जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा

When to sing: At the start of any puja, on Wednesdays, on Sankashti Chaturthi and throughout Ganesh Chaturthi.

About Ganesh Ji Ki Aarti

“Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva” is the Ganesh aarti most North Indian families grow up singing. Because Ganesha is worshipped before every other god, this is very often the first aarti of the day, and the first prayer of every wedding, griha pravesh and new beginning. Its tune is simple, its words are easy, and even small children can sing along after hearing it a few times.

Meaning of the aarti, verse by verse

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva, Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva: Victory to you, Lord Ganesha, whose mother is Parvati and whose father is Mahadev (Shiva).

Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari: You have a single tusk, you are full of compassion, and you have four arms. Mathe sindoor sohe, moose ki savari: Sindoor shines on your forehead, and you ride upon a mouse.

Paan chadhe phal chadhe, aur chadhe meva: Betel leaves, fruit and dry fruits are offered to you. Ladduan ka bhog lage, sant karen seva: Laddoos are placed before you as food, and saints serve you with devotion.

Andhan ko aankh det, kodhin ko kaya: You give sight to the blind and a healthy body to the sick. Baanjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya: You bless the childless with children and the poor with wealth.

‘Soor’ Shyam sharan aaye, safal kije seva: Surdas says: I have come to your shelter, please make my worship fruitful.

Deenan ki laaj rakho, Shambhu sutkari: O son of Shambhu (Shiva), protect the honour of the humble. Kamna ko poorn karo, jaun balihari: Fulfil our wishes; I offer myself to you.

How to do Ganesh aarti at home

1. Place a diya with ghee and a cotton wick (or camphor) on a clean thali, with a little kumkum, rice and flowers.
2. Stand before Ganesha’s idol or picture with the family. Ring a small bell with your left hand if you have one.
3. Light the diya and move the thali slowly in a clockwise circle while everyone sings.
4. After the aarti, place the thali down, take the warmth of the flame with both palms and touch them gently to your eyes and forehead.
5. Offer the bhog (modak or laddoo) and share it as prasad.

Learn more about Lord Ganesha, his story and his symbols, or plan a visit to Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the most popular Ganesh ji ki aarti?

In North India the most popular Ganesh aarti is Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva ("Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva"). In Maharashtra, Sukhkarta Dukhharta by Samarth Ramdas is equally loved, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.

When should Ganesh aarti be sung?

Ganesh aarti is sung at the start of any puja, since Ganesha is worshipped first, as well as every morning and evening during Ganesh Chaturthi, on Wednesdays and on Sankashti Chaturthi.

What is offered during Ganesh aarti?

The aarti itself mentions paan (betel leaf), fruit, dry fruits (meva) and laddoos. Modak, durva grass and red flowers are also traditional offerings to Ganesha.

How many times should the aarti plate be circled?

A common tradition is to circle the aarti plate four times around the feet, twice around the navel, once around the face, and then seven times around the whole idol. Families follow their own customs, and a sincere aarti in any form is accepted.