Shri Ganapati Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram

Shri Ganapati Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram is a Sanskrit hymn of 18 verses with the 108 names of Ganesha, from the Upasana Khanda of the Ganesh Purana, as the colophon says. The text calls it the essence of the thousand names (Ganesha Sahasranama). Most names describe his body, which in tradition is a picture of wisdom: big ears to listen, a small mouth to speak less, a large belly to hold what he hears, one tooth for sacrifice. Some names repeat or join, so counts differ by a few among editions. Several names are hard to read, and readers differ on the exact sense, so the gist is given. This page follows the Gita Press Sahasranamastotrasangraha text.

Verses 1 to 2. Ganeshvara and Ganakrida (lord and player of the ganas), Mahaganapati, Vishvakarta (maker of the world), Vishvamukha, Durjaya and Dhurjaya (hard to defeat), Jaya, Suroopa (of fine form), Veerasanashraya (who sits in the hero pose), Yogadhipa (lord of yoga), Gajakarnaka (elephant-eared).

Verses 3 to 5. Chitranga (of lovely limbs), Shyamadashana, Bhalachandra (moon on the forehead, as in the Bhalachandra Ganesha form), Chaturbhuja (four-armed), Shambhutejas (with Shiva''s radiance), Yajnakaya, Sarvatma, Samabrinhita (praised in the Sama Veda). Vyomanabhi, Kalpadrumavanalaya (dweller in the wish-tree grove), Nimnanabhi, Sthulakukshi (big-bellied), Pinavaksha, Brihadbhuja, Pinaskandha, Kambukantha (conch-necked), Lamboshtha and Lambanasika (long lips and nose), and complete in all limbs and signs.

Verses 6 to 8. Ikshuchapadhara (with a sugarcane bow), Shuli, Akshamaladhara (with a rosary), Jnanamudravan (in the gesture of knowledge), Vijayavaha (bringer of victory), Amoghasiddhi (whose success never fails), Adhara (the support), Indivaradalashyama (dark as a blue lotus petal), Indumandala-nirmala (spotless as the moon''s disc), Karmasakshi (witness of action), Karmakarta, Karmakarmaphalaprada (giver of the fruits of action and non-action). One name in verse 7 reads differently in editions and is not explained here.

Verses 9 to 12. Kamandaludhara, Kalpa, Kapardi, Katisutrabhrit, Karunyadeha (body of mercy), Kapila, Guhyagamanirupita (explained in secret scriptures), Guhashaya, Ghatakumbha, Ghatodara (pot-bellied), Purnananda, Parananda, Dhanada (giver of wealth), Dharanidhara, Brihattama, Brahmapara, Brahmanya, Brahmavitpriya, Bhavya, Bhutalaya, Bhogadata, Mahamana, Varenya, Vamadeva, Vandya, Vajranivarana, Vishvakarta, Vishvachakshu, Havana, Havyakavyabhuk (enjoyer of offerings to gods and ancestors).

Verses 13 to 16. Svatantra, Satyasankalpa (whose will is true), Saubhagyavardhana (increaser of good fortune), Kirtida (giver of fame), Shokahari (remover of sorrow), Trivargaphaladayaka (giver of the fruits of dharma, artha and kama). Chaturbahu, Chaturdanta, Chaturthi-tithisambhava (born on Chaturthi), Sahasrashirsha and others from the Purusha Sukta. Kamarupa (takes any form), Kamagati, Dvirada, Dviparakshaka, Kshetradhipa, Kshamabharta (bearer of patience), Layastha, Laddukapriya (fond of laddus), Pratavadimukhastambha (silences opponents), Dushtachittaprasadana (calms the wicked mind), Bhagavan, Bhaktisulabha (easy to reach by devotion), Yajnika, Yajakapriya.

Verses 17 to 18: the close. Thus 108 names, the essence of the thousand, are told. One who rises in Brahma Muhurta, remembers Ganesha and reads this stotra with devotion pleases Ganaraja. This is stated as faith, not a guarantee.

The message. Ganesh is the lord of beginnings, remembered first, who gives clarity of mind. His names join the cosmic (Vishvakarta, Sahasrashirsha) with the near and homely (Laddukapriya). Benefits mentioned in tradition, such as wisdom and success, are matters of faith. Success also needs effort, and for health, study or money problems please take proper help. See the Ganesh Chalisa and Shiva 108 names.