Ganpati Atharvashirsha Path: Best Time, Significance & Benefits

The Ganpati Atharvashirsha is a full spiritual path condensed into a single effective work. It simultaneously operates as: Philosophical treatise that establishes Ganesha as Brahman.A practical guideline for overcoming life's challenges Meditation Guide for Deep Spiritual Practice Mantra text for strong sound transformation.

Ganpati Atharvashirsha path in Sanskrit and English with meaning 

ॐ  भद्रं  कर्णेभिः  शृणुयाम  देवाः ।

भद्रं  पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः ।

स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाग्‍ँसस्तनूभिः ।

व्यशेम देवहितं  यदायूः ।

Om Bhadram Karnebhih Shrinuyama Devah ।

Bhadram Pashyemakshabhiryajatrah ॥

Sthirairangais Tushtuvamsastanubhih ।

Vyashema Devahitam Yadayuh ॥

Meaning: Om, O Gods, may we listen to what is favorable. May we observe what is fortunate and beautiful. Be prayerful and steady in our bodies and minds. Use our life span to serve God.

स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः ।

स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः ।

स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः ।

स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥

ॐ  शान्तिः  शान्तिः  शान्तिः 

ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये ॥१॥

Om Swasti Na Indro Vriddhashravah ।

Swasti Nah Pusha Vishwavedah।

Swasti Nas Tarksyo Arishtanemih ॥

Swasti No Brihaspatirdadhatu ॥

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih ॥

Om namaste Ganpataye.

Meaning: May Indra (of the Vedas) bring us well-being via wisdom. May Pushan (The Sun God, The Nourisher) of immense knowledge offers us Well-Being. May Tarksya (A Mythical Bird) of Great Protective Power (a Thunderbolt to Misfortunes) offers us Well-Being. May Brihaspati (The Guru of the Devas) offer us well-being. Om, Peace, Peace (at the Adibhautika, Adidaivika, and Adyatmika levels).

Om Namaskar to Ganpati.

त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं तत्त्वमसि ।

त्वमेव केवलं कर्ताऽसि ।

त्वमेव केवलं धर्ताऽसि ।

त्वमेव केवलं हर्ताऽसि ।

त्वमेव सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्मासि ।

त्वं साक्षादात्माऽसि नित्यम् ॥२॥

Tvameva Pratyaksham Tatvamasi॥

Tvameva Kevalam Kartasi ।

Tvameva Kevalam Dhartasi॥

Tvameva Kevalam Hartasi।

Tvameva Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmasi॥

Tvam Sakshadatmasi Nityam॥

Meaning: (O Ganapati), it is stated that you are the visible Tattvam, the conscious element that underpins all that exists. "You are the only Creator (Karta), by Whose Strength the Universe itself is Created "You are the only Sustainer (Dharta), by Whose Power the Universe is Sustained" You are the sole destroyer (Harta), whose power dissolves the universe into its conscious essence. it is stated that you are Everything That (the Universe) and the Brahman (who gives consciousness to all). You are the present Atman and the Infinite (deeper Truth).

ऋतं वच्मि । सत्यं वच्मि ॥३॥

Ritam Vachmi। Satyam Vachmi ॥

Meaning: I proclaim the Satyam (Absolute Reality) and the Ritam (Divine Law) (that everything is underpinned by an Absolute Consciousness, which I perceived as Ganapati)

अव पुरस्तात् ।

अव दक्षिणात्तात् ।

अव पश्चात्तात् ।

अवोत्तरात्तात् ।

अव चोर्ध्वात्तात् ।

अवाधरात्तात् ।

सर्वतो मां पाहि पाहि समन्तात् ॥४॥

Ava Tvam Mam। Ava Vaktaram ॥

Ava Shrotaram। Avadataram ॥

Ava Dhataram Avanuchanamavashishyam ॥

Ava Paschatat। Avam Purastat ॥

Avottaratat। Ava Dakshinatat ॥

Avachordhvatat। Avadharatat ॥

Sarvato Mam Pahi Pahi Samantat ॥

Meaning: Guard this Truth from the East (O Ganapati), Guard this Truth from the South (O Ganapati), Guard this Truth from the West (O Ganapati), Guard this Truth from the North (O Ganapati), Guard this Truth from the the highest (O Ganapati), Guard this Truth from the Bottom (O Ganapati),  (Now) Please guard me (O Ganapati) (Protect this Truth I announced) from all sides.

