This revered śloka is often chanted at the very beginning of prayers, rituals, or any significant undertaking to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. Though the name of Vishnu appears in the verse, the attributes and purpose of the śloka clearly point to Lord Ganesha.
The śloka paints a serene image of a white-robed deity with a radiant, moon-like complexion, symbolizing purity, peace, and divine wisdom. By meditating upon this form and offering salutations, devotees seek to calm their minds and dispel any physical, mental, or spiritual hindrances.
Traditionally, this śloka is recited:
- At the start of pujas (rituals),
- Before studying scriptures or taking exams,
- Before commencing work or a new venture.
It is a humble and heartfelt appeal to remove obstacles, ensuring a smooth and fruitful path ahead
śuklāmbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ śaśivarṇaṁ caturbhujam |
prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnōpaśāntaye ||
prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnōpaśāntaye ||
śuklāmbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ śaśivarṇaṁ caturbhujam |
prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnōpaśāntaye ||
prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnōpaśāntaye ||
śukla-ambaradharam = One who wears white garments
viṣṇum = All-pervading (omnipresent like Vishnu)
śaśi-varṇam = Moon-like complexion (fair and glowing)
catur-bhujam = Four-armed being
prasanna-vadanam = Cheerful and pleasant-faced
dhyāyet = One should meditate upon
sarva-vighna = All obstacles
upaśāntaye = For the removal or pacification
Translation :
One should meditate upon the Lord who is clothed in white, who is all-pervading like Vishnu, who has a moon-like complexion, who has four arms, and whose face is always peaceful and smiling — for the removal of all obstacles.
viṣṇum = All-pervading (omnipresent like Vishnu)
śaśi-varṇam = Moon-like complexion (fair and glowing)
catur-bhujam = Four-armed being
prasanna-vadanam = Cheerful and pleasant-faced
dhyāyet = One should meditate upon
sarva-vighna = All obstacles
upaśāntaye = For the removal or pacification
Translation :
One should meditate upon the Lord who is clothed in white, who is all-pervading like Vishnu, who has a moon-like complexion, who has four arms, and whose face is always peaceful and smiling — for the removal of all obstacles.
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