Vakratunda Mahakaya is a short prayer to Ganesha, asking for work to proceed without obstacles. The words describe his curved trunk, great form and radiance like millions of suns. Below are the Sanskrit text, a reading aid and an English translation.
Vakratunda Mahakaya in Sanskrit
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥English transliteration
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada.
A reading with long vowels marked: Vakratuṇḍa Mahākāya Sūryakoṭi Samaprabha / Nirvighnaṃ Kuru Me Deva Sarvakāryeṣu Sarvadā. Spellings such as “Vakra Tunda”, “Surya Koti” and “Nirvighnam” usually reflect different ways of writing the same Sanskrit sounds in Roman letters.
Meaning in English
O Lord with the curved trunk and great form, whose radiance is like ten million suns, please make all my undertakings free from obstacles, always.
This is a prayerful request, rather than a promise that chanting will prevent every difficulty. A useful way to approach it is to pause before beginning, remember your intention and then give the task your attention.
Word-by-word meaning
| Sanskrit expression | Plain meaning |
|---|---|
| Vakratunda | One with a curved trunk |
| Mahakaya | One with a great or large form |
| Suryakoti samaprabha | Radiant like ten million suns |
| Nirvighnam kuru me | Make it free from obstacles for me |
| Deva | O divine Lord |
| Sarvakaryeshu sarvada | In all undertakings, always |
How to begin chanting
- Read the two lines slowly before trying to memorise them.
- Pause at the end of each line. Keep your breathing comfortable.
- Recite once before a task, or repeat it as part of your own prayer routine.
- If you follow a teacher or family tradition, use their pronunciation and practice.
You do not need to purchase a bead or mala to say this prayer. If you already use a mala for repeated prayer, our mala guide explains practical choices such as bead size and construction.
Common questions
Is this a Sanskrit or Hindi mantra?
The verse is Sanskrit. It is often printed in Devanagari, the script also used for Hindi. An English transliteration helps with reading; it is not the translation.
Must I repeat it 108 times?
No fixed count is prescribed by this page. A single thoughtful recitation can be part of a personal routine. Follow the instructions of your own tradition if you have a formal practice.
What does the curved trunk symbolise?
Devotional interpretations vary. Our companion article discusses Ganesha symbolism and everyday reflection separately from the literal translation.
For a different prayer practice, see our Rudraksha mantra guide. Religious meanings are presented as devotional interpretation, without claims of guaranteed outcomes.
