Ganesha Pancharatnam, also known as Ganesh Pancharatnam or Ganesha Pancharatna Stotram, is a beautiful Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha and traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.

The word Pancharatnam means “five jewels.” The prayer contains five principal verses, or five poetic jewels, describing the divine qualities of Lord Ganesha, followed by a concluding verse known as the Phalashruti, which describes the traditional benefits of reciting the stotram.

Many devotees recognize Ganesha Pancharatnam by its famous opening words:

“Mudakaratta Modakam Sada Vimukti Sadhakam…”

Whether you are looking for Ganesha Pancharatnam lyrics in Sanskrit, English transliteration, meaning, benefits, pronunciation, or guidance on how to chant it, this guide brings everything together in one place.

Ganesha Pancharatnam at a Glance

Prayer: Ganesha Pancharatnam
Also known as: Ganesh Pancharatnam, Ganesha Pancharatna Stotram, Mudakaratta Modakam
Sanskrit: गणेशपञ्चरत्नम्
Dedicated to: Lord Ganesha
Traditionally attributed to: Adi Shankaracharya
Language: Sanskrit
Meaning of Pancharatnam: Five Jewels
Structure: Five principal verses followed by a Phalashruti
Commonly recited for: Ganesha’s blessings, wisdom, auspicious beginnings and removal of obstacles
Popular occasions: Daily prayer, Ganesh Chaturthi, before beginning something new, before study or important work

What Does Ganesha Pancharatnam Mean?

The name can be understood through two Sanskrit words:

Pancha = Five
Ratna = Jewel

Therefore, Ganesha Pancharatnam means “The Five Jewels of Lord Ganesha.”

The five jewels are the five principal verses of the stotram. Each verse reveals different qualities and aspects of Ganesha.

The prayer begins with familiar images such as Ganesha holding a modaka, but gradually becomes more contemplative. By the fifth verse, the devotee is contemplating Ganesha as the limitless divine presence dwelling within the heart.

This progression gives Ganesha Pancharatnam a depth that can easily be missed when it is recited only from memory.

Ganesha Pancharatnam Lyrics in Sanskrit, English and Meaning

Verse 1 – The First Jewel

Sanskrit

मुदाकरात्तमोदकं सदा विमुक्तिसाधकं
कलाधरावतंसकं विलासिलोकरक्षकम् ।
अनायकैकनायकं विनाशितेभदैत्यकं
नताशुभाशुनाशकं नमामि तं विनायकम् ॥१॥

English Transliteration

Mudākarātta Modakaṃ Sadā Vimukti Sādhakaṃ
Kalādharāvataṃsakaṃ Vilāsi Loka Rakṣakam
Anāyakaika Nāyakaṃ Vināśitebha Daityakaṃ
Natāśubhāśu Nāśakaṃ Namāmi Taṃ Vināyakam

Simple Meaning

I bow to Lord Vinayaka, who joyfully holds the modaka, who leads those who have no other leader, protects the world and quickly removes inauspiciousness from those who bow before him.

Understanding the First Verse

The very first verse brings together two powerful ideas: joy and liberation.

The modaka represents the familiar and beloved form of Ganesha, while the verse also describes him as one who leads the devotee toward vimukti—liberation.

Ganesha is therefore introduced not only as the remover of everyday difficulties, but as a spiritual guide.

Verse 2 – The Second Jewel

Sanskrit

नतेतरातिभीकरं नवोदितार्कभास्वरं
नमत्सुरारिनिर्जरं नताधिकापदुद्धरम् ।
सुरेश्वरं निधीश्वरं गजेश्वरं गणेश्वरं
महेश्वरं तमाश्रये परात्परं निरन्तरम् ॥२॥

English Transliteration

Natetarāti Bhīkaraṃ Navoditārka Bhāsvaraṃ
Namatsurāri Nirjaraṃ Natādhikāpaduddharam
Sureśvaraṃ Nidhīśvaraṃ Gajeśvaraṃ Gaṇeśvaraṃ
Maheśvaraṃ Tamāśraye Parātparaṃ Nirantaram

Simple Meaning

I continually seek refuge in Lord Ganesha, radiant like the newly risen sun, the Lord of the ganas and the one who lifts those who bow to him from adversity.

Understanding the Second Verse

This verse expands our understanding of Ganesha.

He is described through a series of names ending in Ishvara, meaning Lord:

Sureshvara – Lord of the devas
Nidhishvara – Lord of treasures
Gajeshvara – Lord represented by the elephant form
Ganeshvara – Lord of the ganas
Maheshvara – the great Lord

The imagery presents Ganesha as much more than a deity invoked only before starting something new. He is praised as a manifestation of supreme divine power.

Verse 3 – The Third Jewel

Sanskrit

समस्तलोकशङ्करं निरस्तदैत्यकुञ्जरं
दरेतरोदरं वरं वरेभवक्त्रमक्षरम् ।
कृपाकरं क्षमाकरं मुदाकरं यशस्करं
मनस्करं नमस्कृतां नमस्करोमि भास्वरम् ॥३॥

English Transliteration

Samastaloka Śaṅkaraṃ Nirasta Daitya Kuñjaraṃ
Daretarodaraṃ Varaṃ Varebha Vaktramakṣaram
Kṛpākaraṃ Kṣamākaraṃ Mudākaraṃ Yaśaskaraṃ
Manaskaraṃ Namaskṛtāṃ Namaskaromi Bhāsvaram

Simple Meaning

I bow to the radiant Lord who brings auspiciousness to all worlds. He is a source of compassion, forgiveness, joy and honor, and blesses those who bow before him.

Understanding the Third Verse

This verse contains a particularly beautiful description of Ganesha:

Kripa – Compassion
Kshama – Forgiveness
Muda – Joy
Yashas – Honor and good repute

Ganesha is often described as Vighnaharta—the remover of obstacles.

But this verse reminds us that worship is not only about asking Ganesha to change the circumstances around us. It is also about cultivating qualities within ourselves.

Verse 4 – The Fourth Jewel

Sanskrit

अकिञ्चनार्तिमार्जनं चिरन्तनोक्तिभाजनं
पुरारिपूर्वनन्दनं सुरारिगर्वचर्वणम् ।
प्रपञ्चनाशभीषणं धनञ्जयादिभूषणं
कपोलदानवारणं भजे पुराणवारणम् ॥४॥

English Transliteration

Akiñcanārti Mārjanaṃ Cirantanokti Bhājanaṃ
Purāripūrva Nandanaṃ Surāri Garva Carvaṇam
Prapañcanāśa Bhīṣaṇaṃ Dhanañjayādi Bhūṣaṇaṃ
Kapola Dānavāraṇaṃ Bhaje Purāṇa Vāraṇam

Simple Meaning

I worship the ancient elephant-faced Lord who removes the suffering of those without refuge, destroys arrogance and protects those who seek him.

Understanding the Fourth Verse

The fourth jewel brings attention to another important idea: the obstacles Ganesha removes are not always external.

Pride can be an obstacle.

Attachment can be an obstacle.

Confusion can be an obstacle.

Fear can be an obstacle.

Our own ego can become an obstacle.

Remembering Ganesha as Vighnaharta can therefore also become an invitation to recognize and overcome the obstacles within ourselves.

Verse 5 – The Fifth Jewel

Sanskrit

नितान्तकान्तदन्तकान्तिमन्तकान्तकात्मजं
अचिन्त्यरूपमन्तहीनमन्तरायकृन्तनम् ।
हृदन्तरे निरन्तरं वसन्तमेव योगिनां
तमेकदन्तमेव तं विचिन्तयामि सन्ततम् ॥५॥

English Transliteration

Nitānta Kānta Danta Kāntim Antakāntakātmajaṃ
Acintya Rūpam Antahīnam Antarāya Kṛntanam
Hṛdantare Nirantaraṃ Vasantameva Yogināṃ
Tamekadantameva Taṃ Vicintayāmi Santatam

Simple Meaning

I constantly contemplate Ekadanta, the one-tusked Lord Ganesha, whose true form is beyond ordinary thought, who is limitless, who removes obstacles and who eternally dwells within the hearts of yogis.

Understanding the Fifth Verse

The fifth jewel takes the prayer inward.

One particularly beautiful expression is:

“Hridantare Nirantaram”

It points toward the divine presence dwelling continuously within the heart.

The hymn began with the visible and familiar form of Ganesha—the Lord holding the modaka.

It now asks us to contemplate something deeper.

Ganesha is not only the deity before us.

The divine presence is also to be discovered within us.

Ganesha Pancharatnam Phalashruti

The five jewels are followed by a concluding verse called the Phalashruti.

Phala means fruit or result, while shruti in this context refers to hearing or proclamation. A Phalashruti traditionally describes the spiritual or devotional fruits associated with reciting a sacred text.

Sanskrit

महागणेशपञ्चरत्नमादरेण योऽन्वहं
प्रजल्पति प्रभातके हृदि स्मरन् गणेश्वरम् ।
अरोगतामदोषतां सुसाहितीं सुपुत्रतां
समाहितायुरष्टभूतिमभ्युपैति सोऽचिरात् ॥६॥

English Transliteration

Mahāgaṇeśa Pañcaratnam Ādareṇa Yo’nvahaṃ
Prajalpati Prabhātake Hṛdi Smaran Gaṇeśvaram
Arogatām Adoṣatāṃ Susāhitīṃ Suputratāṃ
Samāhitāyur Aṣṭabhūtim Abhyupaiti So’cirāt

Simple Meaning

The concluding verse traditionally describes blessings associated with sincerely remembering Ganesha and regularly reciting the Ganesha Pancharatnam in the morning, including well-being, learning, family blessings, longevity and prosperity.

These should be understood as traditional devotional teachings of the stotram, rather than guarantees of particular health or material outcomes.

Who Wrote Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Ganesha Pancharatnam is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, one of the most influential teachers and philosophers in the Hindu tradition and closely associated with Advaita Vedanta.

Because the authorship comes through religious and textual tradition, it is more accurate to say “traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya” rather than assigning the hymn a precise historical date without qualification.

