Craig has mastered and melded three great musical traditions of the world: Western classical and contemporary, Indian classical, and African music. He has performed for the Dalai Lama, at the WOMAD Festival in the UK, Glastonbury Festival, and also for Prince Charles in a private concert at the Prince's home in 2004. Craig is an accredited yoga/meditation teacher for the international Art of Living Foundation. and regularly stages music/meditation concerts/experiences internationally. He has studied Ayur-Veda, the science of perfect health. His approach to music and recording is a life integrating and affirming endeavor.
Ananda, a visionary painter, has been a meditation teacher for over 30 years. Born in Germany, she currently lives in Croatia with her husband when not traveling the world teaching Art of Living advanced courses.
Ganesh Invocation
Craig Pruess and Ananda Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnu Upashaanthaye
Agajaanana Padmaarkam
Gajaananam Aharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam
Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam
Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam
Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Mooshika-Vaahana Modaka-Hasta
Caamara-Karnna Vilambita-Suutra
Vaamana-Ruupa Mahesvara-Putra
Vighna-Vinaayaka Paada Namaste
The lyrics to Craig Pruess and Ananda's song, "Ganesh Invocation," are in praise of the Hindu deity Ganesh. The first verse describes Lord Ganesh's physical appearance, with "shuklaambara dharam vishnum" referring to his white clothing and "shashi varnam chatur bhujam" referring to his four arms, which hold symbolic objects such as a lotus flower and an axe. The verse also mentions Ganesh's peaceful expression, "prasanna vadanam," and asks for his help in removing any obstacles, "sarva vighnu upashaanthaye."
The second verse continues to praise Lord Ganesh, using the name "Gajaananam," which means "elephant-faced." The verse speaks of Ganesh being worshipped by many devotees, "anekadantham bhaktaanaam," and acknowledges his ability to overcome obstacles, "ekadantam upaasmahey." The following lines describe Ganesh's attributes, including his association with the elephant and his love for modakas, a type of sweet.
Overall, the lyrics express devotion and gratitude to Lord Ganesh, acknowledging his power and asking for his help in overcoming challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum
I meditate on Lord Vishnu, who is adorned in white garments.
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
He has a shining complexion like the moon and four arms.
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
I focus on his blissful face.
Sarva Vighnu Upashaanthaye
He is the one who removes all obstacles.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam
He has the face of an elephant and is like a lotus flower.
Gajaananam Aharnisham
He is always the Gajananam or elephant-faced one.
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam
He has many teeth and is worshiped by devotees.
Ekadantam Upaasmahey
I offer my salutations to the one-tusked god.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam
He is worshipped by all the beings and groups of beings, starting with the attendants of Shiva.
Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam
He snacks on the essence of jamuns and rose apples.
Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam
He is the son of Uma, the destroyer of grief.
Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
I bow to the lotus feet of Ganesha, the lord of obstacles.
Mooshika-Vaahana Modaka-Hasta
He rides on the mouse and holds a modak (sweet) in his hand.
Caamara-Karnna Vilambita-Suutra
He has long ears like a fan and a leisurely pace.
Vaamana-Ruupa Mahesvara-Putra
He takes the form of Vamana and is the son of Shiva.
Vighna-Vinaayaka Paada Namaste
I bow to the feet of Ganesha, who is the remover of obstacles.
Contributed by Aaron O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.