त्वं वाङ्मयस्त्वं चिन्मयः ।

त्वमानन्दमयस्त्वं ब्रह्ममयः ।

त्वं सच्चिदानन्दाऽद्वितीयोऽसि ।

त्वं प्रत्यक्षं ब्रह्मासि ।

त्वं ज्ञानमयो विज्ञानमयोऽसि ॥५॥

Tvam Vangmayastvam Chinmaya।

Tvam Vangmayastvam Brahmamayah॥

Tvam Sachchidananda Dvitiyosi।

Tvam Pratyaksham Brahmasi।

Tvam Gyanmayo Vignyanmayosi॥

Meaning: You embody the essence of Words (Vangmaya) and Consciousness (Chinmaya), the origin of all words. Thus, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have articulated emanates from You. You embody the essence of Bliss (Anandamaya) and Brahman (Brahmamaya), the source of all Bliss. Therefore, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have articulated will bestow Bliss upon all who comprehend it. You are Sacchidananda (Sat-Chit-Ananda) and the singular entity without a counterpart. Consequently, O Ganapati, the Absolute Truth I have articulated will liberate all who realize it into the Greater Consciousness. You are the manifest Brahman, evident as the Universe.

You are Vigyana and of the nature of Gyana (Spiritual Knowledge) (Self-Manifesting inside the Core of our Being as Bliss-Consciousness).

सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तो जायते ।

सर्वं जगदिदं त्वत्तस्तिष्ठति ।

सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि लयमेष्यति ।

सर्वं जगदिदं त्वयि प्रत्येति ।

त्वं भूमिरापोऽनलोऽनिलो नभः ।

त्वं चत्वारि वाक् {परिमिता} पदानि ।

Sarva Jagadidam Tvatto Jayate।

Sarva Jagadidam Tvattastishthati।

Sarva Jagadidam Tvayi Layameshyati॥

Sarva Jagadidam Tvayi Pratyeti॥

Tvam Bhumiraponalo'nilo Nabha॥

Tvam Chatvarivakpadani।।

Meaning: Your power sustains the entire universe, which has manifested (been born) from you. The entire universe will eventually dissolve in you and return to you.

You have appeared as Bhumi (Earth), Apas (Water), Anala (Fire), Anila (Wind), and Nabha (Sky or Space). You are the Four Types of Speech (Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama, and Vaikhari).

त्वं गुणत्रयातीतः ।

त्वं अवस्थात्रयातीतः ।

त्वं देहत्रयातीतः ।

त्वं कालत्रयातीतः ।

Tvam Gunatrayatitah Tvamavasthatrayatitah।

Tvam Dehatrayatitah Tvam Kalatrayatitah।

Meaning: You are beyond the Three States (Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep) (Therefore, O Ganapati, help us realize Your Conscious Essence beyond the three States), You are beyond the Three Bodies (Gross Body, Subtle Body, and Causal Body), and You are beyond the Three Times. You are beyond the Three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas).

त्वं मूलाधारस्थितोऽसि नित्यम् ।

त्वं शक्तित्रयात्मकः ।

त्वां योगिनो ध्यायन्ति नित्यम् ।

Tvam Muladhara Sthito'si Nityam।

Tvam Shakti Trayatmakah।।

Tvam Yogino Dhyayanti Nityam।

Meaning: You remain in the Muladhara forever. The Three Shaktis originate from you. You are the focus of the yogis' constant meditation.

त्वं ब्रह्मा त्वं विष्णुस्त्वं

रुद्रस्त्वमिन्द्रस्त्वमग्निस्त्वं

वायुस्त्वं सूर्यस्त्वं चन्द्रमास्त्वं

ब्रह्म भूर्भुवस्सुवरोम् ॥६॥

Tvam Brahma Tvam Vishnustvam Rudrastvam Indrastvam Agnistvam।

Vayustvam Suryastvam Chandramastvam Brahmabhurbhuvah Swarom।।

Meaning: O Ganapati You are Vishnu, you are Brahma, you are Rudra, You are Brahman (Absolute Consciousness), you permeate the Bhur-Bhuvah-Suvar Lokas, you are the Om Itself (Parabrahman), you are Indra, you are Agni (God of Fire), you are Vayu (God of Wind), you are Surya (The Sun God), and you are Chandrama (The Moon God).

