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Sukhkarta Dukhharta — Ganesh Aarti — Word-by-Word Meaning

सुखकर्ता दुखहर्ता — गणेश आरती

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

Word-by-Word Breakdown

सुखकर्ता
Sukhkarta
Bestower of happiness
दुखहर्ता
Dukhharta
Remover of sorrows
विघ्नाची
Vighnachi
Of obstacles (he who deals with them)
शेंदुराची
Shendurachi
Of sindoor/vermillion (Ganesh is anointed with it)
मुक्ताफळाची
Muktaphalachi
Of pearls (his necklace)
मंगलमूर्ती
Mangalmurti
Embodiment of auspiciousness
मनकामना
Mankamana
Heart's desire, wish
गौरीकुमरा
Gaurikumara
Son of Gauri (Parvati)
कुंकुमकेशरा
Kumkumkeshara
Saffron and kumkum
लंबोदर
Lambodar
Large-bellied one (Ganesh)
पीतांबर
Pitambar
Wearing yellow garments
वक्रतुंड
Vakratunda
Curved trunk
त्रिनयना
Trinayana
Three-eyed
संकटी पावावे
Sankati Pavave
Come to us in times of trouble
सुरवरवंदना
Survar Vandana
Worshipped by the best of gods

Complete Translation

He who bestows happiness and removes sorrows, who deals with all obstacles. He is filled with the love and grace of the victorious one. His entire beautiful body is anointed with sindoor. A pearl necklace shines on his neck. Victory to the Lord, victory to the embodiment of auspiciousness! By merely seeing him, all heart's desires are fulfilled. Victory to the Lord! O son of Gauri, your throne is studded with gems. You are anointed with sandalwood paste, kumkum and saffron. A diamond-studded crown adorns you beautifully. Anklets jingle on your feet. Victory to the Lord, victory to the embodiment of auspiciousness! By merely seeing him, all heart's desires are fulfilled. Victory to the Lord! Large-bellied, wearing yellow garments, bound by the king of serpents. With a straight trunk and curved trunk, three-eyed one. O servant of Ram, your devotees await you at home. Come to us in times of trouble, protect us in our final hour, O one worshipped by the gods. Victory to the Lord, victory to the embodiment of auspiciousness! By merely seeing him, all heart's desires are fulfilled. Victory to the Lord!

Origin & History

Source: Composed by Sant Ramdas

Author: Samarth Ramdas

Period: 17th century CE

Sant Ramdas (1608-1681), the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, composed this aarti as part of his devotional literature in Marathi. It captures the essence of Ganesh worship in simple, powerful Marathi verse. The aarti became synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, especially after Lokmanya Tilak popularized public Ganesh festivals in 1893 as a way to build community spirit during the independence movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What language is Sukhkarta Dukhharta in?
It is in Marathi, composed by Sant Ramdas (17th century). It is the most popular Ganesh aarti in Maharashtra and has become widely sung across all of India during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Who composed this Ganesh aarti?
It is attributed to Sant Ramdas (Samarth Ramdas), the 17th-century Marathi saint who was the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
When is this aarti sung?
During every Ganesh Chaturthi celebration (August-September), daily evening puja in Ganesh temples, and during any worship of Lord Ganesha. It is especially powerful during the immersion (visarjan) ceremony.

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