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{{italic title}}
{{Infobox Upanishad
| image = File:Ganesh01.jpg
| caption = The text identifies Ganesha to be same as [[Om]], [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]] and [[Brahman]]
| name = Ganapati Upanishad
| Devanagari = गणपत्यथर्वशीर्ष
| verses = 14
| Veda = [[Atharvaveda]]
| philosophy = [[Vedanta]]
}}
{{Hindu scriptures and texts}}
The '''''Ganapati Atharvasirsha''''' ({{lang-sa|गणपत्यथर्वशीर्ष}}, {{IAST|Gaṇapatyatharvaśīrṣa}}) is a Sanskrit text and a minor [[Upanishad]] of [[Hinduism]]. It is a late Upanishadic text dedicated to [[Ganesha]], the deity representing intellect and learning.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Apte, Vaman Shivaram, 1858-1892.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/22941401|title=The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary : containing appendices on Sanskrit prosody and important literary & geographical names of ancient India|date=1965|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=81-208-0567-4|edition=[4th] rev. & enl.|location=Delhi|oclc=22941401}}</ref> It asserts that ''Ganesha'' is same as the eternal underlying reality, [[Brahman]].<ref name=johngrimes21/><ref name=Courtright>Courtright, Paul B. {{IAST|Gaṇeśa}}: Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings. Appendix: "{{IAST|The Śrī Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa}}". (Oxford University Press: New York, 1985)</ref> The text is attached to the [[Atharvaveda]],<ref name=johngrimes21/> and is also referred to as the ''Sri Ganapati Atharva Sirsha'', the ''Ganapati Atharvashirsha'', the ''Ganapati Atharvasirsa'', or the ''Ganapati Upanishad''.

The text exists in several variants, but with the same message. Ganesha is described to be same as other Hindu gods, as ultimate truth and reality (Brahman), as [[satcitananda]], as the soul in oneself (Atman) and in every living being, as [[Om]].{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=21-29}}<ref name=schinmayanandaganpati/>{{Sfn|Hattangadi|2004}}

==History==
Ghurye notes that the text identifies Ganesa with the [[Brahman]] and is of a very late origin,<ref>Ghurye, G. S. Gods and Men. (Bombay: 1962) pp. 101-2.</ref> while Courtright and Thapan date it to the 16th or 17th century.<ref>Courtright (1985) p. 252.</ref><ref>{{cite book|page=40 | author=Anita Raina Thapan| title=Understanding Gaṇpati | year= 1997|publisher=Manohar Publishers|isbn=978-81-7304-195-2}}</ref> While the Upanishad is a late text, the earliest mention of the word ''Ganapati'' is found in hymn 2.23.1 of the 2nd-millennium BCE [[Rigveda]].{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=17-19 with footnotes}} ''Ganapati'' literally means "leader of the multitudes", according to John Grimes, it is however uncertain that the Vedic term referred specifically to Ganesha.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=17-19, 201}}<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/ऋग्वेद:_सूक्तं_२.२३ Rigveda Mandala 2], Hymn 2.23.1, Wikisource, Quote: गणानां त्वा '''गणपतिं''' हवामहे कविं कवीनामुपमश्रवस्तमम् । ज्येष्ठराजं ब्रह्मणां ब्रह्मणस्पत आ नः शृण्वन्नूतिभिः सीद सादनम् ॥१॥; For translation, see Grimes (1995), pp. 17-19</ref>

The Ganapati Upanishad text is listed at number 89 in the [[Muktikā]] canon of 108 Upanishads compiled in the mid 17th century,{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|pp=556-557}} and also mentioned c. 1800 by [[Upanishad Brahmayogin]] in his commentary on the Muktika canon.<ref>Bühnemann, Gudrun. {{IAST|Budha-Kauśika's Rāmarakṣāstotra}}. Publications of the De Nobili Research Library, vol. 10. (Ed. Gerhard Oberhammer: Vienna, 1983), p. 103.</ref>

==Textual variants==
The text exists in several versions. A [[critical edition]] was published in 1984 by Gudrun Bühnemann with a translation.<ref>Bühnemann, Gudrun. Some Remarks on the Structure and Application of Hindu Sanskrit Stotras. ''Wiener Zeitschrift für die Kunde Südasiens'' 28, pp. 73-104.</ref>

A heavily edited and abbreviated translation was made in the early nineteenth century by [[Vans Kennedy]].<ref>Kennedy, Vans. Researches into the Nature and Affinity of Ancient and Hindu Mythology. (London: 1831) pp. 493-94.</ref>

J. R. Sartha published a 1969 edition.<ref>J. R. Sartha, ed., {{IAST|Śrī Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa}}. (Bombay, 1969).</ref> In 1985 Courtright published an English translation based on the Sartha edition.<ref>Courtright (1985) Appendix.</ref>

Swami Chinmayananda published a variant of the Sanskrit text with an English translation in 1987. In his version of the source text he groups verses together to form sections that he calls ''upamantras''. He notes that as a result of this his line numbering and versification may differ from those given in other variants.<ref name=schinmayanandaganpati>Swami Chinmayananda. Glory of Ganesha. (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust: Bombay, 1987). pp. 121-131. Other reprint editions: 1991, 1995.</ref>

John Grimes provides a structural analysis including a version of the Sanskrit text and an English translation in his 1995 book on Ganapati. His version provides no line numbers.<ref name=johngrimes21>Material on the {{IAST|Atharvaśīrṣa}} is pp. 21-36 in: Grimes, John A. Ganapati: Song of the Self. (State University of New York Press: Albany, 1995) {{ISBN|0-7914-2440-5}} In his notes Grimes cites the Courtright and Chinmayananda editions, as well as Navaratnam, ''{{IAST|Aum Gaṇeśa}}'', 101-18.</ref>

It is part of the five Atharva Shirsha Upanishads, each of which are named after the five main deities or shrines (''panchayatanan'' of the Smarta tradition) of [[Ganapati]], [[Narayana]], [[Rudra]], [[Surya]] and [[Devi]].{{Sfn|Kennedy|1831|p=442}}{{Sfn| McDaniel |2004|p=90}}{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|pp=769-772}}

== Contents ==
The text opens with the ''Shanti'' hymn prelude, or the peace chant, found in many manuscripts of Sanskrit texts.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|p=22}}{{Sfn|Hattangadi|2004|p=1}}

=== Ganesha as the supreme reality ===
The first verse of the Upanishad proper asserts that Ganesha is the Supreme principle and all pervading metaphysical absolute reality called [[Brahman]] in Hinduism.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=22-24}} Ganesha is asserted by the text as identical to Om, the Brahman, the Atman or soul, and as the visible manifestation of the Vedic idea ''Tat tvam asi'' (you are that) found in the sixth chapter of the [[Chandogya Upanishad]],{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|pp=155-161 (Volume 1)}} in a manner similar to Shiva in Shaiva Upanishads, Vishnu in Vaishnava Upanishads, Devi in Shakti Upanishads.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=23-26}}{{Sfn|Coburn|1991|p=136}}{{Sfn|Deussen|1997|pp=769-772}}

<blockquote>Homage to Lord {{IAST|Gaṇeśa}}. ''{{IAST|Oṃ}}''. Reverence to {{IAST|Gaṇapati}}. You are indeed the visible "That Thou Art" [tattvamasi]. You indeed produce the universe. You indeed sustain it. You indeed destroy it. You indeed are the all pervading reality. You are the manifestation of the eternal self (Brahman).<ref name="Courtright 1985 p. 253">Translation by Courtright (1985) p. 253</ref></blockquote>

Chinmayananda translates this verse as follows:

<blockquote>
(O Lord Ganapati!) You alone are the visible manifestation of the Essence of the words "That thou art". You alone are the Doer. You alone are the Creator and the Sustainer (of the universe). You alone are the Destroyer. Verily You alone are all this - "idam sarvam" - in the creation, because You are Brahman. You are the Eternal Atman in bodily form."<ref>Chinmayananda (1985) p. 125. In Chinmayananda's numbering system this is ''upamantra'' 1.</ref></blockquote>

=== Identification with other deities and with Om ===
Ganesha is same as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, all deities, the universe and the Om.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=23-24}} Ganesha, asserts the text, is the Absolute, as well the same soul is each of every living being.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=23-24}}

<blockquote>
You are Brahmā, Vişņu, and Rudra [Śiva]. You are Agni, Vāyu, and Sūrya. You are Chandrama. You are earth, space, and heaven. You are the manifestation of the [[mantra]] "{{IAST|Oṃ}}".<ref name="Courtright 1985 p. 253"/></blockquote>

A variant version of this passage is translated by Chinmayananda as follows:

<blockquote>
(O Lord Ganapati!) You are (the Trinity) Brahma, Viṣnu, and Maheśa. You are Indra. You are fire and air. You are the sun and the moon. You are Brahman. You are (the three worlds) Bhuloka, Antariksha-loka, and Swargaloka. You are Om. (that is to say, You are all this).<ref>Chinmayananda (1987) p. 127. In Chinmayananda's numbering system this is ''upamantra'' 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

The verses state Ganesha to be all that is spiritual, the [[satcitananda]], all words, all four levels of speech, all knowledge, all consciousness, the source of all universe, the universe now, that in which the universe will someday be dissolved, the three [[Guṇa]]s of [[Samkhya]] philosophy and what is beyond, all states of being, the truth, the oneness, the contentment, the inner bliss.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=24-26}}

=== Integration of Tantra ===
{{Plain image with caption|Muladhara.svg|Muladhara Chakra|80px|right}}
Some evidence that the work is of late origin which associate Ganapati with the [[Muladhara]] chakra:

<blockquote>
{{lang|sa| त्वं मूलाधारस्थितो॑‌सि नित्यम्}}

You continually dwell in the {{IAST|mūlādhāra chakra}}.<ref name="Courtright 1985 p. 253"/><ref>Chinmayananda (1987) p. 127. In Chinmayananda's numbering system this is part of ''upamantra'' 7.</ref>
</blockquote>

This text provides a detailed description of Ganesha's ''bija'' [[mantra]] ''{{IAST|gaṃ}}'' ([[Sanskrit]]: {{lang|sa|गं}}; {{IAST|gaṃ}}). When this mantra is written using simplified transliteration methods that do not include diacritical marks to represent nasal sounds, it is written as "gam". This ''[[Bīja|bija]]'' mantra is also used in the [[Ganesha Purana]] which is generally dated as preceding the Ganapati Atharvasirsa. Courtright translates the passage as follows:

{{Quote box
|quote = '''Ganesha Gayatri'''
<poem>
एकदन्ताय विद्महे
वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि
तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात्

May we know the single tusked one,
May we meditate on the one with the curved trunk,
May that tusked one inspire knowledge and meditation of ours.
</poem>
|source = —''Ganapati Upanishad'' 8,<br>Translated by John Grimes{{Sfn|Hattangadi|2004|p=2}}{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=27-29}}
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = right
}}
<blockquote>
Having uttered the first letter of the word ''{{IAST|gaṇa}}'', ''ga'', then I utter the nasal sound ''{{IAST|ṇa}}'' which follows and appears beautifully like the crescent moon. This is your form. The ''ga'' forms the initial letter, the ''a'' forms the middle letter and the ''{{IAST|ṇa}}'' forms the final letter. To utter this sound [i.e., ''{{IAST|gaṃ}}''] is to utter all sounds together.<ref name="Courtright 1985 p. 253"/><ref>Chinmayananda (1987) p. 127. In Chinmayananda's numbering system this is part of ''upamantra'' 9; Quote: One should first utter the first syllable "ग" in the word "गण" followed by "अ" the first of the alphabets. Add an अनुस्वार (a nasal म् indicated by a dot above the line). Then adorn it by a crescent (also a nasal). Prefix ॐ to it. And this represents (O Lord Ganapati!) your terrestrial form endowed with ''[[gunas]]''.</ref>
</blockquote>

===Gayatri mantra===
The text includes a Gayatri mantra in verse 8, with Ganesha as the source of inspiration for meditation and knowledge, in ''Nrichad Gayatri'' poetic meter.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=27-29}} This, states John Grimes, distills the highest human spiritual aspiration.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=27-29}} The tooth and trunk in the Ganesha-Gayatri mantra, adds Grimes, embodies symbolism for philosophical and spiritual truths, channeling the attention to physical, intellectual and intuitional self-realization.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|p=29}}

