Invoking Ganesh

Before beginning anything important or auspicious, we invoke Ganesh. But why Ganesh? He is not primarily associated with creation. Creating something means bringing it into existence. Beginning is the moment when we decide to undertake something. At that moment, we need clarity, discrimination, preparedness and the ability to deal with obstacles.

Ganesh is traditionally associated with obstacles. As Vighnaharta, he is the remover of obstacles, while Vighneshvara means Lord of obstacles. This apparent paradox offers a deeper insight. An obstacle is not always negative. It may make us pause, reconsider our direction or prevent us from taking the wrong path. The deeper prayer, therefore, may not be to remove every obstacle, but to develop the wisdom to recognise and deal with it.

Ganesha can, thus, be contemplated as a symbol of the integrated human being: body, mind, intellect and spirit. This gives a different meaning to the familiar 'Shri Ganeshaya Namah'. It can be an invitation to celebrate the possibility before us and ask: is my intention clear? It is about seeking blessings and strength to overcome internal and external obstacles.


Beginning, therefore, is not only about starting an activity or hoping for success. It is a celebration of intention, possibility and purposeful action. It is about aligning our intention, purpose and action with clarity and awareness.