Ganesha

I'll begin the posts on this blog with a dedication and invocation to Sri Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and Giver of Boons. He is invoked for blessings at the beginning of every day and at the start of any task, or any religious or spiritual endeavour. For this reason He is called Prathama Vandana - One who is invoked and worshipped first. He is easily Hinduism’s most popular and beloved deity, being worshipped (or at least remembered) by everyone, regardless of what sect they adhere to. He is also called Vigneshwara, the Lord of Obstacles who removes and places hindrances in the paths of His devotees to steer them on their respective courses of Dharma.



It is customary to invoke Lord Ganesha before undertaking any endeavour, secular or religious. Even if it is to make a journey safely, people often remember a quick prayer for Ganesha to remove any obstacles that might stand in their way. One very common prayer is the Vakratunda Mahakaya prayer which goes:

Vakratunda mahakaya,
Surya koti sama prabha,
Nirvighnam kuru me deva,
Sarva karyeshu sarvada.

This translates as:
Oh One with the Curved Trunk and the Large Body,
Who is as brilliant as a million suns,
Kindly make my path free of obstacles,
In everything I do, always.