✨Talk to Astrologers Login

🕉 Ganesh Chalisa

📿 Ganesh Chalisa

Chalisa

AuthorRamsundar

LanguageAwadhi

Verses1 doha + 38 chaupais + 2 dohas

Recitation timeabout 8 minutes

Special daysWednesday, Vinayaka & Sankashti Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi

Favourite offeringsModak, laddoo, durva grass

The Ganesh Chalisa describes the form of Lord Ganesha and his birth story — Parvati's penance, the head severed by Saturn's glance, the elephant head — and how he became the «first-worshipped» by circling his parents.

📖 Full text — with meaning

Tap «Roman (English) script» to see the original Devanagari text.

॥ दोहा ॥ जय गणपति सदगुण सदन, कविवर बदन कृपाल। विघ्न हरण मंगल करण, जय जय गिरिजालाल॥

|| Doha || Jai Ganapti Sadgun Sadan, Kavivar Badan Kripal | Vighna Haran Mangal Karan, Jai Jai Girijalal ||

Victory to Ganapati, abode of virtues, dwelling in the speech of great poets, the merciful one; victory to the son of Girija, who removes obstacles and brings auspiciousness.

जय जय जय गणपति गणराजू। मंगल भरण करण शुभ काजू॥

Jai Jai Jai Ganapti Ganraju | Mangal Bharan Karan Shubh Kaju ||

Victory to you, Ganapati, king of the ganas; you fill life with auspiciousness and accomplish good works.

जै गजबदन सदन सुखदाता। विश्व विनायक बुद्धि विधाता॥

Jai Gajabdan Sadan Sukhadata | Vishva Vinayak Buddhi Vidhata ||

Victory to the elephant-faced, abode and giver of happiness, Vinayaka of the world and creator of wisdom.

वक्र तुण्ड शुचि शुण्ड सुहावन। तिलक त्रिपुण्ड्र भाल मन भावन॥

Vakra Tunda Shuchi Shunda Suhavan | Tilak Tripundra Bhal Man Bhavan ||

Your curved face and holy trunk are charming; the tripundra mark on your forehead pleases the mind.

राजत मणि मुक्तन उर माला। स्वर्ण मुकुट शिर नयन विशाला॥

Rajat Mani Muktan Ur Mala | Svarna Mukut Shir Nayan Vishala ||

A garland of gems and pearls shines on your chest; a golden crown is on your head and your eyes are large.

पुस्तक पाणि कुठार त्रिशूलं। मोदक भोग सुगन्धित फूलं॥

Pustak Pani Kuthar Trishulan | Modak Bhog Sugandhit Phulan ||

In your hands are a book, an axe and a trident; you love modak offerings and fragrant flowers.

सुन्दर पीताम्बर तन साजित। चरण पादुका मुनि मन राजित॥

Sundar Pitambar Tan Sajit | Charan Paduka Muni Man Rajit ||

A beautiful yellow garment adorns your body; your sandals dwell in the minds of sages.

धनि शिवसुवन षडानन भ्राता। गौरी ललन विश्व-विख्याता॥

Dhani Shivasuvan Shadanan Bhrata | Gauri Lalan Vishva-Vikhyata ||

Blessed are you, son of Shiva, brother of Shadanana (Kartikeya); darling of Gauri, famous throughout the world.

ऋद्धि-सिद्धि तव चंवर सुधारे। मूषक वाहन सोहत द्वारे॥

Riddhi-Siddhi Tav Chanvar Sudhare | Mushak Vahan Sohat Dvare ||

Riddhi and Siddhi wave the chamara for you; the mouse, your vehicle, sits at the door.

कहौ जन्म शुभ-कथा तुम्हारी। अति शुचि पावन मंगलकारी॥

Kahau Janma Shubh-Katha Tumhari | Ati Shuchi Pavan Mangalkari ||

Now I tell the auspicious story of your birth, most pure, sacred and auspicious.

एक समय गिरिराज कुमारी। पुत्र हेतु तप कीन्हो भारी॥

Ek Samay Giriraj Kumari | Putra Hetu Tap Kinho Bhari ||

Once, the daughter of the mountain-king (Parvati) did great penance for a son.

भयो यज्ञ जब पूर्ण अनूपा। तब पहुंच्यो तुम धरि द्विज रूपा॥

Bhayo Yagya Jab Purna Anupa | Tab Pahunchyo Tum Dhari Dvij Rupa ||

When that matchless yajna was complete, you arrived in the form of a brahmin.

अतिथि जानि कै गौरि सुखारी। बहुविधि सेवा करी तुम्हारी॥

Atithi Jani Kai Gauri Sukhari | Bahuvidhi Seva Kari Tumhari ||

Knowing you to be a guest, Gauri was happy and served you in many ways.

अति प्रसन्न ह्वै तुम वर दीन्हा। मातु पुत्र हित जो तप कीन्हा॥

Ati Prasanna Hvai Tum Var Dinha | Matu Putra Hit Jo Tap Kinha ||

Greatly pleased, you gave a boon — O Mother, for the penance you did for a son,

मिलहि पुत्र तुहि बुद्धि विशाला। बिना गर्भ धारण यहि काला॥

Milahi Putra Tuhi Buddhi Vishala | Bina Garbha Dharan Yahi Kala ||

you will get a son of great wisdom, and that too without bearing him, at this very time.

गणनायक गुण ज्ञान निधाना। पूजित प्रथम रूप भगवाना॥

Gannayak Gun Gyan Nidhana | Pujit Pratham Rup Bhagvana ||

He will be the leader of the ganas, a treasure of virtue and knowledge, worshipped first as the Lord.

अस कहि अन्तर्धान रूप ह्वै। पलना पर बालक स्वरूप ह्वै॥

As Kahi Antardhan Rup Hvai | Palna Par Balak Svarup Hvai ||

Saying this you vanished and appeared in the cradle as a baby.

बनि शिशु रुदन जबहिं तुम ठाना। लखि मुख सुख नहिं गौरि समाना॥

Bani Shishu Rudan Jabhin Tum Thana | Lakhi Mukh Sukh Nahin Gauri Samana ||

When you began to cry as an infant, Gauri's joy at seeing your face knew no bounds.

सकल मगन सुखमंगल गावहिं। नभ ते सुरन सुमन वर्षावहिं॥

Sakal Magan Sukhamangal Gavahin | Nabh Te Suran Suman Varshavahin ||

Everyone was overjoyed and sang auspicious songs; the gods showered flowers from the sky.

शम्भु उमा बहु दान लुटावहिं। सुर मुनिजन सुत देखन आवहिं॥

Shambhu Uma Bahu Dan Lutavahin | Sur Munijan Sut Dekhan Avahin ||

Shiva and Uma gave away much in charity; gods and sages came to see the son.

लखि अति आनन्द मंगल साजा। देखन भी आये शनि राजा॥

Lakhi Ati Ananda Mangal Saja | Dekhan Bhi Aye Shani Raja ||

Seeing this joyous celebration, Shani Dev too came to see the child.

निज अवगुण गुनि शनि मन माहीं। बालक देखन चाहत नाहीं॥

Nij Avagun Guni Shani Man Mahin | Balak Dekhan Chahat Nahin ||

Thinking of the fault (of his gaze), Shani did not wish to look at the child.

गिरिजा कछु मन भेद बढ़ायो। उत्सव मोर न शनि तुहि भायो॥

Girija Kachhu Man Bhed Badhayo | Utsav Mor Na Shani Tuhi Bhayo ||

Girija felt some doubt and said — O Shani, did you not like my celebration?

कहन लगे शनि मन सकुचाई। का करिहौ शिशु मोहि दिखाई॥

Kahan Lage Shani Man Sakuchai | Ka Karihau Shishu Mohi Dikhai ||

Shani hesitantly said — what will you gain by showing me the child?

नहिं विश्वास उमा उर भयऊ। शनि सों बालक देखन कहायउ॥

Nahin Vishvas Uma Ur Bhayau | Shani Son Balak Dekhan Kahayau ||

Uma did not believe (Shani's words) and asked him to look at the child.

पडतहिं शनि दृग कोण प्रकाशा। बालक सिर उड़ि गयो अकाशा॥

Padathin Shani Drig Kon Prakasha | Balak Sir Udi Gayo Akasha ||

As soon as the corner of Shani's glance fell, the child's head flew off into the sky.

गिरिजा गिरीं विकल ह्वै धरणी। सो दुख दशा गयो नहीं वरणी॥

Girija Girin Vikal Hvai Dharni | So Dukh Dasha Gayo Nahin Varni ||

Girija fell to the ground in anguish; that state of sorrow cannot be described.

हाहाकार मच्यो कैलाशा। शनि कीन्हो लखि सुत को नाशा॥

Hahakar Machyo Kailasha | Shani Kinho Lakhi Sut Ko Nasha ||

There was an uproar on Kailash that Shani's glance had destroyed the son.

तुरत गरुड़ चढ़ि विष्णु सिधाये। काटि चक्र सो गज शिर लाये॥

Turat Garud Chadhi Vishnu Sidhaye | Kati Chakra So Gaj Shir Laye ||

Then Vishnu at once rode on Garuda, cut off an elephant's head with his chakra and brought it.

बालक के धड़ ऊपर धारयो। प्राण मन्त्र पढ़ि शंकर डारयो॥

Balak Ke Dhad Upar Dharayo | Pran Mantra Padhi Shankar Darayo ||

It was placed on the child's body and Shankar breathed life into it with mantras.

नाम गणेश शम्भु तब कीन्हे। प्रथम पूज्य बुद्धि निधि वर दीन्हे॥

Nam Ganesh Shambhu Tab Kinhe | Pratham Pujya Buddhi Nidhi Var Dinhe ||

Then Shambhu named him «Ganesha» and gave him the boon of being first-worshipped and a treasure of wisdom.

बुद्धि परीक्षा जब शिव कीन्हा। पृथ्वी कर प्रदक्षिणा लीन्हा॥

Buddhi Pariksha Jab Shiv Kinha | Prithvi Kar Pradakshina Linha ||

When Shiva tested the (sons') wisdom and asked them to circle the earth,

चले षडानन भरमि भुलाई। रचे बैठि तुम बुद्धि उपाई॥

Chale Shadanan Bharmi Bhulai | Rache Baithi Tum Buddhi Upai ||

Shadanana (Kartikeya) set off travelling, while you, sitting still, devised a plan with your wisdom.

चरण मातु-पितु के धर लीन्हें। तिनके सात प्रदक्षिण कीन्हें॥

Charan Matu-Pitu Ke Dhar Linhen | Tinake Sat Pradakshin Kinhen ||

You held your mother's and father's feet and went around them seven times (parents are the whole world).

धनि गणेश कहि शिव हिय हरष्यो। नभ ते सुरन सुमन बहु बरस्यो॥

Dhani Ganesh Kahi Shiv Hiy Harashyo | Nabh Te Suran Suman Bahu Barasyo ||

Saying «Blessed is Ganesha», Shiva rejoiced and the gods showered many flowers from the sky.

तुम्हरी महिमा बुद्धि बड़ाई। शेष सहसमुख सके न गाई॥

Tumhari Mahima Buddhi Badai | Shesh Sahasmukh Sake Na Gai ||

Even the thousand-mouthed Shesha cannot sing your glory and wisdom.

मैं मतिहीन मलीन दुखारी। करहुं कौन विधि विनय तुम्हारी॥

Main Matihin Malin Dukhari | Karhun Kaun Vidhi Vinay Tumhari ||

I am unwise, impure and sorrowful — how shall I pray to you?

भजत रामसुन्दर प्रभुदासा। जग प्रयाग ककरा दर्वासा॥

Bhajat Ramasundar Prabhudasa | Jag Prayag Kakra Darvasa ||

Your servant Ramsundar (from Kakra-Durvasa near Prayag) sings your praise.

अब प्रभु दया दीन पर कीजै। अपनी भक्ति शक्ति कछु दीजै॥

Ab Prabhu Daya Din Par Kijai | Apani Bhakti Shakti Kachhu Dijai ||

O Lord, now be kind to this humble one and grant me your devotion and some strength.

॥ दोहा ॥ श्री गणेश यह चालीसा, पाठ करै कर ध्यान। नित नव मंगल गृह बसै, लहे जगत सन्मान॥

|| Doha || Shri Ganesh Yah Chalisa, Path Karai Kar Dhyan | Nit Nav Mangal Grih Basai, Lahe Jagat Sanman ||

Whoever recites this Shri Ganesh Chalisa with attention has new auspiciousness at home every day and is honoured in the world.

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

Samvat Apan Sahasra Dash, Rishi Panchmi Dinesh | Puran Chalisa Bhayo, Mangal Murti Ganesh ||

In (the author's) own samvat, on Rishi Panchami, a Sunday, this Chalisa of Mangal-murti Ganesha was completed.

💡 Essence

The Ganesh Chalisa praises Ganesha as remover of obstacles, giver of wisdom and the first to be worshipped; the devotee humbly prays for devotion, strength and auspiciousness at home.

📿 Japa counter (mala of 108)

Tap the button for each repetition; every 108 counts as one mala (your phone vibrates). The count is saved on this device/browser.

📅 Next auspicious days (from our panchang)

28 Oct (Wednesday)
29 Oct (Thursday) — Sankashti Chaturthi
4 Nov (Wednesday)
11 Nov (Wednesday)
13 Nov (Friday) — Vinayaka Chaturthi
18 Nov (Wednesday)

Dates are for Delhi sunrise; see today's panchang for your city.

🪔 How to chant / recite

Time: Morning after bath; before any new work, exam or journey.
Seat & direction: On a red/yellow asana, facing east or north.
Preparation: Offer durva, sindoor and modak/laddoo to Ganesha.
Count: 1 daily; 3 or 11 on Chaturthi.
Along with it: One mala (108) of «Om Gam Ganapataye Namah».
End: Aarti «Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva».

🛕 Puja vidhi (step by step)

🧺 Items needed

Idol/picture of Ganesha
Durva grass (21 knots)
Red/yellow flowers, especially hibiscus
Sindoor, roli, akshata, janeu
Modak or boondi laddoo as bhog
Ghee lamp, incense
Banana/fruits, supari, betel leaf
Shami leaves (if available)

🪷 Procedure

Bathe and wear clean clothes; clean the puja place and spread a fresh cloth on the altar (chowki).
Do achamana (sip water three times) and purify hands and mouth; sit on an asana and calm the mind.
Light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil — by tradition the lamp is kept to the deity's right.
Take water, akshata (unbroken rice) and a flower in the right hand and make the sankalpa — your name, gotra, place, date and the purpose of the puja, spoken or in the mind; then let the water fall to the ground.
First remember Shri Ganesha (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).
Invoke Ganesha; bathe with water (and panchamrit) and offer a clean cloth/mauli.
Apply sindoor-roli tilak, offer akshata, janeu, flowers and 21 durva — durva is considered very dear to Ganesha.
Offer modak/laddoo, then chant «Om Gam Ganapataye Namah» or recite Ganesh Chalisa / Atharvashirsha.
Sing «Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva».
Finally perform aarti, offer pushpanjali (flowers) and do parikrama (or turn around in your place).
Ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja, distribute the prasad and take it yourself.

⚠️ Rules & precautions

Tulsi is traditionally not offered in Ganesha puja (except on one day of Ganesh Chaturthi).
Seeing the moon on the night of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi is avoided.
Remember Ganesha before every auspicious work, puja and journey.
Wednesday and both Chaturthis (Vinayaka and Sankashti) are special for Ganesha.

📜 Story / origin

According to the Chalisa, Shani's glance severed baby Ganesha's head; Vishnu brought an elephant's head and Shiva joined it and gave life — so he is called «Gajanan» and the first-worshipped. (The Puranas also tell another story — the fight with Shiva at the door.)

The test of wisdom: Kartikeya set out to circle the earth, while Ganesha circled his parents seven times, saying they were his world — and won by this wisdom.

🌟 Benefits (as per tradition)

A prayer for removing obstacles at the start of every work.
Popular with students for wisdom and concentration.
A prayer for happiness, auspiciousness and honour at home.

These are traditional beliefs described in scriptures; results are understood to depend on faith, discipline and one's own actions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When should the Ganesh Chalisa be recited?

Wednesdays, both Chaturthis (Vinayaka and Sankashti), the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi and before every auspicious work.

Why is tulsi not offered to Ganesha?

According to a story (tulsi's curse/episode), tulsi is avoided in Ganesha puja; durva grass is dear to him.

How many durva should be offered?

Traditionally 21 durva (or 21 knots) are considered auspicious.

🪔 Ganesh Aarti (Jai Ganesh Deva) · 🪐 Budh (Mercury) Mantra · 🪐 Ketu Mantra · 🪔 Find your planet/deity from your kundali · 🧙 Ask an astrologer · 🕉 All mantras & aartis · 🇮🇳 हिन्दी में पढ़ें

Note: recite with devotion and correct pronunciation; for special anushthans take guidance from a learned acharya.

Other Mantras and Aarti

📿 Hanuman Chalisa 📿 Shiv Chalisa 📿 Durga Chalisa 📿 Lakshmi Chalisa 📿 Shani Chalisa 📿 Krishna Chalisa 📿 Ram Chalisa 🕉 Gayatri Mantra 🕉 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 🪔 Ganesh Aarti (Jai Ganesh Deva)🪔 Shiv Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara)🪔 Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata)🪔 Durga Aarti (Jai Ambe Gauri)🪔 Hanuman Aarti (Aarti Kijai Hanuman Lala Ki)🕉 Om Namah Shivaya

More on this topic

Mantra, Aarti & Chalisa Vrat & Festivals Dream dictionary Hindu Calendar Shubh Muhurat Today's Panchang Today's Horoscope Today's Panchang Free Kundali Kundali Matching