5 Ganesha slokas for kids this Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, a time for curiosity, love and devotion. . .

A bit about Ganesh Chaturthi

Many festivals bring communities together for colourful celebrations. An event that stands out particularly in the Western and Southern states, is the Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of the elephant faced Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day of the Lunar month of Bhadrapadha; this year it is on the 17th of September.

Ganesha is the deity we love dearly and pray to first before we undertake any major activity. Interesting details of how he got his elephant head, why he is always the one who is worshipped first, even by the Gods and stories of many of his other exploits can be found in Tales of the Elephant God

This annual festival starts with the bringing home of clay idols of Ganesh a day before. Specially trained craftsmen make idols in various sizes using clay and colours selected to ensure that they are non-toxic. Homes prefer modest sized ones, while those installed for public worship are large, some of them very large indeed! Thorough cleaning of the entire house is mandated before the idol arrives for the festivities.

Once installed, pujas are offered every day both in the homes and in the public Pandals. The idol is kept with utmost reverence for various periods ranging from about 2 days to 11 days after which, the idol is taken in a procession with song and dance to be consigned to a water body, like the sea, river or a pond, following Artis and pujas. The immersion signifies farewell to Him with gratitude as He sets out for His duties and ends always with a request that He return ‘as early as possible’ in the following year.

Here are some simple Ganesha slokas we all can learn and chant whenever we wish to think of the elephant God.

1. Who is Ganesha? – an introduction from the Amarakosha

Vinayako Vighnaraja Dvaimatura Ganaadhipaaha
Apyeka danta Herambha Lambodara Gajaanana

What it means:
Ganesha is the destroyer and controller of all obstacles, known to have two mothers and is the commander of all the attendants of Shiva (or ‘Ganas’). He is the one with a singe tusk, a pot-belly and with the face of an elephant.

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2. A chant to request Him to see us through our work without obstacles

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvada

What it means:
O Lord Ganesha, you having a Curved Trunk, Large Body,
possessing the Brilliance of a Million Suns,
Please remove all obstacles to my work, at all times.

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3. The joy of being Ganesha’s devotees

Agajaanana Padmarkam Gajaananam Aharisham
Anekadamtam bhaktaanaam Ekadantam upaasmaye

What it means:
Just like a lotus opens up seeing the sun, Goddess Parvati’s face lights up whenever she sees the elephant-faced Ganesha. I meditate upon such a Ganesha, the Lord with a single tusk, the one who grants his many blessings to all His devotees.

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4. A prayer for Him to be with us and keep us protected

Gaurinandana Gajanana
Girijanandana Niranjana
Paarvati Nandana Shubhaanana
Paahiprabhomaam Pahi Prasanna

What it means:
O Lord Ganesha, son of Mother Gauri (or Parvati), the one born of the Lord of the mountains, thou art pure, spotless and pleasing to look at. Kindly protect us, be pleased with our devotion and bestow us with good fortune.

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5. A prayer to Him to return soon to us whenver He leaves us to do His duties elsewhere.

Om Gam Ganapathiye Namo Namah
Shree Siddhivinaayaka namo namah
Ashta Vinaayaka namo namah
Ganapati Bappa Mauriya

What it means:
Wake up to the secret power-packed sound of Ganesh, who is the breaker of obstacles, the one who grants Siddhi (or success) to all and the one who is worshipped in eight exalted forms. Dear father Ganapati, I request you to come back to me

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