Lord Ganesha , son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is worshipped in Hindu Religion 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"

Ganesh Gayatri Mantra

"Aum Ekadantaya Vidmahe

Vakratundaya Dheemahi

Tanno Danti Prachodayat."

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 at least once in life time. The Pilgrimage to these temples is known as Ashtavinayaka Mandir Yatra.

For details of these 8 Temples of Ganapati visit the link Ashta Vinayaka Temples in Maharashtra.

Ganesh Rudraksha Bead represents Lord Ganesha who is the remover of all obstacles and brings in luck to the wearer. This bead has a natural protrusion similar to the trunk of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha bead is also associated with wisdom, learning, prudence, and power. This bead can be worn or kept at the place of worship to get benefits. The Ganesh bead enhances luck and gives the wearer perfection in every sphere of life. Wearing this bead is auspicious when starting a new venture and is recommended for those facing obstacles and troubles in life.

Ganesh Rudraksha can be worn on a white thread, gold chain or can simply be kept on the altar for worship. Ganesh Rudraksha Bead is considered as an auspicious gift for anyone starting a new venture. One can also give this as a gift on occations like Ganesh Chaturthi.

More details of rudraksha beads, benefits and mantras can be found on my Blog The Power of Rudraksha Beads.