गणादिं पूर्वमुच्चार्य वर्णादींस्तदनन्तरम् ।

अनुस्वारः परतरः ।

अर्धेन्दुलसितम् ।

तारेण ऋद्धम् ।

एतत्तव मनुस्वरूपम् ॥७॥

Ganadim Purvamuchcharya Varnadim Tadanantaram।।

Anusvarah Paratarah।। Ardhaendulasitam।।

Tarena Riddham।। Etattava Manusvarupam।।

Meaning: The first sound of the word Gana (i.e., "G") should be said first, followed immediately by the first varna (i.e., "A") (thus producing "Ga"), according to Ganapati's Mantra Swarupa. Next should be the Anuswara (creating "Gam"), Next, it should be made to shine with the Half-Moon (that is, Chandrabindu's Nasal Sound, creating "Gang"). Tara, a note that represents Om, should be added to this (creating "Om Gang"). Swarupa (O Ganapati) is your mantra.

गकारः पूर्वरूपम् ।

अकारो मध्यरूपम् ।

अनुस्वारश्चान्त्यरूपम् ।

बिन्दुरुत्तररूपम् ।

नादस्संधानम् ।

सग्ं‌हिता संधिः ॥८॥

Gakarah Purva Rupam Akaro Madhyarupam।

Anusvarashchantya Rupam।। Binduruttara Rupam।।

Nadah Sandhanam।। Samhita Sandhih 

Meaning: (In Your Swarupa Mantra) The first form is G-kara. The middle form is A-kara.The final form, Anuswara, forms "Gam”.  Bindu is the top form that forms "Gang" by producing the nasal sound of Chandra-Bindu. This is combined with Nada. The mantra takes on a transcendental form when all the forms come together and conclude with Nada.

सैषा गणेशविद्या ।

गणक ऋषिः ।

निचृद्गायत्रीच्छन्दः ।

गणपतिर्देवता ।

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥९॥

Saisha Ganesh Vidya।।

Ganaka Rishi Nichrudgayatri Chhandah।। Ganapati Devata।।

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah।।

Meaning: The above is the Ganesha Vidya, a route that leads to self-knowledge via worshiping Ganesha and his mantra Swarupa. Ganaka Rishi is the Rishi who discovered this Vidya. Nicrdgayatri is the Chhanda (Metre), Ganapati is the Devata (God) revered; Om Gan Ganapataye Namah

एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि ।

तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात् ॥१०॥

Ekadantaya Vidmahe। Vakratundaya Dhimahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat।।

Meaning: The Ganapati Gayatri suggests focusing on Ekadanta (the One with a Single Tusk) to deeply understand His Conscious Form. Then, meditate on Vakratunda (the One with a Curved Trunk) to become absorbed in His Conscious Form. Finally, Danti (the One with a Tusk) can awaken our consciousness.

एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं पाशमङ्कुशधारिणम् ।

रदं च वरदं हस्तैर्बिभ्राणं मूषकध्वजम् ॥

रक्तं लम्बोदरं शूर्पकर्णकं रक्तवाससम् ।

रक्तगन्धानुलिप्ताङ्गं रक्तपुष्पैस्सुपूजितम् ॥

भक्तानुकम्पिनं देवं जगत्कारणमच्युतम् ।

आविर्भूतं च सृष्ट्यादौ प्रकृतेः पुरुषात्परम् ।

एवं ध्यायति यो नित्यं स योगी योगिनां वरः ॥११॥

Ekadant Chaturhastam Paramankushadharinam।।

Radam Cha Varadam Cha Hastair Vibhranam Mushakadhvajam।।

Raktam Lambodaram Shoorpakarnakam Raktavasasam।।

Rakta Gandhanuliptangam Rakta Pushpaihi Supujitam।।

Bhaktanukampin Devam Jagatkaranam Achyutam।।

Avirbhutam Cha Srishtyadau Prakriteh Purushat Param।।

Evam Dhyayati Yo Nityam Sa Yogi Yoginam Varah।।

Meaning: (This is Ganapati's visible form.) He has four hands (Catur-Hastam) and one tusk (Ekadantam) on his face. He is clutching a noose (Pasha) and a goad (Ankusha) with two of his hands. He is grasping a tusk (Rada) with his third hand and making the boon-giving gesture (Varada Mudra) with his fourth; his flag features a rat emblem (Mushaka). He has a large belly (Lambodara), large ears like fans

(Shurpa Karna), and a lovely reddish glow (Raktam); he wears red clothing (Rakta Vasam). He is worshipped with red flowers (Rakta Pushpa) and his form is adorned with red fragrant paste (Rakta Gandha).

