Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings — which is why his name is traditionally invoked first, before any new venture, journey, ceremony, or song. Many kirtan gatherings open with a Ganesha chant for exactly this reason: he clears the path.
His most famous story explains the elephant head: Parvati fashioned a boy from sandalwood paste to guard her door; Shiva, returning home and refused entry by a child he did not recognize, struck off the boy's head — and, seeing Parvati's grief, restored him to life with the head of an elephant, declaring that this son would be worshipped before all other gods. Another beloved tale has Ganesha winning a race around the universe against his brother by simply walking a circle around his parents: "You are my universe."
Ganesha is also the patron of writers and scribes — it was he who wrote down the Mahabharata as the sage Vyasa dictated it, breaking off his own tusk to use as a pen. Wisdom, humor, sweetness, and strength in one rotund form: no deity is more universally loved across India's traditions.
In Traditional Art
Ganesha is depicted with an elephant's head on a stout human body, one tusk broken, a large belly, and four arms holding an elephant goad, a noose, a sweet (modaka — his favorite), and a hand raised in blessing. His mount, wonderfully, is a tiny mouse — the great remover of obstacles riding the smallest of creatures.
In Kirtan
"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" is the classic obstacle-clearing mantra, and "Jaya Ganesha" is one of the most common opening chants in kirtan and yoga settings worldwide — a warm, joyful invocation that gathers the room. Chanting to Ganesha at the start of practice is a way of asking that the way be made clear, inwardly and outwardly.
Mantras Sung to Ganesha
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
"Salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles"
Jaya Ganesha
"Victory to Ganesha — protect us as we begin"
Ganesha Sharanam
"I take refuge in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles"
Vakratunda Mahakaya
"O curved-trunk, mighty-bodied one, radiant as ten million suns — make my path free of obstacles"
