Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam: The Five Jewels of Lord Ganesha
Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam is not just a hymn; it is a heartfelt prayer that reverberates with divine vibrations, bringing peace and removing obstacles from the lives of those who chant it. Composed by the revered Adi Shankaracharya, this stotra comprises five beautiful verses that depict Lord Ganesha's glory, power, and benevolence.
Who is Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, Vighneshwara, and Ganapati, is one of the most adored deities in Hinduism. He is recognized as an elephant head and revered as the God of wisdom, learning, and overcoming obstacles. His large ears signify a patient listener, his small eyes represent concentration, and his pot-bellied form indicates prosperity and the ability to digest both good and bad.
The Significance of Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam
Importance in Hinduism
The Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. It is recited to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings and experience his divine presence in one's life. Each verse is like a gem, radiating spiritual energy and invoking wisdom, prosperity, and protection.
Benefits of Reciting Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam
The stotra is believed to:
Grant peace and happiness.
Remove obstacles and challenges.
Bring wisdom and enlightenment.
Enhance health, wealth, and overall prosperity.
Authorship: Sri Adi Shankaracharya
A Brief Introduction to Adi Shankaracharya
Sri Adi Shankaracharya was an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He travelled extensively across India to promote the philosophy of non-dualism and composed numerous hymns, commentaries, and stotras that are revered today.
His Contribution to Hindu Philosophy
Adi Shankaracharya's works emphasized the unity of the soul (Atman) and the supreme consciousness (Brahman). His teachings guide individuals on the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and righteousness (Karma Yoga).
The Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam is a revered stotra composed by the great philosopher and saint, Sri Adi Shankaracharya, in praise of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. Comprising five verses, or "five jewels," this stotra vividly describes the divine qualities and attributes of Lord Ganesha.
Detailed Explanation of Each Verse of Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam
Mudakaratta Modakam
mudākarātta mōdakaṃ sadā vimukti sādhakam ।
kaḻādharāvataṃsakaṃ vilāsilōka rakṣakam ।
anāyakaika nāyakaṃ vināśitēbha daityakam ।
natāśubhāśu nāśakaṃ namāmi taṃ vināyakam ॥ 1 ॥
I respect Lord Vinayaka, the deity who gladly grasps the delectable modaka in his hand and perpetually bestows salvation onto his worshippers.
The individual is adorned with the moon as an embellishment and the guardian of all realms.
The individual assumes the role of a mentor or leader for individuals who are impoverished or in need and eradicates malevolent entities.
I humbly pay my respects to Vinaya, the deity who eliminates unfavourable and unfavourable elements from our existence.
This verse describes Lord Ganesha as the one who joyfully holds the sweet modaka in his hand and grants salvation to his devotees. He wears the moon as an ornament and protects all worlds. He is the guide for the destitute and the destroyer of demons.
Natetarati Bhikaram
natētarāti bhīkaraṃ navōditārka bhāsvaram ।
namatsurāri nirjaraṃ natādhikāpadudḍharam ।
surēśvaraṃ nidhīśvaraṃ gajēśvaraṃ gaṇēśvaram ।
mahēśvaraṃ tamāśrayē parātparaṃ nirantaram ॥ 2 ॥
I pay my respects to the deity Ganesha, who instils fear in those who are dishonest and arrogant and whose radiance is as bright as the sun at dawn.
I humbly pray for the divine force that defeats the adversaries of the deities and liberates and elevates its devotees from hindrances.
O' Ganesha is the revered deity who holds the highest position among the gods, the embodiment of prosperity, the divine being with the unique elephant visage, and the esteemed commander of the celestial retinue.
The one who possesses immense knowledge and wisdom and consistently provides support and guidance to those who seek his help.
Here, Ganesha is described as instilling fear in dishonest and arrogant people. Like a rising sun, he shines brightly and destroys the enemies of the gods, freeing his devotees from obstacles.
Samasta Loka Shankaram
samasta lōka śaṅkaraṃ nirasta daitya kuñjaram ।
darētarōdaraṃ varaṃ varēbha vaktramakṣaram ।
kṛpākaraṃ kṣamākaraṃ mudākaraṃ yaśaskaram ।
manaskaraṃ namaskṛtāṃ namaskarōmi bhāsvaram ॥ 3 ॥
I bow down to Ganesha, the sun god who makes all worlds happy and who kills monsters that look like musth elephants.
A person with a prominent stomach has a lot of room and money. Who bestows great gifts and the elephant-faced God.
The God of happiness and praise for those who follow him. The one who showers kindness and forgives mistakes.
The one who thinks good things about the devotee. I bow down to you, god, with a beautiful body.
Ganesha is the auspicious one who blesses all worlds. He destroys demons and bestows boons on his devotees, his symbolized face and enormous belly.
Akinchanarti Marjanam
akiñchanārti mārjanaṃ chirantanōkti bhājanam ।
purāri pūrva nandanaṃ surāri garva charvaṇam ।
prapañcha nāśa bhīṣaṇaṃ dhanañjayādi bhūṣaṇam ।
kapōla dānavāraṇaṃ bhajē purāṇa vāraṇam ॥ 4 ॥
I pay my respects to the divine Ganesh, who alleviates the hardships of those in need and is revered in the timeless scriptures and teachings.
The eldest son of Shiva, the one who destroyed Tripura and shattered the pride of the demons.
The individual who harnesses their abilities during the grand dissolution (Pralaya), adorned with deities such as Agni as their embellishments.
I am in awe of the one whose cheeks exude an aura of elegance, much like the majestic elephant. You, the deity with the head of an ancient elephant, hold a special place in my heart.
This verse highlights Ganesha's role in removing the sufferings of the helpless and his presence in ancient texts. He is the elder son of Shiva, the destroyer of pride, and the protector of his devotees.
Nitanta Kanti Dantakanti
nitānta kānti danta kānti manta kānti kātmajam ।
achintya rūpamanta hīna mantarāya kṛntanam ।
hṛdantarē nirantaraṃ vasantamēva yōginām ।
tamēkadantamēva taṃ vichintayāmi santatam ॥ 5 ॥
The individual who possesses radiant tusks and is the offspring of the deity (Shiva) responsible for the demise of Yama.
The individual whose true essence was beyond comprehension, the everlasting being, the eliminator of hindrances.
The deity perpetually resides within the hearts of yogis.
I deeply contemplate the divine being characterized by a solitary tusk and renowned for its ability to eliminate hindrances.
In this verse, Ganesha is depicted as radiant with a glittering tusk. His form is unimaginable, eternal, and ever-present in the hearts of yogis.
Each verse portrays different aspects of Ganesha's benevolence and power: from his compassionate nature and his role as the guide and protector of the devout, to his ability to dispel darkness, fear, and ignorance. The hymn emphasizes Ganesha's grace, his destruction of evil and pride, and his granting of boons like health, wealth, and spiritual wisdom. The verses also highlight his divine form, adorned with sacred symbols like the crescent moon and modaka, and his unique qualities that bless the universe with peace and prosperity.
Phalashruti: The Fruits of Reciting the Stotra
mahāgaṇēśa pañcharatnamādarēṇa yō'nvaham ।
prajalpati prabhātakē hṛdi smaran gaṇēśvaram ।
arōgatāmadōṣatāṃ susāhitīṃ suputratām ।
samāhitāyu raṣṭabhūti mabhyupaiti sō'chirāt ॥
Those who diligently read Maha Ganesha pancharatnam daily and recite it in the morning with God Ganesha in their hearts will receive blessings of good health, moral purity, proficiency, and education. They will also be blessed with virtuous children and a fulfilling life enriched with all eight forms of wealth (Asthaiwaryas).
The concluding part of the stotra, known as Phalashruti, describes the benefits of reciting the Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam. It promises good health, wisdom, prosperity, virtuous children, and overall well-being to those who chant it with devotion.
The final verse reveals the phalashruti (benefits) of reciting this stotra, stating that those who chant it with devotion and a pure heart are blessed with a life free from ailments, enriched with knowledge, skill, and spiritual fulfillment, and endowed with prosperity and divine grace. The Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam serves as a powerful prayer for seekers who wish to invoke Lord Ganesha's blessings and remove obstacles from their spiritual and worldly journeys.
Understanding the Symbolism in Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam
The Symbol of Modaka
The modaka symbolizes sweet rewards and a pure and devoted heart. It is said to represent the fruits of spiritual practice.
The Elephant Head
Ganesha's elephant head symbolizes strength and the ability to discern truth from illusion.
The Spiritual Benefits of Reciting the Stotra
Attainment of Peace and Prosperity
Regular recitation brings mental peace, clarity, and a prosperous life without unnecessary hurdles.
Removal of Obstacles and Negative Energies
Lord Ganesha, known as Vighneshwara, removes negative energies and barriers from the lives of his devotees.
The Eternal Blessings of Lord Ganesha
Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam is more than a hymn; it is a path to divine wisdom, peace, and prosperity. One can invoke Lord Ganesha's blessings and transform life meaningfully by chanting it daily with devotion.
FAQs
What is Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam? It is a five-stanza hymn by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Ganesha's grace.
Who composed Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam?The great philosopher and theologian Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
What are the benefits of reciting Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam? It brings good health, wealth, wisdom, and removing obstacles.
When should one recite Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam? It is ideally recited in the early morning after taking a bath.
Can non-Hindus recite Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam? Yes, anyone who seeks wisdom, peace, and prosperity can recite it with devotion.
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