Gajananam Bhuta Ganadi Sevitam — Word-by-Word Meaning
गजाननं भूतगणादिसेवितं
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
गजाननं भूतगणादिसेवितं
Gajananam bhutaganadisevitam
The elephant-faced one, served by the hosts of bhutas (and ganas)
कपित्थजम्बूफलचारुभक्षणम्
Kapittha-jambu-phala-charu-bhakshanam
who delights in eating the wood-apple (kapittha) and jambu (rose-apple) fruits
उमासुतं शोकविनाशकारणम्
Umasutam shokavinashakaranam
the son of Uma (Parvati), the cause of the destruction of sorrow
नमामि विघ्नेश्वरपादपङ्कजम्
Namami vighneshwarapadapankajam
I bow to the lotus feet of that Vighneshwara (Lord of obstacles)
Complete Translation
I bow to the lotus feet of Vighneshwara — the elephant-faced one served by the hosts of bhutas, who lovingly eats the kapittha and jambu fruits, the son of Uma, the dispeller of sorrow.
Origin & History
Source: Ganesha dhyana shloka (traditional; opens many stotras)
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This is the beloved meditation verse on Lord Ganesha that opens innumerable Ganesha stotras and daily pujas. In four lines it paints the Lord — elephant-faced, served by His ganas, delighting in fruits, son of Uma, destroyer of sorrow — and bows at His feet. By tradition no worship begins without first saluting Vighneshwara, the remover of obstacles, and this verse is among the most cherished ways to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gajananam shloka?▼
It is the dhyana (meditation) verse of Lord Ganesha — 'Gajananam bhuta-ganadi-sevitam…' — describing and saluting the elephant-faced Lord, the son of Uma and remover of sorrow. It opens many Ganesha stotras and pujas.
When is it recited?▼
At the very beginning of worship, before reciting other stotras, and before starting study or any auspicious work — to invoke Ganesha and clear obstacles.
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