The essential mantras of Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles — recited before every new beginning, journey, study and puja.
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Vakratunda Shloka
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय
सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव
सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
vakratunda mahakaya
suryakoti samaprabha
nirvighnam kuru me deva
sarva-karyeshu sarvada
vakratuṇḍa mahākāya
sūryakoṭi samaprabha
nirvighnaṃ kuru me deva
sarva-kāryeṣu sarvadā
O curved-trunked, mighty-bodied one, radiant as ten million suns — make all my endeavours free of obstacles, always.
Beeja Mantra
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥
om gam ganapataye namah
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Om — salutations to Ganapati, lord of the ganas. The seed-syllable “gaṃ” carries the essence of Ganesha; this is the most widely used Ganesha japa mantra.
One should meditate on the all-pervading lord clad in white, moon-hued, four-armed, of serene countenance, for the quieting of all obstacles. (Recited at the start of every puja.)
To the elephant-faced one served by the hosts of beings, who delights in wood-apple and rose-apple fruits, son of Uma, destroyer of sorrow — I bow to the lotus feet of the lord of obstacles.
When it is recited: At the start of any undertaking: puja, travel, study, business opening, housewarming. Especially on Wednesdays, Chaturthi tithis and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Traditional significance: Ganesha is invoked first in every Hindu worship. These mantras ask for the removal of obstacles (vighna) and the blessing of a clear, auspicious path.
Questions
Why is Ganesha worshipped first?
By the boon of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is Vighneshvara — lord of obstacles. Invoking him first clears the path for every undertaking, so all pujas and ceremonies begin with him.