o-ṅgaṇānā-ntvā gaṇapa̭tigṃ havāmahe kavi-ṅka̭vīnāṃ

This shloka from the Rig Veda is one of the most significant invocations used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. Originally a Vedic hymn to Brahmanaspati, it beautifully captures the divine attributes that came to be associated with Lord Ganesha - his lordship over the ganas (groups), his supreme wisdom, and his mastery over sacred knowledge. This shloka remains one of the most revered prayers to Lord Ganesha today. As a deity who is highly esteemed in Vedic rituals, Lord Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of many Vedic ceremonies, rituals, prayers and important events.