Ganesha Chalisa (Ganesh Chalisa) is a religious hymn that is exclusively devoted to Lord Ganesha. It is a devotional song which includes forty verses. Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka and Ganapati, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is considered as the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles and is regarded as the god of wisdom, new ventures and good fortune. The Ganesha Chalisa or the forty chaupais on Lord Ganesha is a quatrain verse of Hindi poetry that includes a metre of 4 syllables. The religious hymn is composed in the Awadhi language, which is an Eastern Hindi language.
The verses of the Ganesha Chalisa are chanted or recited by groups of devotees of the lord. The stanzas of the devotional song describe the deeds, manners and activities of Lord Ganesha. These help the worshippers to contemplate on the noble and honorable traits of the deity. All of the 40 stanzas of the Shri Ganesha Chalisa represent one specific form of blessing. It is also mentioned that through the faith (Bhava) and devotion (Shraddha) of the worshipper, the benefit of a specific verse can be achieved.
The Dohaa of the Ganesh Chalisa is recited as "Jai Ganapati Sadguna Sadan, Kavivar Badan Kripaal; Vighna Haran Mangal Karan, Jai Jai Girijalal. Some of the initial stanzas of the Chaupai of Ganesha Chalisa are chanted as "Jai Jai Jai Ganapati Ganaraaju,Mangal Bharana Karana shubha kaajuu, Jai Gajbadan Sadan Sukhdaata, Vishva Vinaayaka Buddhi Vidhaataa Vakra; Tunda Shuchi Shunda Suhaavana,Tilaka Tripunda bhaal Man Bhaavan, Raajata Mani Muktana ura maala, Swarna Mukuta Shira Nayana Vishaalaa; Pustak Paani Kuthaar Trishuulam , Modaka Bhoga Sugandhit Phuulam, Sundara Piitaambar Tana Saajit, Charana Paadukaa Muni Man Raajit; Dhani Shiva Suvan Shadaanana Bhraataa, Gaurii Lalan Vishva Vikhyaata, Riddhi Siddhi Tav Chanvar Sudhaare, Mooshaka Vaahan Sohat Dvaare; Kahaun Janma Shubh Kathaa Tumhari,Ati Shuchi Paavan Mangalkaarii, Ek Samay Giriraaj Kumaarii, Putra Hetu Tapa Kiinhaa Bhaarii."
Lord Ganesha is worshipped through out the nation before the commencement of any new venture or rituals. Thus the Ganesha Chalisa has become hugely popular among the devotees, who chant the sacred verses as daily prayer.
