Mantra.Tips

Ganesh Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line

गणेश चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of Ganesh Chalisa with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

Jump to a verse ▾
  1. Doha 1. Jaya ganapati sadaguna sadana, kavivara badana kripala vighna harana mamgala karana, jaya jaya girijalala
  2. Doha 2. Jaya jaya jaya ganapati ganaraju mamgala bharana karana shubhah kaju
  3. Chaupai 1. Jai gajabadana sadana sukhadata vishva vinayaka buddhi vidhata
  4. Chaupai 2. Vakra tunda shuchi shunda suhavana tilaka tripunda bhala mana bhavana
  5. Chaupai 3. Rajata mani muktana ura mala svarna mukuta shira nayana vishala
  6. Chaupai 4. Pustaka pani kuthara trishulam modaka bhoga sugandhita phulam
  7. Chaupai 5. Sundara pitambara tana sajita charana paduka muni mana rajita
  8. Chaupai 6. Dhani shiva suvana shadanana bhrata gauri lalana vishva-vikhyata
  9. Chaupai 7. Riddhi-siddhi tava chamvara sudhare mushaka vahana sohata dvare
  10. Chaupai 8. Kahau janma shubha katha tumhari ati shuchi pavana mamgalakari
  11. Chaupai 9. Eka samaya giriraja kumari putra hetu tapa kinha bhari
  12. Chaupai 10. Bhayo yajna jaba purna anupa taba pahumchyo tuma dhari dvija rupa
  13. Chaupai 11. Atithi jani ke gauri sukhari bahuvidhi seva kari tumhari
  14. Chaupai 12. Ati prasanna havai tuma vara dinha matu putra hita jo tapa kinha
  15. Chaupai 13. Milahi putra tuhi, buddhi vishala bina garbha dharana yahi kala
  16. Chaupai 14. Gananayaka guna jnana nidhana pujita prathama rupa bhagavana
  17. Chaupai 15. Asa kahi antardhana rupa havai palana para balaka svarupa havai
  18. Chaupai 16. Bani shishu rudana jabahim tuma thana lakhi mukha sukha nahim gauri samana
  19. Chaupai 17. Sakala magana, sukhamamgala gavahim nabha te surana, sumana varshavahim
  20. Chaupai 18. Shambhu, uma, bahudana lutavahim sura munijana, suta dekhana avahim
  21. Chaupai 19. Lakhi ati ananda mamgala saja dekhana bhi aye shani raja
  22. Chaupai 20. Nija avaguna guni shani mana mahim balaka, dekhana chahata nahim
  23. Chaupai 21. Girija kachhu mana bheda badhayo utsava mora, na shani tuhi bhayo
  24. Chaupai 22. Kahata lage shani, mana sakuchai ka karihau, shishu mohi dikhai
  25. Chaupai 23. Nahim vishvasa, uma ura bhayau shani som balaka dekhana kahayau
  26. Chaupai 24. Padatahim shani driga kona prakasha balaka sira uड़i gayo akasha
  27. Chaupai 25. Girija giri vikala havai dharani so duhkha dasha gayo nahim varani
  28. Chaupai 26. Hahakara machyau kailasha shani kinhom lakhi suta ko nasha
  29. Chaupai 27. Turata garuड़ chaढ़i vishnu sidhayo kati chakra so gaja sira laye
  30. Chaupai 28. Balaka ke dhada़ upara dharayo prana mantra paढ़i shamkara darayo
  31. Chaupai 29. Nama ganesha shambhu taba kinhe prathama pujya buddhi nidhi, vara dinhe
  32. Chaupai 30. Buddhi pariksha jaba shiva kinha prithvi kara pradakshina linha
  33. Chaupai 31. Chale shadanana, bharami bhulai rache baitha tuma buddhi upai
  34. Chaupai 32. Charana matu-pitu ke dhara linhem tinake sata pradakshina kinhem
  35. Chaupai 33. Dhani ganesha kahi shiva hiye harashe nabha te surana sumana bahu barase
  36. Chaupai 34. Tumhari mahima buddhi baड़ai shesha sahasamukha sake na gai
  37. Chaupai 35. Maim matihina malina dukhari karahum kauna vidhi vinaya tumhari
  38. Chaupai 36. Bhajata ramasundara prabhudasa jaga prayaga, kakara, durvasa
  39. Chaupai 37. Aba prabhu daya dina para kijai apani shakti bhakti kuchha dijai
  40. Closing Doha. Shri ganesha yaha chalisa, patha karai kara dhyana nita nava mamgala griha basai, lahe jagata sanmana
Doha 1#

Jaya ganapati sadaguna sadana, kavivara badana kripala vighna harana mamgala karana, jaya jaya girijalala

जय गणपति सदगुण सदन, कविवर बदन कृपाल विघ्न हरण मंगल करण, जय जय गिरिजालाल

Jaya ganapati sadaguna sadana, kavivara badana kripala vighna harana mamgala karana, jaya jaya girijalala

MeaningGlory to Ganapati, the abode of virtues, the gracious-faced lord praised by poets; remover of obstacles and doer of all that is auspicious — victory, victory to the son of Girija (Parvati)!

Doha 2#

Jaya jaya jaya ganapati ganaraju mamgala bharana karana shubhah kaju

जय जय जय गणपति गणराजू मंगल भरण करण शुभः काजू

Jaya jaya jaya ganapati ganaraju mamgala bharana karana shubhah kaju

MeaningVictory, victory, victory to Ganapati, king of the ganas; who fills all with auspiciousness and accomplishes every good work.

Chaupai 1#

Jai gajabadana sadana sukhadata vishva vinayaka buddhi vidhata

जै गजबदन सदन सुखदाता विश्व विनायका बुद्धि विधाता

Jai gajabadana sadana sukhadata vishva vinayaka buddhi vidhata

MeaningHail, elephant-faced one, abode and giver of joy; lord of the universe (Vinayaka) and bestower of intellect.

Chaupai 2#

Vakra tunda shuchi shunda suhavana tilaka tripunda bhala mana bhavana

वक्र तुण्ड शुची शुण्ड सुहावना तिलक त्रिपुण्ड भाल मन भावन

Vakra tunda shuchi shunda suhavana tilaka tripunda bhala mana bhavana

MeaningOf curved trunk and bright, lovely tusk; the three-lined tilak on your brow delights the mind.

Chaupai 3#

Rajata mani muktana ura mala svarna mukuta shira nayana vishala

राजत मणि मुक्तन उर माला स्वर्ण मुकुट शिर नयन विशाला

Rajata mani muktana ura mala svarna mukuta shira nayana vishala

MeaningA garland of gems and pearls shines upon your chest; a golden crown upon your head, and large, wide eyes.

Chaupai 4#

Pustaka pani kuthara trishulam modaka bhoga sugandhita phulam

पुस्तक पाणि कुठार त्रिशूलं मोदक भोग सुगन्धित फूलं

Pustaka pani kuthara trishulam modaka bhoga sugandhita phulam

MeaningA book in your hand, the axe and the trident; offerings of modak sweets and fragrant flowers.

Chaupai 5#

Sundara pitambara tana sajita charana paduka muni mana rajita

सुन्दर पीताम्बर तन साजित चरण पादुका मुनि मन राजित

Sundara pitambara tana sajita charana paduka muni mana rajita

MeaningAdorned in beautiful yellow silk; your sandalled feet delight the minds of sages.

Chaupai 6#

Dhani shiva suvana shadanana bhrata gauri lalana vishva-vikhyata

धनि शिव सुवन षडानन भ्राता गौरी लालन विश्व-विख्याता

Dhani shiva suvana shadanana bhrata gauri lalana vishva-vikhyata

MeaningBlessed brother of the six-faced Kartikeya and son of Shiva; darling of Gauri, renowned throughout the world.

