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 before the beloved form of Gaṇeśa: may the path of work stay clear and kind.
Meenananda editorial explanation
Students and shopkeepers alike know this śloka. At the Ashram ‘nirvighnam’ is heard as a request for a clear path and a steady mind before beginning. Obstacles are met with effort and grace together. For a deeper reading of this mantra, a personal rhythm of japa, or the path of diksha, please contact Meenananda Ashram.
Practice context
Often once before study or travel. For a longer Gaṇeśa practice, contact the Ashram.
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.