What Are the Benefits of Chanting Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Within Hindu devotional tradition, Ganesha Pancharatnam is recited to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings, wisdom, auspiciousness and the removal of obstacles.

Its concluding Phalashruti traditionally associates regular morning recitation with blessings related to well-being, learning, family, longevity and prosperity.

Beyond these traditional beliefs, chanting the stotram can also serve as a regular spiritual practice.

It encourages bhakti, or devotion.

It requires concentration as we follow the Sanskrit words and rhythm.

Understanding its meaning encourages self-reflection.

And perhaps most importantly, its verses remind us that removing obstacles does not always mean changing the world around us. Sometimes it means recognizing what needs to change within us.

When Should Ganesha Pancharatnam Be Chanted?

Ganesha Pancharatnam can be included in regular worship of Lord Ganesha.

The Phalashruti specifically mentions recitation in the morning, while remembering Ganeshwara in one’s heart.

Devotees may also choose to chant it:

There is no reason, however, to limit devotion to a particular occasion.

Consistency, attention, understanding and shraddha are more meaningful than simply reciting the prayer quickly.

How to Chant Ganesha Pancharatnam

If you are learning Ganesha Pancharatnam for the first time, start slowly.

You do not need to chant it at the speed of an experienced singer.

Read the Sanskrit if you can. Otherwise, follow the English transliteration. Listen carefully to a traditional rendition and learn one verse at a time.

Once you become comfortable with the pronunciation, gradually follow the natural rhythm of the stotram.

Most importantly, understand what you are chanting.

When words such as Vinayakam, Kripakaram, Ekadantam, Antarayakrintanam and Hridantare begin to carry meaning, the experience changes.

You are no longer simply repeating Sanskrit sounds.

You are contemplating the qualities of Ganesha.

Ganesha Pancharatnam by M. S. Subbulakshmi

For generations of listeners, M. S. Subbulakshmi’s rendition of Ganesha Pancharatnam has become one of the most familiar ways of hearing this stotram.

The celebrated Carnatic vocalist recorded the hymn with Radha Viswanathan, and the rendition remains widely listened to by devotees.

If you are learning Ganesha Pancharatnam, listening to an established traditional rendition while following the lyrics can help you understand its pronunciation, cadence and flow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ganesha Pancharatnam

What is Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Ganesha Pancharatnam is a Sanskrit devotional hymn consisting of five principal verses praising Lord Ganesha, followed by a concluding Phalashruti. It is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.

What does Ganesha Pancharatnam mean?

Pancha means five and ratna means jewel. Ganesha Pancharatnam therefore means “Five Jewels of Lord Ganesha.”

Is Ganesha Pancharatnam also called Mudakaratta Modakam?

Yes. Because the first verse begins with the words “Mudakaratta Modakam,” devotees and people searching for the prayer sometimes refer to the stotram by its opening words.

How many verses are in Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Ganesha Pancharatnam contains five principal verses, representing the five jewels, followed by a Phalashruti. Therefore, versions including the concluding verse contain six verses in total.

Who composed Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Ganesha Pancharatnam is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.

What are the benefits of Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Hindu devotional tradition associates the recitation of Ganesha Pancharatnam with Ganesha’s blessings, wisdom, auspiciousness and removal of obstacles. Its Phalashruti additionally describes blessings related to well-being, learning, family, longevity and prosperity.

Can Ganesha Pancharatnam be chanted every day?

Yes. It can form part of daily Ganesha worship. The Phalashruti specifically refers to regular morning recitation while remembering Lord Ganesha.

What is the best time to chant Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Morning is specifically mentioned in the Phalashruti and is traditionally a suitable time for recitation. However, devotees may chant the stotram whenever they wish to remember and worship Lord Ganesha.

Can beginners chant Ganesha Pancharatnam?

Yes. Beginners can use the English transliteration alongside the Sanskrit text and learn one verse at a time. Listening to a traditional rendition can also help with pronunciation.

Do I need to understand Sanskrit to chant Ganesha Pancharatnam?

No. Sanskrit knowledge is not required to begin. However, learning the meaning of each verse can make the recitation considerably more meaningful.

Can I listen to Ganesha Pancharatnam instead of chanting it?

Listening to the stotram can itself be part of a devotional practice. Those who wish to learn it can listen while following the Sanskrit or transliterated lyrics and gradually begin chanting along.

The Deeper Message of Ganesha Pancharatnam

We often approach Lord Ganesha with a simple prayer:

“Please remove the obstacles in my path.”

Ganesha Pancharatnam invites us to think a little deeper.

What if the obstacle is not always in our path?

What if sometimes the obstacle is our pride?

Our fear?

Our attachment?

Our confusion?

Our inability to see clearly?

The five jewels gradually take the devotee from contemplating the beautiful external form of Ganesha to recognizing the divine presence within the heart.

Perhaps that is one of the most powerful lessons contained in this short stotram.

We seek Ganesha to clear the path before us.

But through devotion, wisdom and self-reflection, Ganesha can also help us understand the obstacles within us.

॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥

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