Gananam Tva Ganapatim — Word-by-Word Meaning
गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
गणानाम्
Gananam
Of the ganas (the hosts, groups, and all beings)
त्वा
tva
You
गणपतिम्
ganapatim
The lord of the ganas (Ganapati)
हवामहे
havamahe
We invoke / we call upon (with offerings)
कविम्
kavim
The seer, the wise poet
कवीनाम्
kavinam
Of (among all) the seers and sages
उपमश्रवस्तमम्
upamashravastamam
Most renowned, of incomparable fame / supreme in glory
ज्येष्ठराजम्
jyeshtharajam
The eldest, the foremost king / ruler
ब्रह्मणाम्
brahmanam
Of the prayers / of the knowers of the sacred word
ब्रह्मणस्पते
brahmanaspate
O Brahmanaspati — lord of the sacred word (mantra) and prayer
आ नः
a nah
Unto us
शृण्वन्
shrinvan
Hearing (our prayers)
ऊतिभिः
utibhih
With (your) protections / helps / blessings
सीद सादनम्
sida sadanam
Take your seat (in the place of worship / in our hearts)
Complete Translation
Om. We invoke You, Ganapati, the Lord of the ganas (all hosts and beings), the seer among seers, of incomparable renown, the eldest king and Lord of the sacred word — O Brahmanaspati, hearing our prayers, come to us with your protecting blessings and take your seat (in our place of worship and in our hearts).
Origin & History
Source: Rig Veda, Mandala 2, Sukta 23, Verse 1 (also in later Ganapati liturgy)
Author: Rishi Gritsamada (Vedic seer of the second Mandala)
Period: Vedic
This verse opens the 23rd hymn of the second Mandala of the Rig Veda, traditionally ascribed to the seer Gritsamada, and is addressed to Brahmanaspati — the lord of prayer and the sacred word. Because it names 'Ganapatim', the Lord of the ganas, and praises him as the foremost of seers and the eldest king of the sacred word, it became, in all later tradition, the supreme Vedic invocation of Ganesha, chanted to open worship, fire-rituals and study.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Gananam Tva Ganapatim Havamahe'?▼
It is the opening verse of Rig Veda 2.23.1 — the oldest and most sacred Vedic invocation of Ganapati, the Lord of the ganas. It addresses him as Brahmanaspati, lord of the sacred word, praising him as the foremost seer and inviting him to come with his blessings.
Is this mantra to Ganesha or to Brihaspati/Brahmanaspati?▼
In its Vedic context the verse addresses Brahmanaspati (Brihaspati), the lord of prayer and the sacred word. In later and living tradition it is universally recited as the foremost Vedic invocation of Ganapati / Ganesha, since 'Ganapatim' literally names the lord of the ganas. It is honoured in both senses.
When should 'Gananam Tva Ganapatim' be chanted?▼
It is chanted at the very beginning of worship, homa (fire-ritual) and Vedic recitation to invoke Ganapati, and before starting study, important work, examinations or a journey. It may also be repeated as daily japa for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Why is it considered so important?▼
Because it is the earliest scriptural (Vedic) praise of Ganapati, it carries great authority and sanctity. Invoking the Lord of the ganas and of the sacred word at the outset is believed to bless every undertaking with wisdom, protection and an obstacle-free path.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →