Ganesh Chalisa — Word-by-Word Meaning

Doha: Glory to Ganapati, abode of virtues, gracious poet with a beautiful face. Remover of obstacles, bestower of auspiciousness — glory, glory to the beloved son of Girija (Parvati)! Chaupai: Victory, victory, victory to Ganapati, king of the Ganas! You fill our lives with auspiciousness and accomplish all good tasks. Glory to the elephant-faced one, giver of happiness! You are the supreme Vinayak of the world, the bestower of intelligence. Your curved trunk is pure and beautiful. The triple sacred mark on your forehead enchants the mind. A garland of gems and pearls adorns your chest. A golden crown sits upon your head, and your eyes are wide and compassionate. In your hands you hold a book, an axe, and a trident. You are fond of modak sweets, and your mouse vehicle serves you faithfully. Your beautiful body is adorned with yellow garments. The wooden sandals on your feet delight the minds of sages. Blessed son of Shiva, brother of the six-faced Kartikeya! Darling of Gauri, famous throughout the world! Riddhi and Siddhi wave ceremonial fans for you. Your mouse vehicle looks splendid at the gate. Let me tell the auspicious story of your birth — most pure, sacred, and auspicious. Once, the daughter of the Mountain King (Parvati) performed severe penance for the sake of a son. When the magnificent yajna was complete, you arrived in the form of a Brahmin. Recognizing you as a guest, Gauri was delighted and served you in many ways. Greatly pleased, you granted a boon: the penance the mother performed for a son would bear fruit. A son of vast intelligence would be born to her — this child, without being carried in the womb. Leader of the Ganas, treasure of virtues and knowledge — worshipped first among all forms of God. Saying this, you vanished from sight and appeared as a baby on a cradle. Becoming an infant, you began to cry. Girija celebrated with great joy in her home. Taking the baby in her lap, she kissed him many times with tears of joy in her eyes. Shambhu and Uma distributed lavish gifts. Gods, sages, and people came to see the child. Seeing this great joy, they sang auspicious songs. From the sky, the gods showered flowers. Doha: Victory, victory, victory to Ganapati, the leader of Ganas! You always work for the welfare of the world. O Vishwa Vinayak, the great and mighty God! Your grace liberates us from all troubles.