And He has descended for the Cause of the World (Jagat Karanam); He is Imperishable (i.e., Eternal) (Acyutam) (and takes the Devotees to the Eternal realm);  He appeared during the initial stages of Creation (Sristhi Aadi) within the emerged Nature (Prakriti); (He manifested) from the Supreme Purusha (Purusha Param); The best Yogis are those who meditate on Him every day.

नमो व्रातपतये ।

नमो गणपतये ।

नमः प्रमथपतये ।

नमस्तेऽस्तु लम्बोदरायैकदन्ताय

विघ्ननाशिने शिवसुताय वरदमूर्तये नमः ॥१२॥

Namo Vratapataye Namo Ganapataye।। Namo Prathamapataye।।

Namaste’stu Lambodaraya Ekadantaya Vighnanashine Shiva Sutaya।

Shri Varadamurtaye Namonamah।।

Meaning: Greetings to the Lord of All Humans (Ganapati Mala Mantra), Greetings to Lord Shiva, the Lord of all Ganas (Demi-Gods),Greetings to the Lord of all Pramathas (Lord Shiva's accompanying ghosts), Greetings to You, the One with a Single Tusk (Ekadanta) and a Big Belly (Lambodara), Greetings to the Son of Lord Shiva, the Personification of Boon-Giving and the Remover of All Obstacles.

एतदथर्वशीर्षं योऽधीते स ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ।

स सर्वविघ्नैर्न बाध्यते ।

स सर्वत्र सुखमेधते ।

स पञ्चमहापापात्प्रमुच्यते ।

Etadatharvashirsha Yo'dhite।। Sa Brahmabhuyaya Kalpate।।

Sa Sarvavighnair Na Badhyate Sa Sarvatah Sukha Medhate।।

Sa panchamahapaptpramuchyate |

Meaning: Studying this Atharvashirsha (with Shraddha) will make one capable of realizing Brahman. No impediments will (permanently) bind him (and his consciousness will become clearer), (Permanent) No matter where he is (i.e., constantly), his awareness will get happier. He will be set free from the five major sins, which tend to permanently obstruct the jivas' ability to see the Paramatman.

सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति ।

प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति ।

सायं प्रातः प्रयुञ्जानो पापोऽपापो भवति ।

सर्वत्राधीयानोऽपविघ्नो भवति ।

धर्मार्थकाममोक्षं च विन्दति ॥१३॥

Sayamadhiyano Divasakritam Papam Nashayati।।

Prataradhiyano Ratikritam Papam Nashayati।।

Sayam Pratah Prayunjano Papodbhavati।

Sarvatradhiyano'pavighno Bhavati।।

Dharmartha Kamamoksham Cha Vidanti।।

Meaning: The sins committed throughout the day (including the propensity to commit sins) will be destroyed by studying this in the evening. Studying this in the morning will erase the sins (including the propensity to commit sins) committed throughout the night.  A sinful individual will become sinless by participating in (the Study and Deep Contemplation) both in the morning and the evening (by gradually disclosing the deeper consciousness and therefore reducing the tendency to commit sins). Studying everywhere, that is, in any circumstance, will eliminate the barriers,... Dharma, Artha (Prosperity), Kama (Right Desires Fulfilled), and ultimately Moksha (Liberation by understanding the deeper awareness) would be obtained by the devotee.

इदमथर्वशीर्षमशिष्याय न देयम् ।

यो यदि मोहाद्दास्यति स पापीयान् भवति ।

सहस्रावर्तनाद्यं यं काममधीते तं तमनेन साधयेत् ॥१४॥

Idam Atharvashirsham Shishyayan Deyam।।

Yo Yadi Mohad Dasyati Sa Papiyan Bhavati।।

Sahasravartanat Yam Yam Kamamadhite Tam Tanena Sadhayet।।

Meaning: Those who lack desire in or confidence in a higher life are not eligible to receive this Atharvasirsha. A person becomes a sinner if they offer something to someone out of attachment, even when they know they are unworthy. Siddhi (spiritual attainments) shall be gained by this (Upanishad) once the thousand Parayana of this Atharva Shirsha are completed through deep study (and contemplation).