Chaupai 7#

Riddhi-siddhi tava chamvara sudhare mushaka vahana sohata dvare

ऋद्धि-सिद्धि तव चंवर सुधारे मुषक वाहन सोहत द्वारे

Riddhi-siddhi tava chamvara sudhare mushaka vahana sohata dvare

MeaningRiddhi and Siddhi wave the royal fan over you; your mouse-mount graces your doorway.

Chaupai 8#

Kahau janma shubha katha tumhari ati shuchi pavana mamgalakari

कहौ जन्म शुभ कथा तुम्हारी अति शुची पावन मंगलकारी

Kahau janma shubha katha tumhari ati shuchi pavana mamgalakari

MeaningNow I tell the auspicious story of your birth — most pure, holy and bestowing every blessing.

Chaupai 9#

Eka samaya giriraja kumari putra hetu tapa kinha bhari

एक समय गिरिराज कुमारी पुत्र हेतु तप कीन्हा भारी

Eka samaya giriraja kumari putra hetu tapa kinha bhari

MeaningOnce the daughter of the mountain-king (Parvati) performed great penance for the sake of a son.

Chaupai 10#

Bhayo yajna jaba purna anupa taba pahumchyo tuma dhari dvija rupa

भयो यज्ञ जब पूर्ण अनूपा तब पहुंच्यो तुम धरी द्विज रूपा

Bhayo yajna jaba purna anupa taba pahumchyo tuma dhari dvija rupa

MeaningWhen that matchless sacrifice was complete, you arrived bearing the form of a brahmin.

Chaupai 11#

Atithi jani ke gauri sukhari bahuvidhi seva kari tumhari

अतिथि जानी के गौरी सुखारी बहुविधि सेवा करी तुम्हारी

Atithi jani ke gauri sukhari bahuvidhi seva kari tumhari

MeaningRecognizing the guest, Gauri rejoiced and served you in every way.

Chaupai 12#

Ati prasanna havai tuma vara dinha matu putra hita jo tapa kinha

अति प्रसन्न हवै तुम वर दीन्हा मातु पुत्र हित जो तप कीन्हा

Ati prasanna havai tuma vara dinha matu putra hita jo tapa kinha

MeaningGreatly pleased, you granted her a boon for the penance she had done to gain a son:

Chaupai 13#

Milahi putra tuhi, buddhi vishala bina garbha dharana yahi kala

मिलहि पुत्र तुहि, बुद्धि विशाला बिना गर्भ धारण यहि काला

Milahi putra tuhi, buddhi vishala bina garbha dharana yahi kala

Meaning“You shall obtain a son of vast intellect — and at this very moment, without bearing a womb.

Chaupai 14#

Gananayaka guna jnana nidhana pujita prathama rupa bhagavana

गणनायक गुण ज्ञान निधाना पूजित प्रथम रूप भगवाना

Gananayaka guna jnana nidhana pujita prathama rupa bhagavana

MeaningHe shall be the lord of the ganas, a treasure-house of virtue and wisdom, worshipped first of all the gods.”

Chaupai 15#

Asa kahi antardhana rupa havai palana para balaka svarupa havai

अस कही अन्तर्धान रूप हवै पालना पर बालक स्वरूप हवै

Asa kahi antardhana rupa havai palana para balaka svarupa havai

MeaningSo saying, the brahmin vanished, and took the form of a child upon the cradle.

Chaupai 16#

Bani shishu rudana jabahim tuma thana lakhi mukha sukha nahim gauri samana

बनि शिशु रुदन जबहिं तुम ठाना लखि मुख सुख नहिं गौरी समाना

Bani shishu rudana jabahim tuma thana lakhi mukha sukha nahim gauri samana

MeaningWhen you as the infant began to cry, no joy equalled Gauri's as she beheld your face.

