Ganesh Sthapana Direction, 108 Names & Top 3 Ganesh Aarti

Getting the puja right matters as much as the devotion behind it. This guide covers three things pilgrims and devotees ask about most: the correct direction for Ganesh sthapana and daily aarti according to Vastu Shastra, the complete 108 names of Ganesha (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) with their meanings, and the full lyrics of the three most popular Ganesh aartis sung in Hindi and Marathi households — "Jai Ganesh Deva," the Marathi "Sukhkarta Dukhharta," and "Shendur Lal Chadhayo."

Correct Direction for Ganesh Sthapana (Vastu Guidance)

According to Vastu Shastra tradition, the North-East corner (Ishan Kon) of the home is considered the most auspicious spot to place the Ganpati idol, since this direction is associated with wisdom, purity, and divine energy. If the north-east isn't practical, the east or north are the next-best choices.

Which way should the idol face? East-facing idols are considered ideal near the main entrance, welcoming good fortune as the day begins; north-facing placement is held to attract positive energy, learning, and career success; a west-facing idol is considered suitable specifically for a dedicated pooja room. Vastu tradition advises avoiding a south-facing idol, which is considered inauspicious.

Trunk direction — a detail worth getting right: directions on a Ganesha idol are always described from the idol's own point of view, not the viewer's — so an idol's "left-turned" trunk (Vamamukhi) actually curves toward your right as you face it. A left-turned trunk is calmer and is the form traditionally recommended for daily worship at home. A right-turned trunk (Dakshinamukhi, worshipped as Siddhi Vinayak) is considered more powerful but is said to demand strict ritual discipline, which is why such idols are traditionally kept in temples under a priest's care rather than in an ordinary household.

108 Names of Ganesha — Ashtottara Shatanamavali

The Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a garland of 108 names describing Ganesha's forms, qualities, and blessings — traditionally, each name is chanted in the pattern "Om [Name] Namah" while offering a flower or a grain of akshat, one for every name, and the full chant is especially popular on Ganesh Chaturthi. Here are all 108, with their meaning:

1. गजानन (Gajanana) — Elephant-faced Lord
2. गणाध्यक्ष (Ganadhyaksha) — Lord of all Ganas (divine hosts)
3. विघ्नराज (Vighnaraja) — King of all obstacles
4. विनायक (Vinayaka) — Lord of all
5. द्वैमातुर (Dvaimatura) — One who has two mothers
6. द्विमुख (Dvimukha) — Two-headed Lord
7. प्रमुख (Pramukha) — Supreme head of the universe
8. सुमुख (Sumukha) — Auspicious face
9. कृती (Kriti) — Embodiment of the universe
10. सुप्रदीप (Supradipa) — One who removes darkness
11. सुखनिधि (Sukhanidhi) — Treasure of happiness
12. सुराध्यक्ष (Suradhyaksha) — Sovereign of the gods
13. सुरारिघ्न (Surarighna) — Destroyer of enemies of the gods
14. महागणपति (Mahaganapati) — The Great Ganesha
15. मान्य (Manya) — Worshipped throughout the universe
16. महाकाल (Mahakala) — Lord of time
17. महाबल (Mahabala) — Lord of supreme strength
18. हेरम्ब (Heramba) — Mother's beloved son
19. लम्बजठर (Lambajathara) — One with a long belly
20. ह्रस्वग्रीव (Hrasvagriva) — Small-necked Lord
21. महोदर (Mahodara) — One with a big belly
22. मदोत्कट (Madotkata) — Full of excitement
23. महावीर (Mahavira) — Extremely brave
24. मन्त्री (Mantri) — Possessor of mantra power
25. मङ्गलस्वर (Mangalasvara) — He who makes auspicious sound
26. प्रमध (Pramadha) — Root of all elements of creation
27. प्रथम (Prathama) — The first among all gods
28. प्राज्ञ (Prajna) — Highly intelligent
29. विघ्नकर्ता (Vighnakarta) — Creator of obstacles
30. विघ्नहर्ता (Vighnaharta) — Remover of obstacles
31. विश्वनेता (Vishvanetra) — Knower of the universe
32. विराट्पति (Viratpati) — Lord of the cosmos
33. श्रीपति (Shripati) — Lord of abundance
34. वाक्पति (Vakpati) — Lord of speech
35. शृङ्गारी (Shringari) — One adorned with vermilion
36. अश्रितवत्सल (Ashritavatsala) — Protector of devotees
37. शिवप्रिय (Shivapriya) — Beloved of Shiva
38. शीघ्रकारी (Shighrakari) — Swift giver of boons
39. शाश्वत (Shashvata) — Eternal
40. बल (Bala) — Embodiment of power
41. बलोत्थित (Balotthita) — Increasing in strength
42. भवात्मज (Bhavatmaja) — Son of the universe
43. पुराणपुरुष (Puranapurusha) — Ancient cosmic being
44. पूषा (Pusha) — Nourisher of all beings
45. पुष्करोत्षिप्तवारी (Pushkarotpsiptavari) — The cause of the universe
46. अग्रगण्य (Agraganya) — Foremost of all deities
47. अग्रपूज्य (Agrapujya) — Worshipped before others
48. अग्रगामी (Agragami) — One who leads
49. मन्त्रकृत् (Mantrakrit) — Maker of mantras
50. चामीकरप्रभ (Chamikaraprabha) — Sun-like radiance
51. सर्व (Sarva) — Present everywhere
52. सर्वोपास्य (Sarvopasya) — Worshipped by all
53. सर्वकर्ता (Sarvakarta) — Doer of all
54. सर्वनेता (Sarvanetra) — Seer of all
55. सर्वसिद्धिप्रद (Sarvasiddhiprada) — Grantor of all perfections
56. सिद्धि (Siddhi) — Personification of accomplishment
57. पञ्चहस्त (Panchahasta) — Five-handed Lord
58. पार्वतीनन्दन (Parvatinandana) — Son of Parvati
59. प्रभु (Prabhu) — Lord of creation
60. कुमारगुरु (Kumaraguru) — Preceptor of Kartikeya
61. अक्षोभ्य (Akshobhya) — Unshakeable Lord
62. कुञ्जरासुरभञ्जन (Kunjarasurabhanjana) — Slayer of the demon Kunjarasura
63. प्रमोद (Pramoda) — Grantor of joy
64. मोदकप्रिय (Modakapriya) — Lover of modakas
65. कान्तिमान् (Kantiman) — Charming in appearance
66. धृतिमान् (Dhritiman) — Patient and steadfast
67. कामी (Kami) — Fulfiller of desires
68. कपित्थपनसप्रिय (Kapitthapanasapriya) — Lover of wood-apple and jackfruit
69. ब्रह्मचारी (Brahmachari) — Celibate Yogi
70. ब्रह्मरूपी (Brahmarupi) — One who is like Brahman
71. ब्रह्मविद्यादिदानभू (Brahmavidyadidanabhu) — Grantor of spiritual knowledge
72. जिष्णु (Jishnu) — The Victorious One
73. विष्णुप्रिय (Vishnupriya) — Beloved of Vishnu
74. भक्तजीवित (Bhaktajivita) — Sustainer of devotees' lives
75. जितमन्मथ (Jitamanmatha) — Master of mind and senses
76. ऐश्वर्यकारण (Aishvaryakarana) — Source of prosperity
77. ज्यायस् (Jyayas) — The most excellent
78. यक्षकिन्नरसेवित (Yakshakinnarasevita) — Worshipped by Yakshas and Kinnaras
79. गङ्गासुत (Gangasuta) — Son of the Ganges
80. गणाधीश (Ganadhisha) — Lord of the Ganas
81. गम्भीरनिनद (Gambhiraninada) — Creator of deep sound
82. वटु (Vatu) — Form of a boy
83. अभीष्टवरद (Abhishtavarada) — Grantor of chosen boons
84. ज्योतिस् (Jyotis) — Master of light
85. भक्तनिधि (Bhaktanidhi) — Treasure of devotees
86. भावगम्य (Bhavagamya) — Known only through devotion
87. मङ्गलप्रद (Mangalaprada) — Bringer of auspiciousness
88. अव्यक्त (Avyakta) — The unmanifest source of creation
89. अप्राकृतपराक्रम (Aprakritaparakrama) — Possessor of uncommon valour
90. सत्यधर्मी (Satyadharmi) — Upholder of truth
91. सखा (Sakha) — Friend of devotees
92. सरसाम्बुनिधि (Sarasambunidhi) — One to whom sacred durva grass is dear
93. महेश (Mahesha) — Greatest among the deities
94. दिव्याङ्ग (Divyanga) — Of divine form
95. मणिकिङ्किणीमेखल (Manikinkinimekhala) — Adorned with a jewelled waistband
96. समस्तदेवतामूर्ति (Samastadevatamurti) — Manifestation of all deities
97. सहिष्णु (Sahishnu) — The tolerant one
98. सततोत्थित (Satatotthita) — Ever-rising Lord
99. विघातकारी (Vighatakari) — Protector from harm
100. विश्वग्दृक् (Vishvagdrik) — Seer of the whole universe
101. विश्वरक्षाकृत् (Vishvarakshakrit) — Protector of the world
102. कल्याणगुरु (Kalyanaguru) — Teacher and benefactor
103. उन्मत्तवेष (Unmattavesha) — Ever joyous and ecstatic
104. अपराजित (Aparajita) — The undefeated
105. समस्तजगदाधार (Samastajagadadhara) — Supporter of the entire universe
106. सर्वैश्वर्यप्रद (Sarvaishvaryaprada) — Giver of all prosperity
107. आक्रान्तचिदचित्प्रभु (Akrantachidachitprabhu) — Source of all knowledge and intellect
108. श्री विघ्नेश्वर (Shri Vighneshvara) — The remover of all obstacles

The 3 Most Popular Ganesh Aartis (Hindi & Marathi)

These three aartis are the ones most commonly sung at the close of a Ganesh puja across Hindi- and Marathi-speaking households — the full original lyrics are given below in Devanagari, exactly as traditionally sung, along with what each one says.

1. जय गणेश देवा (Jai Ganesh Deva) — Hindi

The most widely sung Ganesh aarti across North India. It describes Ganesha as the son of Parvati and Shiva — single-tusked, compassionate, four-armed, riding his mouse — worshipped with betel leaf, flowers, and sweets, and glorifies him as the one who gives sight to the blind, health to the unwell, children to the childless, and wealth to the poor.

जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा॥

एकदंत दयावंत चार भुजाधारी।
माथे सिंदूर सोहे मूसे की सवारी॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा॥

पान चढ़े फूल चढ़े और चढ़े मेवा।
लड्डुअन का भोग लगे संत करें सेवा॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा॥

अंधन को आंख देत कोढ़िन को काया।
बांझन को पुत्र देत निर्धन को माया॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा॥

'सूर' श्याम शरण आए सफल कीजे सेवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा॥

2. सुखकर्ता दुःखहर्ता (Sukhkarta Dukhharta) — Marathi

Composed by the 17th-century Marathi saint-poet Samarth Ramdas Swami (1608-1682), this is the aarti sung at the close of nearly every Ganpati puja across Maharashtra. It praises Ganesha as the bringer of happiness and remover of sorrow and obstacles, describes his vermilion-anointed form, jewelled crown and anklets, and prays to him as Lambodara — the pot-bellied one, with a straight trunk and three eyes — to protect his devotees in times of difficulty.

सुखकर्ता दुःखहर्ता वार्ता विघ्नाची।
नुरवी पुरवी प्रेम कृपा जयाची॥
सर्वांगी सुंदर उटी शेंदुराची।
कंठी झळके माळ मुक्ताफळांची॥
जय देव जय देव जय मंगलमूर्ती।
दर्शनमात्रे मन कामना पुरती॥ जय देव जय देव॥

रत्नखचित फरा तुज गौरीकुमरा।
चंदनाची उटी कुंकुमकेशरा॥
हिरेजडित मुकुट शोभतो बरा।
रुणझुणती नूपुरे चरणी घागरिया॥
जय देव जय देव जय मंगलमूर्ती।
दर्शनमात्रे मन कामना पुरती॥ जय देव जय देव॥

लंबोदर पीतांबर फणिवरबंधना।
सरळ सोंड वक्रतुंड त्रिनयना॥
दास रामाचा वाट पाहे सदना।
संकटी पावावे निर्वाणी रक्षावे सुरवरवंदना॥
जय देव जय देव जय मंगलमूर्ती।
दर्शनमात्रे मन कामना पुरती॥ जय देव जय देव॥

3. शेंदुर लाल चढ़ायो (Shendur Lal Chadhayo) — Hindi

Another extremely popular Hindi aarti, describing the elephant-faced Ganesha anointed with red vermilion (sindoor), holding jaggery-and-sesame laddus, wearing a diamond-studded crown, radiant as a million suns — worshipped as Vidya Sukhdata, the giver of learning and happiness, who removes every obstacle for those who take refuge in him.

शेंदुर लाल चढ़ायो, अच्छा गजमुख को।
दोंदिल लाल बिराजे, सुत गौरिहर को॥
हाथ लिए गुड़ लड्डू, साईं सुरवर को।
महिमा कहे न जाय, लागत हूं पद को॥
जय देव जय देव जय जय जी गणराज।
विद्या सुखदाता, धन्य तुम्हारा दर्शन, मेरा मन रमता॥

अष्टौ सिद्धि दासी, संकट को बैरी।
विघ्न विनाशन, मंगल मूरत अधिकारी॥
कोटि सूरज प्रकाश, ऐसी छवि तेरी।
गंडस्थल मदमस्तक, झूले शशि बिहारी॥
जय देव जय देव जय जय जी गणराज।
विद्या सुखदाता, धन्य तुम्हारा दर्शन, मेरा मन रमता॥

भाव भगत से कोई, शरणागत आवे।
संतत संपत सबही, भरपूर पावे॥
ऐसे तुम महाराज, मोको अति भावे।
गोसावीनंदन निशिदिन, गुण गावे॥
जय देव जय देव जय जय जी गणराज।
विद्या सुखदाता, धन्य तुम्हारा दर्शन, मेरा मन रमता॥