Aarti to Lord Ganesh (Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh)
The popular Hindi Ganesh aarti: his parents, tusk and four arms, his mouse, laddu offerings, and boons for every seeker.
Verses
The Aarti of Shri Ganesha.
Verse 1
Hail Ganesha, hail Ganesha, hail Lord Ganesha! His mother is Parvati, His father is Mahadeva.
Verse 2
He is one-tusked and compassionate, bearing four arms; a tilak adorns His forehead, and the mouse is His mount.
Verse 3
Betel leaves are offered, flowers are offered, fruits are offered; laddus are placed as the sacred offering, and saints render service.
Verse 4
Hail Ganesha, hail Ganesha, hail Lord Ganesha! His mother is Parvati, His father is Mahadeva.
Verse 5
He gives sight to the blind, a body to lepers, sons to barren women, and wealth to the destitute.
Verse 6
The poet Surdas has come to the shelter of the dark-hued Lord; please make his service fruitful—He whose mother is Parvati and father is Mahadeva.
Verse 7
Protect the honor of the humble, O son of Shambhu and Gauri; fulfill every desire, O Lord whom the whole world adores.
Verse 8
Victory to Ganesha, victory to Ganesha, victory to Lord Ganesha—He whose mother is Parvati and father is Mahadeva.
Verse 9
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This aarti is part of the wider Hindu bhakti (devotional) tradition and is popularly credited to the 16th-century poet-saint Surdas because its closing verse carries the signature 'Sur'. That attribution rests on the signature line and oral tradition, with no early manuscript cited, so it is better held as traditional than documented. It is commonly sung during daily worship at home or in temples, especially at Ganesh Chaturthi. The invocation of Ganapati is far older than the aarti: the Rigveda verse 2.23.1 ('gananam tva ganapatim') is the one traditionally recited to him, and the Ganesha Purana is devoted to his worship. The ritual of aarti involves waving a lamp before the deity while singing.
Did You Know?
One of the most popular Hindu devotional songs
This 'Aarti' (a ritual song of praise) to Lord Ganesha is sung daily in countless homes and temples across India, especially at the start of worship. Its simple, repetitive chorus makes it easy for everyone to join in.
Ganesha's iconic features explained
The second verse describes Ganesha's single tusk ('Ekadanta'), four arms, a forehead mark (tilak), and his mouse vehicle. The mouse represents Ganesha's ability to overcome even the smallest obstacles — he rides the humble mouse, symbolizing that no challenge is too small for his grace.
Offering of sweets is key
The third verse mentions offerings of betel leaf (pan), flowers, fruits, and especially 'laddus' — round, sweet dumplings that are Ganesha's favorite food. The line 'sant karen seva' (saints perform service) highlights that the act of offering is a form of devoted service, not just a ritual.
Miracles attributed to Ganesha
The fifth verse lists specific boons: restoring sight to the blind, curing leprosy, granting children to childless couples, and giving wealth to the poor. These examples show that this Aarti is recited for tangible, worldly help as well as spiritual blessings.
Traditional attribution to Surdas
The sixth verse includes the signature line 'Sur Shyam sharan aaye', naming 'Sur' as the one who has come for refuge. This is why the aarti is popularly linked to the 16th-century blind poet-saint Surdas. The link rests on the signature and oral tradition rather than a cited manuscript, so it is best treated as traditional, not proven.
Ganesh
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