Shuklambaradharam Vishnum
शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं in English · English
Origin & Story
Traditional invocation (dhyana) shloka · Traditional · Classical
This beloved verse is the universal 'mangalacharana' — the opening invocation chanted before any worship or auspicious act to clear away obstacles. Describing the Lord as robed in white, fair as the moon, four-armed and serene of face, it is recited the world over before puja, study and new beginnings, most often as the dhyana of Lord Ganesha, Vighneshwara, the remover of all impediments.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that a task begun with this verse, sincerely chanted, proceeds free of obstacles — for the serene Lord it invokes is the very stiller of every vighna.
The Mantra
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Shuklambaradharam vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam Prasannavadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopashantaye
Meaning:I meditate on the Lord robed in white, the all-pervading, moon-hued and four-armed, with a serene and gracious face — for the stilling of all obstacles.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं
The universal invocation recited at the very beginning of any worship, study, or auspicious undertaking to remove all obstacles (vighna).
Though it says 'Vishnu' (the all-pervading), it is most often offered to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, as the opening dhyana of a puja.
Calms the mind and consecrates the start of any task — chanted before exams, journeys, new work and recitations.
Among the first Sanskrit verses taught to children, easy to memorise and chant daily.
Believed to clear the path of impediments and bring a serene, auspicious beginning.
How to Chant शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं
Recite at the very beginning of worship or any important task, with folded hands and a calm mind, picturing the serene four-armed Lord — to remove all obstacles and bless the undertaking. Repeat three times.
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Read the full शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts