O Lord Ganesha, Bless us all with peace, happiness and prosperity.
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvignam
Sarva kaala sarvada
Oh Lord with twisted tusk and great body
The one with the effulgence of a billion suns
Please remove the obstacles in my path
Always and in all times
Why Ganesha is Worshipped First?
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is often worshipped first before
any other deity or undertaking due to several reasons deeply ingrained in the
tradition:
Shiva gave Goddess Parvati his word that Ganesha will be
worshipped first, before the beginning of all ceremonies. All Gods and Goddess
will be offered pujas and prayers only after paying respect to Ganesh.
Remover of Obstacles: Ganesha is revered as the remover of
obstacles and the lord of beginnings. Hindus believe that invoking his
blessings at the start of any endeavor ensures success and smooth progress by
removing potential obstacles.
Wisdom and Intellect: Ganesha is also known as the god of
wisdom, intellect, and knowledge. By seeking his blessings first, devotees hope
to gain clarity of thought and intelligence to tackle challenges effectively.
Symbol of Auspiciousness: His elephant head symbolizes
wisdom, while his large ears signify the importance of listening and learning.
His trunk represents adaptability and efficiency. Worshipping Ganesha is seen
as auspicious and brings positive energy to the environment.
Unity in Diversity: Ganesha is a widely worshipped deity in
Hinduism, transcending regional and sectarian boundaries. Worshipping him first
promotes a sense of unity among diverse communities and traditions within
Hinduism.
Cultural Significance: In many Hindu households and rituals,
it's customary to invoke Ganesha's blessings before commencing any religious
ceremony, business venture, academic pursuit, or even mundane tasks like
cooking or travel. This practice has been passed down through generations and
is deeply ingrained in Hindu culture.
Overall, worshipping Ganesha first is a symbolic and practical way to seek blessings for success, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles in all aspects of life.