Prabhumam’s Phardi

Invocation

August 4th, 2006

As I plan(?) the contents of this blog, it is time to invoke the blessings of the Lord.

Among the many deities worshipped by the Hindus, Lord Ganesha has in some ways a pride of place. It is not that he is considered superior to other Gods and Goddesses, but he has a special place in the affection of people. No worship of any kind or of any other deity can begin without an identical worship to Ganesha, among whose many names is Vigneshwara, remover of obstacles.

Having said that it is appropriate that I begin with some of the many prayers that Pratima recites when lighting the lamp each night. This will ensure that this site sails smoothly without any obstacles.

She recites the prayers in the original Sanskrit. I also used to recite the ones selected here, when I was young. They were taught to us at school. All books with multiplication tables (which we had to learn by rote) had a few pages devoted these shlokas, the national anthem, conversion tables, etc. Don’t ask me how they are related. In fact, I came to know only now what these paryers convey - when I got hold of the English translations to upload with the original Sanskrit version for the benefit of the surfer.

Agajaanana padmaarkam
Gajaananam aharnisham
Anekadam tham bhaktaanaam
Ekadantham upaasmahe.

To the elephant-faced one on seeing whom his mother Parvati’s face lights up
Just as the lotus blooms at the sight of the rising sun
To that Gajaanana do we pray night and day
To the one with the single tusk who grants many boons to his devotees
To that Ekadanta do we pray night and day.

Vakrathunda Mahaakaaya
Sooryakoti samaprabhaa
Nirvighnam kurumedeva
Sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa.

You of the twisted trunk and the massive body
With the dazzle and light of millions of suns
Lead me on a path that has no obstacles nor hindrances
Clearing the way in all that I do, ever, and always!

Mooshika vaahana modaka hastha
Chaamara karra vilambitha soothra
Vaamana roopa Maheshwara putra
Vighna Vinaayaka paada namasthe.

To him who rides a mouse holding the modaka sweet in his hand
Whose large ears are like fly-whisks and who wears a long sacred thread
Who is short of stature and is the son of Maheshwara
Oh, Vinayaka, lord of obstacles, I bow at your feet!

Gajaanana bhoothaganaadi sevitham
Kapithha jamboo phalasaara bhakshitham
Umaasutham shoka vinaasha kaaranam
Namaami Vighneshwara paada pankajam.

To the elephant-faced one, served by the hordes of ganas
Who loves the wood-apple and the juice of the rose-apple
Who is the son of Uma and the destroyer of sorrow
Do I bow to the lotus feet of this Vighneshwara, the lord of obstacles.

Anyatha sharanam nasti, thvameva sharanam mama
Thasmaath kaarunya bhaavena raksha raksha Vinayaka.

I have no other refuge but you
You alone are my saviour
Therefore with compassion
Protect me, oh save me, Vinayaka!

Shuklaambharadaram vishnum
Shashivarnam chaturbhujam
Prasannavadanam dhyaayeth
Sarvavignopashaantaye.

He who is attired in a white garment
Who is all-pervading and has the complexion of the moon
Who has four arms and a bright and gracious countenance
On him we meditate for the removal of obstacles.

Entry Filed under: Pratima