अनेन गणपतिमभिषिञ्चति स वाग्मी भवति ।

चतुर्थ्यामनश्नन् जपति स विद्यावान् भवति ।

इत्यथर्वणवाक्यम् ।

ब्रह्माद्यावरणं विद्यान्न बिभेति कदाचनेति ॥१५॥

Anena Ganapatimabhisinchati Sa Vagmi Bhavati।।

Chaturthyam Manashnan Japati Sa Vidyavan Bhavati।।

Ityartha Vakyam।। Brahmadhyavarannam Vidyat Na Vibheti Kadachaneti।।

Meaning: The Upanishad states that those who worship Ganapati as Brahman-Consciousness become proficient speakers (Vagmi). According to the Atharvana Rishi, fasting on Chaturthi and reciting this Upanishad leads to knowledge (Vidyavan). He (eventually) acquires the knowledge of the envelope of Brahman (i.e. learns Brahma Vidya), and afterward does not have any dread at all (i.e. he becomes liberated from the fears induced by the ego).

यो दूर्वाङ्कुरैर्यजति स वैश्रवणोपमो भवति ।

यो लाजैर्यजति स यशोवान् भवति ।

स मेधावान् भवति ।

यो मोदकसहस्रेण यजति स वाञ्छितफलमवाप्नोति।

यस्साज्यसमिद्भिर्यजति स सर्वं लभते स सर्वं लभते॥१६॥

Yo Durvankuraish Yajati Sa Vaishravanopamo Bhavati।।

Yo Lajair Yajati Sa Yashovan Bhavati। Sa Medhavan Bhavati।।

Yo Modaka Sahasrena Yajati।

Sa Vanchita Phalam Avapnoti।।

Yah Sajya Samidhvarbhayajati, Sa Sarvam Labhate Sa Sarvam Labhate।।

Meaning: He would become wealthy like Kubera if he worships (Ganapati) with delicate Durva Grass. A person who worships Ganapati with parched rice will become glorious (i.e., have a name and fame); He will also become Medhavan (full with Medha, or the ability to retain information). He shall receive his desired fruits if he worships Ganapati with a thousand Modakas, a kind of sweet meal. The person who worships Ganapati with twigs soaked in ghee receives everything.

अष्टौ ब्राह्मणान् सम्यग् ग्राहयित्वा सूर्यवर्चस्वी भवति।

सूर्यग्रहेमहानद्यां प्रतिमासन्निधौ वा जप्त्वा सिद्धमन्त्रोभवति

महाविघ्नात् प्रमुच्यते ।

महादोषात् प्रमुच्यते ।

महाप्रत्यवायात् प्रमुच्यते ।

स सर्वविद् भवति स सर्वविद् भवति ।

य एवं वेद ।

इत्युपनिषत् ॥१७॥

ॐ शान्तिश्शान्तिश्शान्तिः ॥

Ashto Brahmananam Samyakgrahayitva Suryavarchasvi Bhavati।।

Surya Grihe Mahanadyam Pratimhasannidhau Va Japatva Siddha Mantron Bhavati।।

Mahavighnat Pramuchyate।। Mahadoshat Pramuchyate।। Mahapapat Pramuchyate। Sa Sarva Vid Bhavati Sa Sarvavid Bhavati। Ya Evam Veda Ityupanishad।।

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih।।।

Meaning: The Sun's splendor fills the person who makes eight Brahmins acquire this Upanishad (i.e., teaches it to eight Brahmins or recites it in front of eight Brahmins in a satsang of pure souls). He becomes Mantra-Siddha (i.e., Mantra gradually reveals the deeper consciousness) if he recites this during a solar eclipse on the riverbank of an enormous river (Nature providing the backdrop of the greater consciousness) or in front of the image of Ganapati. He becomes free from great obstacles. He is freed from great vices (i.e., the Upanishad will gradually release from the sins of the past and remove the evil tendencies to create new vices); He is freed from situations or sins that seem to drown life (i.e., the Upanishad will gradually lift up one's spirit amid drowning life situations); He becomes All-Knowing (Brahman being the underlying essence of everything, knowing Brahman is knowing the essence of everything); This is the Veda (the ultimate Knowledge); Thus concludes the Upanishad (giving everyone new hope and the message of the all-freeing Brahman Consciousness embodied as Ganapati). Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. 

How to chant Ganpati Atharvashirsha? 

• Before practicing, take a bath. Put on clean clothes, ideally in red or yellow. Turn to face northeast, north, or east. Take a seat in a clean asana.
• Make sure the place of worship is spotless. Put a murti or Ganesha picture in the center. Light the incense and ghee lamp. Provide fresh flowers, particularly durva grass or red hibiscus. Store water in a copper container. 
• To center yourself, take a few deep breaths. Make sure the exercise has a definite intention (sankalpa). Make a mental bow to Ganesha and your guru. Ask for permission to start .
• You can chant it once a day.