Chaupai 17#

Sakala magana, sukhamamgala gavahim nabha te surana, sumana varshavahim

सकल मगन, सुखमंगल गावहिं नाभ ते सुरन, सुमन वर्षावहिं

Sakala magana, sukhamamgala gavahim nabha te surana, sumana varshavahim

MeaningAll were absorbed in joy and sang of bliss and blessing; from the sky the gods rained down flowers.

Chaupai 18#

Shambhu, uma, bahudana lutavahim sura munijana, suta dekhana avahim

शम्भु, उमा, बहुदान लुटावहिं सुर मुनिजन, सुत देखन आवहिं

Shambhu, uma, bahudana lutavahim sura munijana, suta dekhana avahim

MeaningShambhu (Shiva) and Uma gave away great gifts in charity; gods and sages came to behold the son.

Chaupai 19#

Lakhi ati ananda mamgala saja dekhana bhi aye shani raja

लखि अति आनन्द मंगल साजा देखन भी आये शनि राजा

Lakhi ati ananda mamgala saja dekhana bhi aye shani raja

MeaningSeeing the great festival of joy and celebration, Shani (Saturn) the king also came to behold him.

Chaupai 20#

Nija avaguna guni shani mana mahim balaka, dekhana chahata nahim

निज अवगुण गुनि शनि मन माहीं बालक, देखन चाहत नाहीं

Nija avaguna guni shani mana mahim balaka, dekhana chahata nahim

MeaningMindful of his own flaw within his heart, Shani did not wish to look upon the child.

Chaupai 21#

Girija kachhu mana bheda badhayo utsava mora, na shani tuhi bhayo

गिरिजा कछु मन भेद बढायो उत्सव मोर, शनि तुही भायो

Girija kachhu mana bheda badhayo utsava mora, na shani tuhi bhayo

MeaningGirija took some offence in her mind: “At my festival has even Shani not been pleased to look upon my son?”

Chaupai 22#

Kahata lage shani, mana sakuchai ka karihau, shishu mohi dikhai

कहत लगे शनि, मन सकुचाई का करिहौ, शिशु मोहि दिखाई

Kahata lage shani, mana sakuchai ka karihau, shishu mohi dikhai

MeaningShani spoke, hesitating in his heart: “What shall happen if I look upon the child?”

Chaupai 23#

Nahim vishvasa, uma ura bhayau shani som balaka dekhana kahayau

नहिं विश्वास, उमा उर भयऊ शनि सों बालक देखन कहयऊ

Nahim vishvasa, uma ura bhayau shani som balaka dekhana kahayau

MeaningNo belief arose in Uma's heart; she bade Shani look upon the boy.

Chaupai 24#

Padatahim shani driga kona prakasha balaka sira uड़i gayo akasha

पदतहिं शनि दृग कोण प्रकाशा बालक सिर उड़ि गयो अकाशा

Padatahim shani driga kona prakasha balaka sira uड़i gayo akasha

MeaningThe instant Shani's sidelong eye cast its ray, the child's head flew off into the sky.

Chaupai 25#

Girija giri vikala havai dharani so duhkha dasha gayo nahim varani

गिरिजा गिरी विकल हवै धरणी सो दुःख दशा गयो नहीं वरणी

Girija giri vikala havai dharani so duhkha dasha gayo nahim varani

MeaningGirija fell to the ground, distraught; that state of sorrow cannot be described.

Chaupai 26#

Hahakara machyau kailasha shani kinhom lakhi suta ko nasha

हाहाकार मच्यौ कैलाशा शनि कीन्हों लखि सुत को नाशा

Hahakara machyau kailasha shani kinhom lakhi suta ko nasha

MeaningAn uproar arose upon Kailasa — it was seen that Shani had caused the son's destruction.

Chaupai 27#

Turata garuड़ chaढ़i vishnu sidhayo kati chakra so gaja sira laye

तुरत गरुड़ चढ़ि विष्णु सिधायो काटी चक्र सो गज सिर लाये

Turata garuड़ chaढ़i vishnu sidhayo kati chakra so gaja sira laye

MeaningAt once Vishnu set off mounted on Garuda; he severed a head with his discus and brought an elephant's head.

