वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय — गणेश श्लोक — Word-by-Word Meaning
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय — गणेश श्लोक
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वक्रतुण्ड
Vakratunda
Curved trunk
महाकाय
Mahakaya
Massive body
सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Brilliance equal to a billion suns
निर्विघ्नं
Nirvighnam
Free from obstacles
कुरु मे देव
Kuru Me Deva
Make for me, O God
सर्वकार्येषु
Sarvakaryeshu
In all endeavors
सर्वदा
Sarvada
Always
शुक्लाम्बरधरं
Shuklambaradharam
Wearing white garments
शशिवर्णं
Shashivarnam
Moon-colored/complexioned
चतुर्भुजम्
Chaturbhujam
Four-armed
प्रसन्नवदनं
Prasannavadanam
With a cheerful/pleasant face
सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये
Sarvavighnopashantaye
For the pacification of all obstacles
अगजानन
Agajanana
Son of the mountain's daughter (Parvati)
एकदन्तं
Ekadantam
Single-tusked one
उपास्महे
Upasmahe
We worship
Complete Translation
O Lord Ganesha of curved trunk and massive body, whose brilliance equals a billion suns — remove all obstacles from my endeavors, always.
Meditate on the one wearing white garments, all-pervading, moon-complexioned, four-armed, with a pleasant face — for the pacification of all obstacles.
We worship the elephant-faced one, son of Parvati, day and night. He who has many tusks for devotees but is the single-tusked one — we worship him.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit devotional verse (found across multiple texts)
Author: Ancient tradition
Period: Ancient
This shloka is so ancient and universal that its specific origin is impossible to trace — it appears in multiple Puranas and devotional texts. The 'Vakratunda Mahakaya' verse is the quintessential Ganesha invocation, encoding his complete form (curved trunk, massive body, solar brilliance) and his primary function (obstacle removal) in just 2 lines. It is the most memorized Sanskrit verse in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vakratunda Mahakaya so popular?▼
It is the shortest, most universal Ganesha prayer — just one shloka that directly asks for obstacle removal in ALL endeavors, ALWAYS. Every Hindu knows it. It is chanted before exams, weddings, business deals, journeys, and any new venture.
Why chant Ganesha first?▼
Lord Shiva declared that Ganesha must be worshipped before all other gods. This is because Ganesha is Vighnaharta — the remover of obstacles. Starting any activity with his invocation ensures a smooth, obstacle-free path.
Can children chant this?▼
This is typically the FIRST shloka taught to Hindu children. Its simplicity (just 2 lines) and universal applicability make it perfect for children. Many schools in India begin the day with this shloka.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →