SRI GANESHA

Ganesha is the son of Parvati and Shiva. He is the remover of all obstacles. He is worshipped first before starting any religious function. Other common names of Ganesha are Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vigneshvara.
Ganesha is variedly worshipped as a bachelor, and as a Lord with two consorts. The two consorts of Lord Ganesha are considered to be siddhi (achievement) and buddhi (intellect), or siddhi and ruddhi (prosperity)

SLOKA/PRAYER

Gajaananam Bootha Ganaadhi Sevitham
Kapiththa Jamboo Phala Saara Bhakshitham
Umaa Sutham Soka Vinaasa Kaaranam
Namaami Vigneswara Paadha Pankajam

MEANING
I prostrate at the lotus feet of the Lord who removes obstacles. He, with the elephant face, the son of Uma, is served by all the hordes of Lord Siva. He fondly eats fruits and relishes their juices. He destroys all our sorrows.

GANESHA AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Ganesha has a special place in His own shrine built in Chola style architecture.

• He is also installed in front of Siva's shrine as a Dwara Murty
• As Nirutha Vinayakara - Deva goshta in the wall of the Siva shrine; 
• In the Ayyappa sannidi, where He is called Kannimula Ganapathi;  
• And in the outer corridor, where He is called Praakaara Ganapathi.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha. The Chathurti that comes after a full moon is called Sankatahara Chathurti. Chathurti of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Simha (Bhaadrapadha) is celebrated as Ganesha Chathurthi.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Offerings of modhaka and of durva grass garlands are special to Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is decorated with viboodhi, turmeric and sandal powder. Performing Ganapathi Homam before starting any project is very auspicious.

GAYATHRI

Thath Purushyaaya Vidhmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Dhandhi Prachodayaath.

MEANING
We worship that supreme person; Salutations to that Lord with a bent trunk. May that Lord with a tusk stimulate our creative faculties.