Shri Ganapati Atharvashirsha was written by Atharva (or Ganak Rishi) Rishi. It is traditionally sung by Brahmins - Solo or in Chorus - like Chants - and produces a very sacred atmosphere through recitation and voice. On the other hand in popular style, many singers have sung it and recorded. Around 1970, Lata Mangeshkar & musician Datta Davjekar recited and recorded it in a studio in Mumbai but it was not released commercially. I received the cassette tape copy from Mr. Davjekar around 1990 and it contained this song. I want to talk about it and share its recording for posterity. Lyric and meaning is at - http://www.adwaitjoshi.com/atharvashirsha.php================================================================================================Om Namste GanpatayeTvameva Pratyaksham TatvamasiTvamev Kevalam KartasiTvamev Kevalam DhartasiTvamev Kevlam HartasiTvamev Sarvam Khalvidam BramhasiTvam Sakshadatmasi Nityam || 1 ||O Lord GaneshaI Pay my deep homage to you, the Lord of the Deva-GanaYou are the first facet of the Bramha-Tatva to ariseYou have alone created this Entire universeYou alone can maintain this universeYou are indeed the all conquering supreme LordIndeed you are the "ATMA" || 1 ||Rritam VachmiSatyam Vachmi || 2 ||Speak noble factSpeak complete Truth || 2 ||Ava tvam MamAva VaktaramAva ShrotaramAva DataramAva DhataramAvanuchanamv ShishyamAva PaschatatAva PurastatAvo UttaratatAva DakshinatatAva chordhvatatAva DharatatSarvatomam Pahi Pahi Samantat || 3 ||Protect meProtect the one who Describes youProtect all who hear about your characteristicsProtect me & the disciples who are under TutelageProtect me from the obstacles (which arise during Rituals)From the east (Similarly)Protect me from the West,From the NorthFrom the SouthProtect me from above & belowProtect me from all directions || 3 ||Tvam Vangmayastvam ChinmayaTvam Anandmayastvam BramhamayaTvam Sachitananda DvitiyosiTvam Pratyaksham BramhasiTvam Jnanmayo Vijnanamayo Asi || 4 ||You are the constituent of speechYou are Joy & Immortal ConsciousnessYou are Truth, Mind & Bliss... one without a secondYou are none other than divinityYou are Knowledge of Gross & Subtle types || 4 ||Sarvam Jagadidam Tatvo JayateSarvam Jagadidam Tvat Sti ShastatiSarvam Jagadidam Tvay LayamesyatiSarvam Jagadidam Tvayi PratyetiTvam Bhumi Rapo Nalo Nilo NabhaTvam Chatvarim Vak Padaini || 5 ||All the Universes manifest due to youAll the Universes are sustained by youAll the Universes get destroyed in youAll the Universes finally get merged in youYou alone are Earth. Water, Fire, Air & EitherYou are the 4 types of speech & the root source of sound || 5 ||Tvam Guna Traya AtitahaTvam Deha Treya AtitahaTvam Kala Treya AtitahaTvam Avastreya AtitahaTvam Muladhar Stiti Yosi NityamTvam Shakti Treya AtmakahaTvam Yogino Dhayayanti NityamTvam Bramhastvan, Vishnustvam, Rudrastvam, Indrastvam Agnistvam, Vayustvam, Suryastvam, Chndramastvam, Bramha Bhur Bhuva Svorom || 6 ||You are beyond the 3 'GUNAS', (Satva; Pure, Rajas: Activating & Tamas: Dull)You are beyond the 3 Bodies; (Gross, Subtle & Casual)You are beyond Past, Present & Future (3 State of Time)You are beyond 3 states of being; (Awake, dream & Deep Sleep)You always Reside in the "MULADHARA" ChakraYou are the trinity of Power; (Creative Maintaining & Destructive Powers)Sages always Meditate on youYou are the creator. Sustainer, Destroyer, The Lord of 3 worlds, Fire, Air, Sun, Moon, You are all inclusive & all Pervading || 6 ||Ganadim Purvamuccharaya Varnadim Tada NantaramAnusvara ParatarahArdhendu LasitamTaren HridamEtatva Manu SvarupamGakarah Purva RupamAkaro Madhyam RupamAnu Svaraschantya RupamBindu Ruta RupamNadah SandhanamSagm Hitaa SandihiSesha GaneshvidhyaGanal Rishi; Nichrud Gayatri chandahGanpatir devataOm 'GUNG' Ganpataye Namah || 7 ||After Describing the Characteristics & Cosmic Attributes Of Lord Ganesha, Atharvan Rishi Gives us the Sacred "GANESH VIDYA" i.e. the Mantra which Reveals the Sacred Form of Lord Ganesh. The Letter "GA" is to be enunciated, following by "NA" This one word Mantra is then Potentiated with the "PRANAVA" "OM". This is Sacred Mantra. (In order to make it Simpler, Atharvan Rishi Present the above easier FASHION, Remember that Knowledge was transmitted orally in those days.)"GA" is the first part, "Na" is the middle & end "UM" formed by the bindu is conjoined with the foregoing & all of them form the Sacred word. This Mantra if pronounced properly, has the power of revaling The Divine Lord Ganesh, The sage who receives the Mantra is Ganaka & the Metre is "NICHRAT GAYATRI" The Diety is Ganapati. Om 'GANG' Ganapati My salutation to you || 7 ||Saying Thus, The Devotees should bow to the Lord.Ek Dantaya Vid Mahe vakra Tundaya DhimahiTanno danti Prachodayat || 8 ||Mediate on the single Tusked Lord, with bent TrunkMay He Grant Knowledge & Inspire me || 8 ||Ek Dantam Chatur Hastam Pashmam Kusha DharinamRadamch Vardam Hastair Bhi Bhranum Mushaka DhvajamRaktam Lambodaram Shoorpakarnkam Rakta ...
