Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra — Word-by-Word Meaning
संकटनाशन गणेश स्तोत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
संकटनाशन
Sankat-nashana
'Destroyer of troubles' (sankat) — the stotra that removes all obstacles and difficulties
गौरीपुत्रं
Gauriputram
The son (putra) of Gauri (Parvati) — Lord Ganesha
वक्रतुण्डम्
Vakratundam
The curved-trunked one — the first of the twelve names of Ganesha
त्रिसन्ध्यम्
Trisandhyam
At the three sandhyas — dawn, noon and dusk
सर्वसिद्धिकरम्
Sarva-siddhi-karam
The bestower of all success and accomplishment (siddhi)
Complete Translation
Bowing my head to the Lord Vinayaka, the son of Gauri, the dwelling-place of his devotees, one should remember him always — for long life, the fulfilment of desires, and prosperity.
First Vakratunda (the curved-trunked), and second Ekadanta (the single-tusked); third Krishna-Pingaksha (the dark-tawny-eyed), and fourth Gajavaktra (the elephant-faced).
Fifth Lambodara (the pot-bellied), and sixth indeed Vikata (the formidable); seventh Vighnarajendra (lord of obstacles), and eighth likewise Dhumravarna (the smoke-hued).
Ninth Bhalachandra (moon-on-the-brow), and tenth Vinayaka; eleventh Ganapati, and twelfth Gajanana.
The person who recites these twelve names at the three sandhyas (dawn, noon and dusk) has no fear of any obstacle, O Lord, and it grants him every success.
The seeker of knowledge gains knowledge; the seeker of wealth gains wealth; the one who desires a son gains sons; and the seeker of liberation attains the goal.
One who recites this Ganapati Stotra obtains its fruit within six months, and attains perfection (siddhi) within a year — of this there is no doubt.
One who writes it out and offers it to eight Brahmins gains all knowledge, by the grace of Lord Ganesha.
Origin & History
Source: Narada Purana
Author: Traditional (Narada Purana)
Period: Puranic
The Sankatnashana Ganesha Stotra comes from the Narada Purana, where it is given as a sure means of removing all obstacles. In eight verses it bows to Gauri's son and recites his twelve names, promising that whoever remembers them at the three sandhyas will face no obstacle and gain knowledge, wealth, children and liberation. It is among the most widely recited Ganesha stotras, chanted before any new beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra?▼
It is a short, powerful stotra of Lord Ganesha from the Narada Purana, beginning 'Pranamya Shirasa Devam'. It enshrines the twelve names of Ganesha and is recited to destroy obstacles and troubles (sankat) and to gain success in every endeavour.
What are the twelve names of Ganesha in this stotra?▼
Vakratunda, Ekadanta, Krishnapingaksha, Gajavaktra, Lambodara, Vikata, Vighnarajendra, Dhumravarna, Bhalachandra, Vinayaka, Ganapati and Gajanana. Reciting these twelve names at dawn, noon and dusk is said to banish all fear of obstacles.
What are the benefits of reciting the Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra?▼
Its own phalashruti promises that the student gains knowledge, the seeker of wealth gains wealth, the one desiring children gains them, and the seeker of liberation attains it. Regular recitation removes obstacles and brings success within six months, and siddhi within a year.
When should the Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra be recited?▼
It is best recited at the three sandhyas (dawn, noon and dusk), and especially before beginning any new work, study, journey or venture so that Ganesha removes all obstacles. It is also recited daily and on Wednesdays and Ganesh Chaturthi.
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