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

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Om Namste Ganpataye

Tvameva Pratyaksham Tatvamasi

Tvamev Kevalam Kartasi

Tvamev Kevalam Dhartasi

Tvamev Kevlam Hartasi

Tvamev Sarvam Khalvidam Bramhasi

Tvam Sakshadatmasi Nityam || 1 ||

O Lord Ganesha

I Pay my deep homage to you, the Lord of the Deva-Gana

You are the first facet of the Bramha-Tatva to arise

You have alone created this Entire universe

You alone can maintain this universe

You are indeed the all conquering supreme Lord

Indeed you are the "ATMA" || 1 ||

Rritam Vachmi

Satyam Vachmi || 2 ||

Speak noble fact

Speak complete Truth || 2 ||

Ava tvam Mam

Ava Vaktaram

Ava Shrotaram

Ava Dataram

Ava Dhataram

Avanuchanamv Shishyam

Ava Paschatat

Ava Purastat

Avo Uttaratat

Ava Dakshinatat

Ava chordhvatat

Ava Dharatat

Sarvatomam Pahi Pahi Samantat || 3 ||

Protect me

Protect the one who Describes you

Protect all who hear about your characteristics

Protect me & the disciples who are under Tutelage

Protect me from the obstacles (which arise during Rituals)

From the east (Similarly)

Protect me from the West,

From the North

From the South

Protect me from above & below

Protect me from all directions || 3 ||

Tvam Vangmayastvam Chinmaya

Tvam Anandmayastvam Bramhamaya

Tvam Sachitananda Dvitiyosi

Tvam Pratyaksham Bramhasi

Tvam Jnanmayo Vijnanamayo Asi || 4 ||

You are the constituent of speech

You are Joy & Immortal Consciousness

You are Truth, Mind & Bliss... one without a second

You are none other than divinity

You are Knowledge of Gross & Subtle types || 4 ||

Sarvam Jagadidam Tatvo Jayate

Sarvam Jagadidam Tvat Sti Shastati

Sarvam Jagadidam Tvay Layamesyati

Sarvam Jagadidam Tvayi Pratyeti

Tvam Bhumi Rapo Nalo Nilo Nabha

Tvam Chatvarim Vak Padaini || 5 ||

All the Universes manifest due to you

All the Universes are sustained by you

All the Universes get destroyed in you

All the Universes finally get merged in you

You alone are Earth. Water, Fire, Air & Either

You are the 4 types of speech & the root source of sound || 5 ||

Tvam Guna Traya Atitaha

Tvam Deha Treya Atitaha

Tvam Kala Treya Atitaha

Tvam Avastreya Atitaha

Tvam Muladhar Stiti Yosi Nityam

Tvam Shakti Treya Atmakaha

Tvam Yogino Dhayayanti Nityam

Tvam 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" Chakra

You are the trinity of Power; (Creative Maintaining & Destructive Powers)

Sages always Meditate on you

You 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 Nantaram

Anusvara Paratarah

Ardhendu Lasitam

Taren Hridam

Etatva Manu Svarupam

Gakarah Purva Rupam

Akaro Madhyam Rupam

Anu Svaraschantya Rupam

Bindu Ruta Rupam

Nadah Sandhanam

Sagm Hitaa Sandihi

Sesha Ganeshvidhya

Ganal Rishi; Nichrud Gayatri chandah

Ganpatir devata

Om '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 Dhimahi

Tanno danti Prachodayat || 8 ||

Mediate on the single Tusked Lord, with bent Trunk

May He Grant Knowledge & Inspire me || 8 ||

Ek Dantam Chatur Hastam Pashmam Kusha Dharinam

Radamch Vardam Hastair Bhi Bhranum Mushaka Dhvajam

Raktam Lambodaram Shoorpakarnkam Rakta Vasasamam

Raktam Gandhanu Liptangam Rakta Pushpaihi saupujitam

Bhaktanu Kampinam Devam Jagat Karnam Achutam

Avir Bhutam Cha Shrasta Yadao, Prakruthe Purushat Param

Evam Dhayayati Yo Nityam, Sa Yogi Yoginam Varah || 9 ||

The "SAGUNA" Form of Lord Ganesha is presented in the above Shloka I salute the Lord with 1 tusk (Right side) Who has 4 hands;

Upper Right carrying binding rope; Upper left hoalding goad; lower left carrying Broken tusk & the lower right blesses us, the mouse on his banner is also his vehicle.

He is blood red in colour; Pot-Bellied; He has elephant ears & wears red clothes

He is smeared with red sandalwood & decorated with red flowers

He is eternally blessings his devotees & was existing before Cosmos

He is beyond "PRAKRITI" & "PURUSHA" & is ever creating universes

One who meditates on him constantly, is a Supreme Yogi || 9 ||

(This is the Ganesh "Gayatri", Which is Self Sufficient)

Namo Vrat Pataye, Namo Ganapataye

Namo Pramatha patye, Namste Stu Lambodaraya Ekdantaya, Vighna Nashine Shiv Sutaya, Sri Varad Murtiye Namo Namah || 10 ||

Salutations to you Lord of all Deities, Ganas & all beings

(Salutations To) The Post-Bellied one with 1 Tusk who destroys all obstacles, son if Shiva The Divine Lord who grants, Boons (We bow to you) Taking your name || 10 ||

Suresh Chandvankar, Mumbai, Indiachandvankar.suresh@gmail.comSociety of Indian Record Collectors, Mumbai, India+ 919920813336