Sukha Karta Dukha Harta - Aarti Meaning
Sukha Karta, Dukha Harta - when you hear those words, you know Ganpati Bappa is here. But do you know the beautiful meaning behind this Aarti?
Here’s the tea.
This Aarti has its origins in the work of Sant Ramdas, a 16th-century poet-saint from Maharashtra who played a crucial role in spreading Bhakti (devotion) for various deities, particularly Lord Ganesha.
It goes like this:
सुख करता दुखहर्ता, वार्ता विघ्नाची
नूर्वी पूर्वी प्रेम कृपा जयाची
सर्वांगी सुन्दर उटी शेंदु राची
कंठी झलके माल मुकताफळांची
Roughly, it means: “I pray to the one who brings happiness and removes sorrow, and destroys all the obstacles in our path. He spreads love and grace everywhere, is beautiful from head to toe, smeared in fragrant sandalwood paste, and wears a necklace of pearls.”
Next, it goes:
जय देव जय देव, जय मंगल मूर्ति
दर्शनमात्रे मनःकामना पूर्ति
जय देव जय देव
This translates to: “I praise and sing in glory of the auspicious idol, the one who brings luck and wealth, and fulfills all our desires when we approach Him with a selfless heart. Victory to Him!”
Then it says:
रत्नखचित फरा तुझ गौरीकुमरा
चंदनाची उटी कुमकुम केशरा
हीरे जडित मुकुट शोभतो बरा
रुन्झुनती नूपुरे चरनी घागरिया
Which means: “Please take this jewel-studded seat, Son of Gauri (Parvati). You are adorned with vermillion, smeared in sandalwood paste, wearing a diamond-studded crown, and anklets jingling at Your feet.”
And the final part goes:
लम्बोदर पीताम्बर फनिवर वंदना
सरल सोंड वक्रतुंडा त्रिनयना
दास रामाचा वाट पाहे सदना
संकटी पावावे निर्वाणी रक्षावे सुरवर वंदना
This means: “You are the Lord with a potbelly who takes in all our problems. You wear royal yellow silk, adorned with a serpent around your neck like your father Shiva, symbolizing mastery over temptations. You are the one with the straight trunk, curved tusk, and three eyes that see the past, present, and future. Your servant Ramdas waits for you. Please save us from all troubles, grant us liberation, and protect us like you protect the Gods. We worship you, Sri Ganesha.”
Such a beautiful meaning, isn’t it?