In this chanting tutorial, students will learn the Gaṇeśa slokah "Gajananam" in the classical Rāga Bhūpāli. Taught by Narada Williams, this class covers all aspects of the chant, including the meaning of the Sankskrit words, correct pronunciation, and proper vocal pitch. The class is accessible and thorough, suitable for beginners, or anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of Sanskrit chanting or Indian music. Please find a comfortable seat and open your heart to the Divine!

This class was originally presented at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, in Buckingham, VA, on February 28, 2024. Special thanks to Sudhanshu Sharma who composed the melody (www.sudhanshusharma.org).

Those new to chanting in Rāga Bhūpāli may wish to first view the introductory video: https://youtu.be/VUS0pmlb9Og

Oṁ Gajānanaṁ bhūta gaṇādi sevitaṁ
kapittha jambū phalacāru bhakṣaṇam
Umāsutaṁ śoka vināśa kārakaṁ
namāmi vighneśvara pāda paṅkajam

Meaning:

Gajānanaṁ = Elephant faced
Gaja = Elephant
Ānana=face
Bhūta gaṇādi = Group of Celestial beings and others
Bhūta = celestial
Gaṇa = group
Ādi = Others
Sevitaṁ = Served by
Kapittha = kaith Fruit / Wood Apple
Jambū = Jamun fruit / Rose Apple
Phalacāru = Beautiful Fruits
Phala = Fruit
Cāru = beautiful
Bhakṣaṇam = Eater
Umāsutaṁ = Son of Umā
Umā = Goddess Parvatī
Suta=Son
Śoka=Suffering
Vināśa = destruction
Kārakaṁ = Reason
Namāmi=I Bow to You
Vighneśvara=Remover of Obstacles
Pāda=Feet
Pankajaṁ=Lotus

O’ Lord with the Elephant face, He who is served by the Celestial beings. He
who eats beautiful fruits such as kaith & Jamun fruits. O’ Son of Mother Umā
(Parvati), Destroyer of Suffering (Reason for the destruction of suffering). We bow down to your Lotus feet O’ destroyer of Obstacles.

Learn more about Narada Williams