अष्टकम् · Ganesha
Ganesh Ashtakam
गणेश अष्टकम्
The Ganesh Ashtakam is a traditional Sanskrit hymn of eight stanzas that praises Lord Ganesha — the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati — in his many beloved aspects. The hymn extols his large belly (Lambodara), the broken tusk (Ekadanta) that he used as a pen to write the Mahabharata, the Modaka sweet he holds in his hand, and his role as Vighnaharta (the remover of all obstacles). Because Ganesha is worshipped first before any undertaking, this ashtakam is traditionally recited at the beginning of all pujas and on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Sanskrit · 8 shlokas
Frequently Asked Questions about Ganesh Ashtakam
What is the difference between Ganesh Ashtakam and Ganesh Chalisa?
The Ganesh Ashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn of 8 shlokas, concise and suitable for daily recitation, typically composed in classical Sanskrit meters. The Ganesh Chalisa is a longer Hindi composition of 40 chaupais (four-line verses) plus dohas, written in a more accessible vernacular style. Both praise Ganesha, but the Chalisa narrates more stories and attributes in detail.
Why is Ganesha always worshipped first before other deities?
Ganesha is worshipped first (Prathamam Vanditam) because he is the lord of beginnings and the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). According to tradition, Shiva and Parvati declared that Ganesha must be propitiated at the start of any auspicious undertaking — a puja, wedding, journey, business, or ritual — to ensure its successful and unobstructed completion.
What is the significance of Ganesha's broken tusk (Ekadanta)?
Ganesha is called Ekadanta ("one-tusked") because one of his tusks is broken. According to the Mahabharata, Ganesha broke off his own tusk to use as a pen to write down the epic as dictated by sage Vyasa — symbolising the sacrifice of part of oneself in the pursuit of preserving divine knowledge. The broken tusk also represents the acceptance of both wholeness and imperfection.
What is the Modaka and why is it Ganesha's favourite?
Modaka (मोदक) is a sweet dumpling made of rice flour filled with jaggery and coconut, considered Lord Ganesha's favourite food. The word Modaka means "that which bestows bliss" (moda = joy, ka = giver). It symbolises the sweetness of spiritual knowledge. In the ashtakam, Ganesha is called Modakapriya (lover of Modaka).
When is Ganesh Chaturthi and how should this Ashtakam be recited?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The 10-day Ganeshotsav festival culminates in Ganesh Visarjan. The Ganesh Ashtakam should be recited each morning and evening during these 10 days, ideally after offering Modaka and red flowers to a clay idol of Ganesha.