Sacred Learning
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya
Public Gāṇapatya śloka; widely printed in household paddhatis (anon. traditional).
Public Gāṇapatya śloka; widely printed in household paddhatis (anon. traditional).
Canonical source text
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
IAST transliteration
Close translation
O curved-trunked, great-bodied one, bright as a crore of suns — god, make my every work always free of obstacle.
Reader-friendly meaning
A household prayer that work may proceed without snag, addressed to Gaṇeśa’s public form.
Meenananda editorial explanation
Students and shopkeepers both know this verse. The Ashram hears ‘nirvighnam’ as a request for a clear path, not as a charm against every inconvenience.
Practice context
Often recited once before beginning study or a journey.
Word meanings
- वक्रतुण्ड — curved-trunked
- निर्विघ्नम् — without obstacle
Anonymous public Gāṇapatya śloka in household use; Sanskrit public domain. Sanskrit: public domain. Foundation translations: CC BY-SA 4.0.