Lord Ganesha is believed to be the remover of all
impediments and hence is called 'Vighneshwara' (remover of obstacles).
The elephant deity is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is
deeply revered across India and beyond. The pot bellied god is believed
to govern wisdom, success and spiritual power. Before beginning any
auspicious task, Lord Ganesha is invoked by prayers. Given below are the
mantras dedicated to Ganpati with their meanings.
Vakrtund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha |
Nirbhignam Kurumedaya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada |
This particular mantra or sloka is chanted before beginning any
auspicious task. The Lord Ganpati as the remover of all impediments is
invoked by reciting this mantra. The Lord of mighty body and possessing
the curved trunk, who has the radiance of thousand suns, I pray to you
to remove all hurdles from the task I intend to perform.
Aum Tatpurushaye vidmahe
Vakratundaye dhimahi
tanno dantih prachodayat
We dedicate our attention to the supreme being, we meditate looking at
the curved tusk lord. We invoke you O lord to show us the right path.
Aum ekdantaya vidmahe
Vakratundaye dhimahi
tanno dantih prachodayat
O One tusked lord we pray to you. We meditate looking at him who has a
curved tusk. We invoke you O lord to lead us towards the right path.
Aum Sri Ganeshaye Namah
This simple chant of the name of Sri Ganesh is perhaps the easiest way
of invoking the god. This particular chant is especially taught to
children to increase their memory and remove all fears from their young
minds. The chant simply offers salutations to Sri Ganesha.