Learning About Ganesh From My Ancestors
In our house growing up, we gathered for aarti (a Vedic/Yogic ritual with sacred songs, prayer, and offerings) every evening at our family altar. One of the aartis we sang was the Ganesh aarti. The way our mother taught us this aarti was through repetition – and by putting us on the spot to sing a solo – she would correct us along the way. (Sometimes it felt like punishment to be singled out, lol.) Now when I look back, my heart warms at the seeds planted by our parents and grand parents, now our ancestors. A great love and respect washes over me, and my eyes well with so much gratitude. It is truly a blessing to carry these lines forward.
On September 16 we will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi – the 10-day Vedic/Yogic festival that honours Ganesh on his birthday amid New Moon.
Ganesh is the remover of obstacles, clearer of the path – and he is invoked during new beginnings. He supports us to clear away old belief systems and patterns, and helps us to face our fears – bringing us back to connection, love, unity, and the bliss of our true nature.
Ganesh is also the power of wisdom, bestower of fulfillment, prosperity, inner peace, and protection against adversity.
Have a listen to the full Ganesh aarti above.
Below is the Ganesh aarti in original Sanskrit Devanāgarī script, including transliteration to help you pronounce it. Below that is an English translation to deepen both your understanding of this aarti, as well as your connection to Ganesh.
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती, पिता महादेवा ॥
एक दंत दयावंत, चार भुजाधारी ।
माथे पर तिलक सोहे, मूसे की सवारी ॥
पान चड़ें, फूल चड़ें और चड़ें मेवा ।
लडुअन को भोग लगे, संत करे सेवा ॥
अंधें को आँख देत, कोड़िन को काया ।
बांझन को पुत्र देत, निर्धन को माया ॥
सूरश्याम शारण आए सफल कीजे सेवा |
माता जाकी पार्वती, पिता महादेवा ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh Devaa |
Maataa Jaakii Paarvatii, Pitaa Mahaadevaa ||
Ek Dant Dayaavant, Caar Bhujaadhaarii |
Maathe Par Tilak Sohe, Muuse Kii Savaarii ||
Paan Caddhe, Phuul Caddhe Aur Caddhe Mewa |
Ladduan Ko Bhog Lage, Sant Kare Sevaa ||
Andhe Ko Aankh Det, Koddhin Ko Kaayaa |
Baanjhan Ko Putra Det, Nirdhan Ko Maayaa ||
Suurashyaam Shaarann Aae Saphal Kiije Sevaa |
Maataa Jaakii Paarvatii, Pitaa Mahaadevaa ||
Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh Devaa ||
Victory to You, O Ganesh, Victory to You, O Ganesh, Victory to You, O Ganesh Deva.
You are born of Mother Parvati and Shiva is your father.
You have a single tusk, You are filled with compassion and You have four hands.
You have a beautiful vermillion mark on Your forehead, And You ride on Your vahana (carrier) which is in the form of a mouse.
Devotees offer you paan (betel leaves), flowers, mewa (dry fruits),
And sweets in the form of laddus; Saints offer devotional services to You.
You bestow vision to the blind, and heal the leper.
You bestow children to the barren woman, and wealth to the destitute.
We pray to you day and night. Please bestow prosperity on us.
You are born of Mother Parvati and Shiva is your father.
Victory to You, O Ganesh, Victory to You, O Ganesh, Victory to You, O Ganesh Deva.
Sit at your lit altar; drop in with a deep inhalation through the nose, followed by a slow elongated exhalation through slightly parted lips (repeat that two more times). Then hold your prayer/intention and a sense of gratitude – at your heart centre. Envision the splendour of Ganesh. Tune into this aarti, let it permeate all your cells, and infuse your whole Being. And then be open to Ganesh’s blessings.
COME CELEBRATE WITH US AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW GANESH CAN SUPPORT YOU at Clearing the Path: A Ganesh Half Day Retreat on September 16 on Vancouver Island. This will be a gathering of traditional yogic practice, workshop, storytelling and ceremony – in a natural setting. A Traditional Indian lunch will be served, and there will be an optional swim afterward in the on site pool (weather dependent). Walking trails and a river are nearby. This will make a beautiful day trip to be in sacred community amid a nature setting!
All are welcome.
For full retreat details and registration
please click here.