitations and distinctions associated with the three gunas, states of consciousness, bodies, and the dimensions of time. It emphasizes the timeless, formless, and limitless nature of the divine.
त्वं मूलाधारस्थितोऽसि नित्यम् ।
त्वं शक्तित्रयात्मकः ।
त्वां योगिनो ध्यायन्ति नित्यम् ।
Tvam mūlādhārasthito'si nityam Tvam śaktitrayātmakaẖ Tvaṁ yōginō dhyāyanti nityam
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Tvam mūlādhārasthito’si nityam | You are always present at the root (base, mūlādhāra) |
| Tvam śaktitrayātmakaẖ | You are the essence of the three powers (trinity of powers: icchā, kriyā, jñāna). |
| Tvaṁ yōginō dhyāyanti nityam | Yogis meditate on You continually. |
This verse describes the divine as the eternal presence at the root, particularly the base of the spine (mūlādhāra). It signifies the divine as the essence of the three powers or energies, often associated with the trinity of will, action, and knowledge. The verse also mentions that yogis meditate on this eternal and powerful aspect of the divine.
त्वं ब्रह्मा त्वं विष्णुस्त्वं
रुद्रस्त्वमिन्द्रस्त्वमग्निस्त्वं
वायुस्त्वं सूर्यस्त्वं चन्द्रमास्त्वं
ब्रह्म भूर्भुवस्सुवरोम् ॥६॥
Tvam brahmā tvam viṣṇustvam
rudrastvam indrastvam agnistvam
vāyustvam sūryastvam candra māstvam
brahma bhūr bhuvaẖ suvarom.
You are Brahma, you are Vishnu, you are Rudra, you are Indra, you are Agni, you are Vayu, you are Surya, you are Chandra. You are that Brahman, the supreme reality, who pervades the Earth, the heavens, and the celestial realms.
This phrase declares the divine as the ultimate reality, manifesting in various forms and presiding over different aspects of the universe. It recognizes the divinity in the cosmic forces and celestial bodies, expressing the omnipresence and all-encompassing nature of the supreme reality.
गणादिं पूर्वमुच्चार्य वर्णादींस्तदनन्तरम् ।
अनुस्वारः परतरः ।
अर्धेन्दुलसितम् ।
तारेण ऋद्धम् ।
एतत्तव मनुस्वरूपम् ॥७॥
Ganādiṁ pūrvamuccārya varṇādīṁstadantaram
Anusvāraḥ parataraḥ
Ardhēndulāsitam
Tāreṇa ṛddham
Etattava manusvarūpam
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Ganādiṁ pūrvamuccārya varṇādīṁstadantaram | Starting with ‘Gaṇa’ and others, first utter the basic sounds |
| Anusvāraḥ parataraḥ | The Anusvāra (ṁ) is superior |
| Ardhēndulāsitam | It is adorned with half-moon shape |
| Tāreṇa ṛddham | It is enriched by the sound ‘Tāra’ (meaning the vowel ‘a’). |
| Etattava manusvarūpam | This is the form of the Anusvāra. |
This verse describes the Anusvāra, a diacritic mark in Sanskrit representing the nasal sound that often appears at the end of syllables. The verse details its origin, form, and association with certain sounds.
गकारः पूर्वरूपम् ।
अकारो मध्यरूपम् ।
अनुस्वारश्चान्त्यरूपम् ।
बिन्दुरुत्तररूपम् ।
नादस्संधानम् ।
सग्ंहिता संधिः ॥८॥
Gakāraḥ pūrvarūpam
Akāro madhyarūpam
Anusvāraścāntyarūpam
Binduruttararūpam
Nādassandhānam
Sagnhitā sandhiḥ
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Gakāraḥ pūrvarūpam | The sound ‘Ga’ is in its former form. |
| Akāro madhyarūpam | The sound ‘A’ is in its middle form. |
| Anusvāraścāntyarūpam | The Anusvāra (ṁ) is in its end form. |
| Binduruttararūpam | The dot (Bindu) is in its upper form. |
| Nādassandhānam | The joining (Sandhi) of sounds is the Nāda (sound). |
| Sagnhitā sandhiḥ | The union (Sandhi) with the Sagnhita (consonants) is Sandhi. |
This phrase describes the various forms and aspects of sounds, including the specific forms of the Sanskrit alphabet and the concept of Sandhi, which refers to the combination or joining of sounds often encountered in the pronunciation of words.
सैषा गणेशविद्या ।
गणक ऋषिः ।
निचृद्गायत्रीच्छन्दः ।
गणपतिर्देवता ।
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥९॥
Saiṣā gaṇeśavidyā
Ganaka ṛṣiḥ
Nicṛdgāyatrīcchandaḥ
Gaṇapatirdevatā
Om gaṁ gaṇapataye namaḥ
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Saiṣā gaṇeśavidyā | This is the knowledge of Ganapati. |
| Ganaka ṛṣiḥ | The sage (ṛṣi) is Ganaka. |
| Nicṛdgāyatrīcchandaḥ | The meter (chandaḥ) is Nicṛdgāyatrī. |
| Gaṇapatirdevatā | The deity (devatā) is Ganapati. |
| Om gaṁ gaṇapataye namaḥ | Om, I bow to Ganapati. |
This verse introduces the Ganapati Vidya, providing information about the sage (ṛṣi), the meter (chandaḥ), and the deity (devatā) associated with this knowledge. The verse concludes with the mantra “Om gaṁ gaṇapataye namaḥ,” expressing reverence and salutations to Lord Ganapati.
एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि ।
तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात् ॥१०॥
Ekadantāya vidmahe vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi
Tanno dantiḥ pracodayāt
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Ekadantāya vidmahe | We contemplate upon the one-tusked (Ekadanta). |
| vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi | We meditate on the curved trunked one (Vakratuṇḍa). |
| Tanno dantiḥ pracodayāt | May Danti (another name for Ganapati), inspire us |
This verse is a prayer to Lord Ganesha, acknowledging his divine attributes and seeking guidance and inspiration. It honors Ganesha by recognizing him as the one with a single tusk (Ekadanta) and a curved trunk (Vakratuṇḍa). The prayer concludes with a request for inspiration and guidance from Lord Ganesha.
एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं पाशमङ्कुशधारिणम् ।
रदं च वरदं हस्तैर्बिभ्राणं मूषकध्वजम् ॥
रक्तं लम्बोदरं शूर्पकर्णकं रक्तवाससम् ।
रक्तगन्धानुलिप्ताङ्गं रक्तपुष्पैस्सुपूजितम् ॥
Ekadantaṁ caturhastaṁ pāśamaṅkuśadhāriṇam
Radaṁ ca varadaṁ hastairbibhrāṇaṁ mūṣakadhvajam
Raktaṁ lambodaraṁ śūrpakarṇakaṁ raktavāsasam
Raktagandhānuliptāṅgaṁ raktapuṣpais-supūjitam
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Ekadantaṁ caturhastaṁ pāśamaṅkuśadhāriṇam | The one-tusked, four-armed, carrying a noose and elephant goad. |
| Radaṁ ca varadaṁ hastairbibhrāṇaṁ mūṣakadhvajam | Radiant and giving boons, with hands making gestures of reassurance, having a mouse as his banner. |
| Raktaṁ lambodaraṁ śūrpakarṇakaṁ raktavāsasam | Red in color, large-bellied, with ears like winnowing baskets, adorned in red garments. |
| Raktagandhānuliptāṅgaṁ raktapuṣpais-supūjitam | Anointed with red sandalwood paste, worshipped with red flowers. |
This verse describes the form and attributes of Lord Ganesha, highlighting his distinctive features, color, and the symbolic elements associated with him. It serves as a description and invocation of Lord Ganesha.
भक्तानुकम्पिनं देवं जगत्कारणमच्युतम् ।
आविर्भूतं च सृष्ट्यादौ प्रकृतेः पुरुषात्परम् ।
एवं ध्यायति यो नित्यं स योगी योगिनां वरः ॥११॥
Bhaktānukampinaṁ devaṁ jagatkāraṇamachyutam
Āvirbhūtaṁ ca sṛṣṭyādau prakṛteḥ puruṣātparam
Evam dhyāyati yo nityaṁ sa yogī yogināṁ varaḥ
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Bhaktānukampinaṁ devaṁ jagatkāraṇamachyutam | The compassionate deity, the imperishable one, who is the cause of the world for the sake of his devotees. |
| Āvirbhūtaṁ ca sṛṣṭyādau prakṛteḥ puruṣātparam | Who manifests in the beginning of creation from the supreme Purusha and the primal nature. |
| Evam dhyāyati yo nityaṁ sa yogī yogināṁ varaḥ | The yogi who meditates on him constantly in this way becomes the best among yogis. |
This verse emphasizes the compassionate and imperishable nature of the deity, the cause of the world, and manifests at the beginning of creation. It encourages continuous meditation on this divine form, stating that such a yogi is foremost among yogis.
नमो व्रातपतये ।
नमो गणपतये ।
नमः प्रमथपतये ।
नमस्तेऽस्तु लम्बोदरायैकदन्ताय
विघ्ननाशिने शिवसुताय वरदमूर्तये नमः ॥१२॥
Namo vrātapataye
Namo gaṇapataye
Namaḥ pramathapataye
Namaste'stu lambodarāya ekadantāya
Vighnanāśine śivasutāya varadamūrtaye namaḥ
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Namo vrātapataye | Salutations to the Lord of ceremonies. |
| Namo gaṇapataye | Salutations to the Lord of the Ganas (attendants of Shiva). |
| Namaḥ pramathapataye | Salutations to the Lord of the Pramathas (Shiva’s attendants). |
| Namaste’stu lambodarāya ekadantāya | Salutations to you, Lambodara (large-bellied) and Ekadanta (one-tusked). |
| Vighnanāśine śivasutāya varadamūrtaye namaḥ | Salutations to the destroyer of obstacles, the son of Shiva, the bestower of boons. |
This verse is a salutation to Lord Ganesha, addressing him by various names and epithets that highlight his divine attributes and role as the remover of obstacles and bestower of blessings.
एतदथर्वशीर्षं योऽधीते स ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ।
स सर्वविघ्नैर्न बाध्यते ।
स सर्वत्र सुखमेधते ।
स पञ्चमहापापात्प्रमुच्यते ।
Etadatharvaśīrṣaṁ yo'dhīte sa brahmabhūyāya kalpate
Sa sarvavighnairna bādhyate
Sa sarvatra sukhamedhate
Sa pañcamahāpāpātpramucyate
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Etadatharvaśīrṣaṁ yo’dhīte sa brahmabhūyāya kalpate | One who recites (or studies) this Atharva Shirsha (head of Atharva) becomes fit for attaining the state of Brahman. |
| Sa sarvavighnairna bādhyate | He is not troubled by any obstacles. |
| Sa sarvatra sukhamedhate | He attains happiness everywhere. |
| Sa pañcamahāpāpātpramucyate | He is liberated from the five great sins. |
This verse suggests that studying or reciting the Atharva Shirsha leads to spiritual elevation, freedom from obstacles, universal happiness, and liberation from major sins. It highlights the positive and purifying effects of engaging with this sacred text.
सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति ।
सायं प्रातः प्रयुञ्जानो पापोऽपापो भवति ।
सर्वत्राधीयानोऽपविघ्नो भवति ।
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षं च विन्दति ॥१३॥
Sāyamadhīyāno divasakṛtaṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati.
Prātaradhīyāno rātrikṛtaṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati
Sāyaṁ prātaḥ prayuñjāno pāpo'pāpo bhavati
Sarvatrādhīyāno'pavighno bhavati
Dharmārthakāmamokṣaṁ ca vindati
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Sāyamadhīyāno divasakṛtaṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati. | One who studies in the evening destroys the sins committed during the day. |
| Prātaradhīyāno rātrikṛtaṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati | One who studies in the morning destroys the sins committed during the night. |
| Sāyaṁ prātaḥ prayuñjāno pāpo’pāpo bhavati | One who studies both in the evening and morning becomes free from sins. |
| Sarvatrādhīyāno’pavighno bhavati | One who studies at all times remains free from obstacles. |
| Dharmārthakāmamokṣaṁ ca vindati | He attains righteousness, wealth, desires, and liberation. |
This verse emphasizes the purifying and liberating effects of regular study and contemplation of Atharva Shirsha , both in the morning and evening, leading to the attainment of various life goals and spiritual liberation.
इदमथर्वशीर्षमशिष्याय न देयम् ।
यो यदि मोहाद्दास्यति स पापीयान् भवति ।
सहस्रावर्तनाद्यं यं काममधीते तं तमनेन साधयेत् ॥१४॥
Idamatharvaśīrṣam aśiṣyāya na deyam
Yo yadi mohāddāsyati sa pāpīyān bhavati
Sahasrāvartanādyam yaṁ kāmamadhīte taṁ tamanena sādhayet
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Idamatharvaśīrṣam aśiṣyāya na deyam | This Atharva Shirsha should not be given to an undeserving person (uninitiated or unqualified). |
| Yo yadi mohāddāsyati sa pāpīyān bhavati | If someone, out of delusion, gives it to someone undeserving, he becomes more sinful. |
| Sahasrāvartanādyam yaṁ kāmamadhīte taṁ tamanena sādhayet | One who studies this a thousand times or more and desires a particular object, should attain that object through this. |
This phrase advises caution in sharing the Atharva Shirsha with those who are not qualified or initiated. It also suggests the beneficial result of studying it multiple times for those with specific desires.
अनेन गणपतिमभिषिञ्चति स वाग्मी भवति ।
चतुर्थ्यामनश्नन् जपति स विद्यावान् भवति ।
इत्यथर्वणवाक्यम् ।
ब्रह्माद्यावरणं विद्यान्न बिभेति कदाचनेति ॥१५॥
Anena gaṇapatimabhiṣiñcati sa vāgmī bhavati
Caturthyāmanashnan japati sa vidyāvān bhavati
Ityatharvaṇavākyam
Brahmādyāvaraṇaṁ vidyānnabibheti kadācaneti
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Anena gaṇapatimabhiṣiñcati sa vāgmī bhavati | By initiating (or worshiping) Ganapati with this, one becomes eloquent. |
| Caturthyāmanashnan japati sa vidyāvān bhavati | By reciting (or meditating) on the fourth (Chaturthi) without eating (fasting), one becomes knowledgeable. |
| Ityatharvaṇavākyam | Thus is the saying of Atharva. |
| Brahmādyāvaraṇaṁ vidyānnabibheti kadācaneti | Being knowledgeable, one is not afraid of the covering starting from Brahma (i.e., ignorance) anytime. |
This verse highlights the benefits of worshiping Ganapati and reciting the Atharva Shirsha. It suggests that through these practices, one can attain eloquence, knowledge, and overcome ignorance.
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॥
Yo dūrvāṅkurairyajati sa vaiśravaṇopamo bhavati
Yo lājairyajati sa yaśovān bhavati
Sa medhāvān bhavati
Yo modakasahasreṇa yajati sa vāñchitaphalamavāpnoti
Yassājyasamidbhiryajati sa sarvaṁ labhate sa sarvaṁ labhate
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Yo dūrvāṅkurairyajati sa vaiśravaṇopamo bhavati | One who worships with blades of Dūrva grass becomes like Kubera (the god of wealth). |
| Yo lājairyajati sa yaśovān bhavati | One who worships with puffed rice becomes famous. |
| Sa medhāvān bhavati | He becomes intelligent. |
| Yo modakasahasreṇa yajati sa vāñchitaphalamavāpnoti | One who worships with a thousand Modakas (a sweet) attains the desired fruit. |
| Yassājyasamidbhiryajati sa sarvaṁ labhate sa sarvaṁ labhate | One who worships with clarified butter and sacred fuel attains everything, attains everything. |
This verse emphasizes the different materials used in the worship of Lord Ganesha and the corresponding benefits, including wealth, fame, intelligence, and the fulfillment of desires.
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 ॥१७॥
Aṣṭau brāhmaṇān samyag grāhayitvā sūryavarcasvī bhavati
Sūryagrahemahānadyāṁ pratimāsannidhau vā japtvā siddhamantro bhavati
Mahāvighnāt pramucyate
Mahādoṣāt pramucyate
Mahāpratyavāyāt pramucyate
Sa sarvavid bhavati sa sarvavid bhavati
Ya evaṁ veda
| Sanskrit Verse | Meaning in English |
| Aṣṭau brāhmaṇān samyag grāhayitvā sūryavarcasvī bhavati | Taking eight Brahmanas properly, one becomes radiant like the sun. |
| Sūryagrahemahānadyāṁ pratimāsannidhau vā japtvā siddhamantro bhavati | By reciting in the presence of a great river or under the sun during a solar eclipse, one’s mantra becomes accomplished. |
| Mahāvighnāt pramucyate | He is released from great obstacles. |
| Mahādoṣāt pramucyate | He is released from great faults. |
| Mahāpratyavāyāt pramucyate | He is released from great adversity. |
| Sa sarvavid bhavati sa sarvavid bhavati | He becomes the knower of all, he becomes the knower of all. |
| Ya evaṁ veda | One who knows this. |
This verse outlines the benefits of performing a particular ritual with eight Brahmanas, including gaining radiance like the sun, accomplishment of mantras, and liberation from various obstacles and faults. The verse concludes by emphasizing that such a person becomes the knower of all.
इत्युपनिषत्
ॐ शान्तिश्शान्तिश्शान्तिः ॥
Ityupaniṣat – “Thus ends the Upanishad.”
Om śāntiśśāntiśśāntiḥ – “Om, peace, peace, peace.”
Purpose and Significance:
Ganapati Atharvashirsha is recited during Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that chanting this hymn invokes the blessings of Ganesha and helps remove obstacles, bestow wisdom, and bring prosperity.
Devotional and Philosophical Aspects:
The hymn not only serves as a devotional piece but also carries philosophical undertones, exploring the metaphysical nature of Ganesha as the supreme reality and the embodiment of the ultimate truth.
Conclusion:
Ganapati Atharvashirsha holds a special place in Hindu worship and spiritual practices, serving as a powerful tool for seeking the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha. It reflects the richness of Hindu philosophy and devotion, emphasizing the profound connection between the divine and the aspirant on the spiritual journey.