==Colophon==
The text asserts its own status as an upanishad in its final line, which reads "Thus, the {{IAST|Śrī Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa Upanishad}}"; {{IAST|śrīgaṇapatyatharvaśīrṣopaniṣad}}).<ref>This is verse 29 in the Chinmayananda variant. Text and verse numbering are given in Chinmayananda (1987) p. 131.</ref> The text associates itself with the [[Atharvaveda]], in a passage that [[Chinmayananda]] translates as "Thus says Atharvana" ([[Sanskrit]]:{{lang|sa|इत्यथर्वणवाक्यम्}}; {{IAST|ityatharvaṇavākyam}}).<ref>This is verse 21 in the Chinmayananda variant. Chinmayanada notes that his version numbering may differ from that in other variants. Text and verse numbering are given in Chinmayananda (1987) p. 130. Courtright translates the verse as "This text was told by the Atharvan sage." Courtright (1985) p. 254. Chinmayananda comments on this claim of lineage saying that "it may or may not be so", noting that such an attribution of authorship is not found in the body of many of the upanishads. Chinmayananda (1987) p. 122.</ref>

The text ends with the ''Shanti'' hymn, states Grimes, "May we be protected together, may we be sustained together, may we do great deeds together, Om, peace, peace, peace!".{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=32-33}}

==Reception==
It is the most important surviving Sanskrit text in the ''Ganapatyas'' tradition of Hinduism, wherein Ganesha is revered.{{Sfn|Grimes|1995|pp=21-22}} The entire text is written over the entrance to the temple hall in the [[Ashtavinayak|{{IAST|aṣtavināyaka}}]] Ganesha shrine at Ranjangaon.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

==See also==
*[[Atharvashiras Upanishad]]
*[[Devi Upanishad]]
*[[Mahanarayana Upanishad]]
*[[Nirvana Upanishad]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Further reading ===
*{{cite book|last= Coburn |first=Thomas B. |title=Encountering the Goddess: A Translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FHP23b4Gd-0C&pg=PA217|year=1991|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-0445-4}}
*Swami Chinmayananda. Glory of Ganesha. (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust: Bombay, 1987). pp. 121–131. Other reprint editions: 1991, 1995.
*Courtright, Paul B. {{IAST|Gaṇeśa}}: Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings. Appendix: "The {{IAST|Śrī Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa}}". (Oxford University Press: New York, 1985) {{ISBN|0-19-505742-2}}
*{{cite book| last= Deussen| first=Paul| title=Sixty Upanishads of the Veda|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYepeIGUY0gC |year= 1997| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass| isbn=978-81-208-1467-7}}
*{{cite book|last=Grimes| first= John A.| title= Ganapati: Song of the Self| publisher= State University of New York Press| year= 1995| isbn= 0-7914-2440-5}}
*{{cite book|last= Kennedy |first=Vans |title=Researches Into the Nature and Affinity of Ancient and Hindu Mythology|url=https://archive.org/details/researchesinton00kenngoog|page= [https://archive.org/details/researchesinton00kenngoog/page/n603 491] |year=1831|publisher=Longmans, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green}}
*{{cite web|url=http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/ganapati.pdf |title= श्रीगणपत्यथर्वशीर्षोपनिषत् (Shri Ganapati Atharvasira Upanishad)|access-date=19 February 2016| language = sa|last= Hattangadi| first= Sunder| year= 2004 }}
*{{cite book|last= McDaniel |first=June |title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls : Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC&pg=PA90|date=9 July 2004|publisher=Oxford University Press, USA|isbn=978-0-19-534713-5}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232906/http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/tt_ganupanishad.html An English Translation Of the Ganapati Upanishad]

{{Ganesha}}
{{Hindudharma}}
{{Mukhya Upanishads}}

[[Category:Ganesha]]
[[Category:Upanishads]]

Ganapati Atharvaśīrṣa - Revision history

ImportMaster at 13:21, 17 April 2022