Ganesh Chalisa
गणेश चालीसा
40-verse devotional hymn to Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles. Recited before exams, business launches, weddings, and any auspicious new beginning.
Significance
Ganesha is invoked first in every Hindu ritual. Reciting his chalisa is said to clear obstacles (vighna), grant intelligence (buddhi), and ensure success (siddhi). Particularly powerful during Ganesh Chaturthi.
When recited: Wednesdays, Ganesh Chaturthi, before starting new ventures
Benefits
- Removal of obstacles in business, career, education
- Success in new ventures
- Improvement in concentration and memory
- Harmony in family relationships
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Ganesh Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय गणपति सदगुण सदन, कविवर बदन कृपाल।
विघ्न हरण मंगल करण, जय जय गिरिजालाल॥
जय जय जय गणपति गणराजू। मंगल भरण करण शुभ काजू॥
जय गजबदन सदन सुखदाता। विश्व विनायक बुद्धि विधाता॥
वक्र तुंड शुचि शुंड सुहावन। तिलक त्रिपुंड भाल मन भावन॥
राजत मणि मुक्तन उर माला। स्वर्ण मुकुट शिर नयन विशाला॥
Meaning
Victory to Ganapati, abode of virtues, merciful-faced, eloquent. Remover of obstacles, bestower of auspiciousness — hail thou son of Girija (Parvati). Victory, victory, victory to Ganapati, leader of the ganas, who blesses auspicious tasks. Elephant-faced one, abode of joy, lord of the universe and creator of intellect. With curved trunk pure and beautiful, three-lined sacred mark on the forehead. Necklace of gems and pearls upon his chest, golden crown on his head, large eyes.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: