विघ्नेश्वराय वरदाय — Word-by-Word Meaning
विघ्नेश्वराय वरदाय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
विघ्नेश्वराय
Vighneshvaraya
To the lord of obstacles (Vighneshwara) — who controls and removes all obstacles
वरदाय
varadaya
To the giver of boons
सुरप्रियाय
surapriyaya
To the one dear to the gods (suras)
लम्बोदराय
lambodaraya
To the large-bellied one (Lambodara)
सकलाय
sakalaya
To the complete / all-pervading one (in whom all is contained)
जगद्धिताय
jagaddhitaya
To the one devoted to the welfare of the world (jagat-hita)
नागाननाय
nagananaya
To the elephant-faced one (naga = elephant; anana = face)
श्रुतियज्ञविभूषिताय
shrutiyajna-vibhushitaya
To the one adorned by the Vedas (shruti) and the sacrifices (yajna)
गौरीसुताय
gaurisutaya
To the son of Gauri (Parvati)
गणनाथ
gananatha
O Lord of the ganas (Gananatha)
नमो नमस्ते
namo namaste
Salutations, salutations to you again and again
Complete Translation
हे गणनाथ, आपको बार-बार प्रणाम — विघ्नों के स्वामी विघ्नेश्वर, वरदाता, देवप्रिय; लम्बोदर, सकल (सर्वव्यापी), सदा जगत के कल्याण में रत; गजमुख, वेद एवं यज्ञों से विभूषित, गौरी (पार्वती) के पुत्र को। हे गणनाथ, मैं आपको बार-बार नमस्कार करता हूँ।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit dhyana/salutation verse to Ganesha
Author: Unknown (traditional)
Period: Traditional
Vighneshwaraya Varadaya is among the most loved single-verse salutations to Ganesha, recited at the opening of worship beside 'Vakratunda Mahakaya' and 'Shuklambaradharam'. In four flowing lines it threads together the Lord's great epithets — Vighneshwara, Varada, Surapriya, Lambodara, Nagananya, son of Gauri, adorned by Veda and yajna — and culminates in the refrain 'Gananatha namo namaste', a repeated bow to the Lord of the ganas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Vighneshwaraya Varadaya'?▼
It is a single-verse Sanskrit salutation to Lord Ganesha that praises him through a garland of his names — Vighneshwara (lord of obstacles), Varada (boon-giver), Lambodara, the elephant-faced son of Gauri, adorned by the Vedas and sacrifices — and ends 'Gananatha namo namaste', 'O Lord of the ganas, I bow to you again and again.'
What does 'Gananatha namo namaste' mean?▼
It means 'O Lord (Natha) of the ganas, salutations, salutations to you'. The doubled 'namo namaste' expresses repeated, heartfelt reverence, sealing the verse as an act of devotion and surrender to Ganesha.
When should this verse be recited?▼
It is recited in the morning and at the beginning of any worship, study, examination or new venture, as a short prayer to invoke Ganesha's grace, his boons (varada) and the removal of obstacles for an auspicious start.
Why is Ganesha called Vighneshwara and Jagaddhita here?▼
'Vighneshwara' means lord of obstacles — he both places and removes obstacles, guarding the path of the righteous. 'Jagaddhita' means devoted to the welfare of the world, expressing that Ganesha's grace works always for the good of all beings.
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