Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra
సంకట నాశన గణేశ స్తోత్రం
8 verses listing the 12 names of Ganesha + 1 phalashruti verse · Composed by Sage Narada; preserved in the Narada Purana · Narada Purana, Uttara Bhaga
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकम् । भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यमायुष्कामार्थसिद्धये ॥ प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकम् । तृतीयं कृष्णपिङ्गाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकम् ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Praṇamya Śirasā Devaṃ Gauri-Putraṃ Vināyakam / Bhaktāvāsaṃ Smaren-Nityam-Āyuṣ-Kāmārtha-Siddhaye / Prathamaṃ Vakra-Tuṇḍaṃ Cha Eka-Dantaṃ Dvitīyakam / Tṛtīyaṃ Kṛṣṇa-Piṅgākṣaṃ Gaja-Vaktraṃ Chaturthakam
English Translation
Bowing my head to the Lord Vinayaka, son of Gauri, who dwells in the hearts of devotees — I remember him daily for the attainment of longevity, fulfillment of desires, prosperity, and success. The first name is Vakratunda (Curved-Trunk), the second Ekadanta (Single-Tusked), the third Krishna-Pinga-Aksha (Black-and-Tawny-Eyed), the fourth Gajavaktra (Elephant-Faced)...
About the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra
The Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra ("The Hymn that Destroys Crisis") is among the most-recited Ganesha texts for solving urgent material problems. Composed by Sage Narada and preserved in the Narada Purana, it lists the 12 most important names of Ganesha: Vakratunda (Curved-Trunk), Ekadanta (Single-Tusked), Krishna-Pinga-Aksha (Black-and-Tawny-Eyed), Gajavaktra (Elephant-Faced), Lambodara (Pot-Bellied), Vikata (Wide), Vighnaraja (King of Obstacles), Dhumravarna (Smoke-Hued), Bhalachandra (Moon-on-Forehead), Vinayaka (Supreme Leader), Ganapati (Lord of the Ganas), and Gajanana (Elephant-Faced). The phalashruti (concluding verse) declares: "He who recites these 12 names three times daily — at the start, middle, and end of day — experiences no kind of trouble; he attains every desire." Because Ganesha is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles, this stotra is the standard recitation before starting any new project — a business, a journey, a marriage, an exam, a court case. During Sankashti Chaturthi (the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of each month, dedicated specifically to Ganesha's sankata-nivarana aspect), traditional families recite this stotra 21 times. Often combined with the Ganesha Atharvashirsha for major obstacles. Recite at the Ganesha shrine with red flowers, durva grass, and modak; light a ghee lamp.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Removes "sankata" (crisis, difficulty, obstacle) of every kind — financial trouble, court cases, health problems, family conflicts; brings success in new ventures; protects during travel; particularly effective for resolving long-standing problems that other methods have failed to solve.
Pronunciation Notes
The 12 names of Ganesha are the central focus — pronounce each clearly. The four compound names in the second verse (Vakra-Tunda, Eka-Danta, Krishna-Pinga-Aksha, Gaja-Vaktra) are best chanted with brief pauses between compounds.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 21 daily during obstacles. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra?
The Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra ("The Hymn that Destroys Crisis") is among the most-recited Ganesha texts for solving urgent material problems. Composed by Sage Narada and preserved in the Narada Purana, it lists the 12 most important names of Ganesha: Vakratunda (Curved-Trunk), Ekadanta (Single-...
How many times should I recite Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra daily?
21 daily during obstacles; 108 on Sankashti Chaturthi; 1 daily for prevention
When is the best time to recite Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra?
Wednesday; Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi each month); before any difficult task; during obstacles
Who composed the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra?
Sage Narada; preserved in the Narada Purana, from Narada Purana, Uttara Bhaga.
What are the benefits of reciting Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra?
Removes "sankata" (crisis, difficulty, obstacle) of every kind — financial trouble, court cases, health problems, family conflicts; brings success in new ventures; protects during travel; particularly effective for resolving long-standing problems that other methods have failed to solve.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.