Chaupai 28#

Balaka ke dhada़ upara dharayo prana mantra paढ़i shamkara darayo

बालक के धड़ ऊपर धारयो प्राण मन्त्र पढ़ि शंकर डारयो

Balaka ke dhada़ upara dharayo prana mantra paढ़i shamkara darayo

MeaningHe placed it upon the child's torso, and Shankara, reciting the mantra of life, revived him.

Chaupai 29#

Nama ganesha shambhu taba kinhe prathama pujya buddhi nidhi, vara dinhe

नाम गणेश शम्भु तब कीन्हे प्रथम पूज्य बुद्धि निधि, वर दीन्हे

Nama ganesha shambhu taba kinhe prathama pujya buddhi nidhi, vara dinhe

MeaningShambhu then gave him the name Ganesha, and the boon of being worshipped first, a treasure of wisdom.

Chaupai 30#

Buddhi pariksha jaba shiva kinha prithvi kara pradakshina linha

बुद्धि परीक्षा जब शिव कीन्हा पृथ्वी कर प्रदक्षिणा लीन्हा

Buddhi pariksha jaba shiva kinha prithvi kara pradakshina linha

MeaningWhen Shiva tested their intelligence, the brothers were to circle the earth.

Chaupai 31#

Chale shadanana, bharami bhulai rache baitha tuma buddhi upai

चले षडानन, भरमि भुलाई रचे बैठ तुम बुद्धि उपाई

Chale shadanana, bharami bhulai rache baitha tuma buddhi upai

MeaningThe six-faced Kartikeya went wandering, lost in confusion; but you devised a clever plan.

Chaupai 32#

Charana matu-pitu ke dhara linhem tinake sata pradakshina kinhem

चरण मातु-पितु के धर लीन्हें तिनके सात प्रदक्षिण कीन्हें

Charana matu-pitu ke dhara linhem tinake sata pradakshina kinhem

MeaningYou took hold of the feet of your mother and father, and made seven circuits around them.

Chaupai 33#

Dhani ganesha kahi shiva hiye harashe nabha te surana sumana bahu barase

धनि गणेश कही शिव हिये हरषे नभ ते सुरन सुमन बहु बरसे

Dhani ganesha kahi shiva hiye harashe nabha te surana sumana bahu barase

Meaning“Blessed is Ganesha!” said Shiva, his heart delighted; from the sky the gods rained many flowers.

Chaupai 34#

Tumhari mahima buddhi baड़ai shesha sahasamukha sake na gai

तुम्हरी महिमा बुद्धि बड़ाई शेष सहसमुख सके गाई

Tumhari mahima buddhi baड़ai shesha sahasamukha sake na gai

MeaningYour glory and the greatness of your wisdom — even the thousand-mouthed Shesha could not sing them.

Chaupai 35#

Maim matihina malina dukhari karahum kauna vidhi vinaya tumhari

मैं मतिहीन मलीन दुखारी करहूं कौन विधि विनय तुम्हारी

Maim matihina malina dukhari karahum kauna vidhi vinaya tumhari

MeaningI am dull-witted, impure and sorrowful — by what means can I offer you fitting prayer?

Chaupai 36#

Bhajata ramasundara prabhudasa jaga prayaga, kakara, durvasa

भजत रामसुन्दर प्रभुदासा जग प्रयाग, ककरा, दुर्वासा

Bhajata ramasundara prabhudasa jaga prayaga, kakara, durvasa

MeaningRamsundar Prabhudas, of Prayag (Kakra, of the line of Durvasa), worships you.

Chaupai 37#

Aba prabhu daya dina para kijai apani shakti bhakti kuchha dijai

अब प्रभु दया दीना पर कीजै अपनी शक्ति भक्ति कुछ दीजै

Aba prabhu daya dina para kijai apani shakti bhakti kuchha dijai

MeaningNow, O Lord, show mercy upon the lowly; grant me a little of your power and devotion.

