Dhyana Slokas (Gajananam Prayer)

(Berkeley, CA) | (Worldwide) The Dhyana Slokas, or meditation hymns, are beautiful meditations on different deities. Each verse focuses on aspects a different deity and also follows a different grammatical structure. The deity is invoked through the vibration of the mantras and the devotion of the aspirant. Understanding the meaning of the words and sentences of the verses is very helpful for this end. As per tradition, first Ganesha and Subramanya are invoked; these prayers are in the accusative case (I salute Gajananam). Then Goddess Sarasvati is invoked in nominative format (She who has a white garland). In a verse from the Guru Stotram, the Guru is invoked in the dative case (salutations to the Guru). Lastly, Mother Durga is addressed directly in the vocative case (I salute you, oh Narayani). ॐ शान्तिः॒ शान्तिः॒ शान्