Ganesha is the son of Parvathi and Siva. He is the remover of all obstacles. He is worshipped first before starting any religious function. Other common names of Ganesha are Ganapathi, Vinaayaka, and Vigneswara.
Sloka/Prayer
Gajaananam Bootha Ganaadhi Sevitham
Kapiththa Jamboo Phala Saara Bhakshitham
Umaa Sutham Soka Vinaasa Kaaranam
Namaami Vigneswara Paadha Pankajam
I prostrate at the lotus feet of the Lord who removes obstacles. He, with the elephant face, the son of Uma, is served by all the hordes of Lord Siva. He fondly eats fruits and relishes their juices. He destroys all our sorrows.
Ganesh At SVT
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Ganesha has a special place in His own shrine built in Chola style architecture. He is also installed in front of Siva’s shrine; next to the Ayyappa shrine, where He is called Kannimula Ganapathi and in the outer corridor, where He is called Praakaara Ganapathi.
Auspicious Days And Festivals
The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha. The Chathurti that comes after a full moon is called Sankatahara Chathurti. Chathurti of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Simha (Bhaadrapadha) is celebrated as Ganesha Chathurthi.
Special Offerings
Offerings of modhaka and of durva grass garlands are special to Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is decorated with viboodhi, turmeric and sandal powder. Performing Ganapathi Homam before starting any project is very auspicious.
Gayathri And Meaning
Thath Purushyaaya Vidhmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Dhandhi Prachodayaath.
We worship that supreme person; Salutations to that Lord with a bent trunk. May that Lord with a tusk stimulate our creative faculties.