Maha Ganapathim

Sri Gananatha...

About:
Sri Gananatha, undoubtedly the first 'Geetham' to be taught to all who learn Carnatic Music, has its own style of melody. Purandaradasa has composed such a melody in praise of Lord Ganesha in the ragam: Malahari (Janya Raga of 15th Melakartha Ragam: Mayamalavagowla) in Chathurasra Jathi Rupaka Thalam.
Here goes the description of the geetham:

Pallavi:
Sri Gananatha Sindhoora Varna Karuna Saagara Kari Vadana
Lambodhara Lakumi-karaa Ambaa Sutha Amara Vinutha

Meaning:
O leader of the pramada ganas, (“sri gana natha”), you are the colour of vermillion (“sindhura varna”), and the ocean of compassion (“karuna sagara”). You have the visage (“vadana”) of the mighty elephant (“kari”) and a protruding belly (“lambodara”). You hold goddess lakshmi (“lakumi”) in your hand (“kara”). O son of Parvathi (“amba sutha”) you are worshipped by (“vinutha”) the gods (“amara”).

Charanam 1:
Siddha Chaarana Gana Sevitha Siddhi Vinayaka The Namo Namo

Meaning:
You have all the holy men at your feet (“siddha charana”) and you are worshipped by the pramadha ganas who are the followers of lord Siva (“gana sevitha”). You grant your devotees all their wishes (“siddhi vinayaka”) and I bow to you (“the namo ”).

Charanam 2:
Sakala Vidyaadi Poojitha Sarvothama The Namo Namo

Meaning:
You are the first (“aadi”) one to receive obeisance (“poojitha”) when setting upon acquiring any kind of knowledge (“sakala vidhya”). You are the greatest one of all (“sarvothama”) and I pray to you.

Meaning : Courtesy, Dr. Aruna Turaga, California