ganeshaganapatirig-vedavedic-mantra

Gananam Tva Ganapatim

गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 11× repetitions·🕐 At the very start of any worship, study, homa or recitation; mornings; Ganesh Chaturthi·📜 Rig Veda, Mandala 2, Sukta 23, Verse 1 (also in later Ganapati liturgy)

Read in your language / script

हिन्दी / देवनागरी తెలుగు தமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡ മലയാളം ગુજરાતી বাংলা ଓଡ଼ିଆ ਪੰਜਾਬੀEnglishසිංහල 𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

Gananam Tva Ganapatim is the opening verse of Rig Veda 2.23.1, the most ancient and sacred invocation of Ganapati — the Lord of the ganas — addressed here as Brahmanaspati, the lord of the sacred word and prayer. It hails him as the seer among seers, of incomparable glory, and invites him to hear our prayers and take his seat among us with his blessings. As the earliest Vedic praise of Ganapati, it is chanted at the very start of worship, study and every auspicious beginning.

Origin & Story

Rig Veda, Mandala 2, Sukta 23, Verse 1 (also in later Ganapati liturgy) · Rishi Gritsamada (Vedic seer of the second Mandala) · 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.

✦ As told in scripture

Tradition holds that no Vedic rite begins auspiciously without first invoking Ganapati through this verse; chanted with faith at the threshold of any undertaking, it is said to clear the path of obstacles and seat the Lord of wisdom himself in the heart of the worshipper.

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The Mantra

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Om gananam tva ganapatim havamahe Kavim kavinam upamashravastamam Jyeshtharajam brahmanam brahmanaspata A nah shrinvann utibhih sida sadanam

Meaning: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).

Word-by-Word Meaning

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Gananam🔊Of the ganas (the hosts, groups, and all beings)

tva🔊You

ganapatim🔊The lord of the ganas (Ganapati)

havamahe🔊We invoke / we call upon (with offerings)

kavim🔊The seer, the wise poet

kavinam🔊Of (among all) the seers and sages

upamashravastamam🔊Most renowned, of incomparable fame / supreme in glory

jyeshtharajam🔊The eldest, the foremost king / ruler

brahmanam🔊Of the prayers / of the knowers of the sacred word

brahmanaspate🔊O Brahmanaspati — lord of the sacred word (mantra) and prayer

a nah🔊Unto us

shrinvan🔊Hearing (our prayers)

utibhih🔊With (your) protections / helps / blessings

sida sadanam🔊Take your seat (in the place of worship / in our hearts)

Benefits of Chanting गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे

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The most ancient Vedic invocation of Ganapati — chanted to begin worship, study and any auspicious work

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Invokes wisdom and the sacred word (Brahman), praising the Lord as the seer among seers

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Calls upon Ganapati / Brahmanaspati for protection (uti) and blessing

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Believed to remove obstacles and bring success when chanted at the start of an undertaking

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A foundational mantra used to install and invoke Ganesha in puja and homa (fire-worship)

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Steadies and elevates the mind, attuning it to the Vedic vibration before learning or prayer

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Suitable for daily japa and as an opening to Vedic recitation

How to Chant गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे

Repetitions11times

Best TimeAt the very start of any worship, study, homa or recitation; mornings; Ganesh Chaturthi

Begin with 'Om' and recite the verse clearly with correct pronunciation, ideally having bathed and seated facing east or the deity. It is chanted at the opening of puja and homa to invoke Ganapati, and may be repeated 3, 11 or 108 times as japa. Many recite it before beginning Vedic study, important work, examinations or a journey for an auspicious, obstacle-free start.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.

Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.

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.

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.

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.

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.