Closing Doha#

Shri ganesha yaha chalisa, patha karai kara dhyana nita nava mamgala griha basai, lahe jagata sanmana

श्री गणेश यह चालीसा, पाठ करै कर ध्यान नित नव मंगल गृह बसै, लहे जगत सन्मान

Shri ganesha yaha chalisa, patha karai kara dhyana nita nava mamgala griha basai, lahe jagata sanmana

MeaningWhoever recites this Ganesh Chalisa with a focused mind and meditation — ever-new auspiciousness dwells in his home, and he gains honour in the world.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

गणपति
Ganapati
Lord of the Ganas (celestial hosts)
गणराजू
Ganraju
King of the Ganas
विघ्न हरण
Vighna Haran
Remover of obstacles
गजबदन
Gajbadan
Elephant-faced
विनायक
Vinayak
Supreme leader, remover of obstacles
बुद्धि विधाता
Buddhi Vidhata
Bestower of intelligence
वक्र तुण्ड
Vakra Tunda
Curved trunk
त्रिपुण्ड
Tripund
Three sacred marks on forehead
मोदक
Modak
Sweet dumpling — Ganesha's favorite food
मूषक
Mushak
Mouse — Ganesha's vehicle
पीताम्बर
Pitambar
Yellow garment
गिरिजालाल
Girijalal
Beloved son of Girija (Parvati)
षडानन
Shadanan
Six-faced one (Kartikeya, Ganesha's brother)
ऋद्धि सिद्धि
Riddhi Siddhi
Prosperity and Spiritual Power (Ganesha's consorts)
कुठार
Kuthar
Axe (weapon held by Ganesha)
गणनायक
Gananayak
Leader of the Ganas
गौरी ललन
Gauri Lalan
Darling child of Gauri (Parvati)
शम्भु
Shambhu
Shiva, Ganesha's father
संकट मोचन
Sankat Mochan
Liberator from troubles
मंगल
Mangal
Auspiciousness
सुमन
Suman
Flowers

Origin & History

Source: Hindu devotional tradition (Chalisa literature)

Author: Unknown (folk composition in the Chalisa tradition)

Period: Medieval period

The Ganesh Chalisa draws from multiple Puranic sources for the birth story of Lord Ganesha. The version narrated in this chalisa describes how Parvati performed severe penance for a son, and a divine Brahmin (Ganesha himself in disguise) appeared, blessed her, and then manifested as a baby on a cradle. Other versions from the Shiva Purana describe Parvati creating Ganesha from sandalwood paste. Regardless of the version, all agree that Ganesha is the firstborn son of Shiva and Parvati and holds the supreme position of being worshipped before all other deities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ganesha worshipped before all other gods?
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva declared that Ganesha would be worshipped first before any deity and before any auspicious task. This is why every Hindu ceremony begins with a prayer to Ganesha — the Remover of Obstacles must clear the path before any work can succeed.
What is the best day to recite Ganesh Chalisa?
Wednesday (Budhvar) is Ganesha's day and is considered most auspicious. However, the chalisa can be recited any day, especially before important events, exams, or new beginnings.
What offerings does Ganesha like?
Modak (sweet dumplings) is Ganesha's favorite food. Other offerings include durva grass (sacred grass), red flowers, laddu, coconut, and jaggery. The number 21 is considered sacred — offering 21 modaks or 21 durva grass blades is traditional.
Who wrote the Ganesh Chalisa?
Like most chalisas in the Hindu devotional tradition, the exact author of the Ganesh Chalisa is not definitively known. It follows the 40-verse chaupai format popularized by Goswami Tulsidas in the Hanuman Chalisa.
Can Ganesh Chalisa be recited by students before exams?
Yes, this is one of the most common practices. Ganesha is the god of wisdom and intelligence (Buddhi Vidhata). Students across India recite the Ganesh Chalisa before examinations to invoke clarity, memory, and success.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →