Dwadashitaani Naamaani Yah Patheeth Shrunuyadapi
Vidyaarambhe Vivaaheecha Praveeshe Nirgamee Tathaa
Sangraame Nirgamee Chaiva Vighna Tasya Na Jaayate

Lord Ganesh also known as Lord Vinayaka, Vighneshwara, and Gana Pati, is the Agra Ganya (One who is reckoned with first) among gods because He is the remover of obstacles. People pray to Him before starting any project to make it a success by removing all obstacles. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. His birthday is on the fourth day of the Shukla fortnight of the moon (Shukla Chaviti) in the month of Shravana. The day is called Vinayaka Chaturthi and celebrated all over the world with much joy and many prayers.

He has an elephant's head which symbolizes wisdom. The trunk is either curved to the right or to the left. Some times it is depicted straight. When the trunk is curved, He is called Vakratunda. He has a large belly, and holds a sweet ball in his hand. His vehicle is the mouse, which symbolizes greed.

There are several forms of Vinayaka - Siddhi Vinayaka etc. He destroys evil spirits when called on as Gam Gana Pataye Namaha. He sets wicked people straight when called upon as Vakratundaya Namaha.