The Gajananam Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitam mantra is a beautiful and poetic Sanskrit prayer dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is a Dhyana Shloka, a type of verse meant for meditation, that vividly describes Ganesha's form and his divine qualities.
Mantra and Meaning
The full mantra is:
गजाननं भूतगणादिसेवितं कपित्थजम्बूफलसारभक्षितम्। उमासुतं शोकविनाशकारणं नमामि विघ्नेश्वरपादपङ्कजम्॥
Its transliteration is:
Gajananam Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitam Kapittha Jambu Phalasara Bhakshitam | Umasutam Shoka Vinasha Karanam Namami Vighneshwara Pada Pankajam ||
Here is a breakdown of its meaning:
Gajananam: "Gaja" means elephant, and "ananam" means face. This refers to Ganesha's elephant head.
Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitam: "Bhuta Gana" refers to the celestial attendants of Lord Shiva. "Adhi" means chief or leader, and "sevitam" means served by. This phrase describes Ganesha as the one served by the Shiva Ganas.
Kapittha Jambu Phalasara Bhakshitam: "Kapittha" is a wood apple, and "Jambu" is a rose apple. "Phalasara" means the essence of the fruit, and "bhakshitam" means one who eats. This line describes Ganesha as the one who eats the sweet essence of these fruits.
Umasutam: "Uma" is another name for Goddess Parvati, and "sutam" means son. This identifies Ganesha as the beloved son of Uma.
Shoka Vinasha Karanam: "Shoka" means sorrow or grief, "vinasha" means to destroy, and "karanam" means the cause. This powerful phrase highlights Ganesha's role as the destroyer of all sorrow.
Namami Vighneshwara Pada Pankajam: "Namami" means I bow to, "Vighneshwara" is another name for Ganesha as the Lord of obstacles, "pada" means feet, and "pankajam" means lotus. This concludes the mantra as a humble salutation to the lotus feet of the Lord of obstacles.
Putting it all together, the mantra means: "I bow to the lotus feet of Lord Ganesha, the son of Uma, who is served by the Ganas, who ate the essence of Kapittha and Jambu fruits, and who is the cause of the destruction of all sorrow."
Significance and Benefits
This mantra is widely used and cherished for its profound meaning and benefits:
Removes Sorrow and Obstacles: The primary benefit of chanting this mantra is to seek Ganesha's blessings for a life free from grief, anxiety, and hindrances. It is believed to bring peace and emotional stability.
Aids in Meditation: As a Dhyana Shloka, this mantra helps the chanter visualize the divine form of Ganesha, aiding in deeper meditation and a stronger connection with the deity.
Fosters Devotion: The mantra invokes a sense of love and surrender by praising Ganesha's benevolent qualities and form, strengthening the devotee's faith.
Promotes Overall Well-being: By focusing on the destroyer of sorrow, the mantra helps in overcoming negativity and fosters a positive outlook on life. It is often chanted to bring peace and harmony to oneself and one's surroundings.
This mantra is a beautiful way to offer reverence to Lord Ganesha, acknowledging him as the loving son of Parvati and the ultimate source of solace and success.
