Lord Ganesha , son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is worshipped by Hindus as the god of beginnings, knowledge, wisdom, intellect and remover of obstacles. One always starts any prayer, ritual or occasion by worshipping the Beloved Elephant God. Lord Ganesh blessings are also sought before starting any new venture. Lord Ganesha is also referred to as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighneshawar and Pillaiyar.

One of my favourite Prayers of Shri Ganesha is

"Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha

Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva

Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

Meaning

O Lord Ganesha who has a large body, curved trunk and brightness of a million suns, please remove all obstacles in my work always.

Ganesha Mantras are full of energy and power of Lord Ganesha and these mantras when chanted with genuine devotion removes obstacles and troubles in life and blesses with success and prosperity. Ganesh Mantras are also referred to as Siddhi Mantras and can remove depression, confusion, jealousy and fear from our minds.

Some Ganesh Mantras

"Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah"

"Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah"

"Aum Vakratundaya Hum"

"Aum Kshipra Prasadaya Namah"

"Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam ganapataye vara varada sarva janamme vashamanaya svaha"

"Aum Ekadantaya namah"

"Aum sumukhaya Namah"

"Aum kapilaya Namah"

"Aum gajakarnikaya namah"

"Aum lambodaraya namah"

"Aum Gajananam Bhootganadhisevitam,
Kapitthya Jamboo Phalcharu Bhakshanam
Umasutam Shokvinashkarakam
Namami Vighneshwara Padapankajam".

Ganesh Gayatri Mantra

"Aum Ekadantaya Vidmahe

Vakratundaya Dheemahi

Tanno Danti Prachodayat."

Ashtavinayaka Temples

There are 8 Temples in Maharashtra which is known collectively as Ashta Vinayaka Temples and it is said that every hindu should visit these temples atleast once in life time. The Pilgrimage to these temples is known as Ashtavinayaka Mandir Yatra. The 8 Temples of Ganapati are

Shri Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon
Shri Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir, Siddhatek
Shri Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Shri Varada Vinayaka, Mahad
Shri Chinthamani Vinayaka Temple, Theur
Shri Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri
Shri Vigneshwara Temple, Ozar
Shri Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon