gaṇapati kī sevā maṃgala mevā āratī

Serving Ganapati is sweet and brings every blessing. Serve him, and all obstacles go away. The thirty-three gods of the three worlds stand at his door with their prayers.

Riddhi and Siddhi sit on his right and left and happily wave the fly-whisk. Holding incense, lamps and the aarti, devotees stand and sing his praise.

Modaks made of jaggery are offered to him, and he rides on a mouse. Serve Ganapati in his gentle form, and obstacles run far away.

Lord Ganapati was born at midday on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Every heart was filled with joy.

Indra played wonderful music, and the heavenly women sang. Shri Shankara was filled with joy. Just hearing Ganapati's name removes every obstacle.

Brahma, the Creator, came and took his seat, and Indra's apsaras danced. Brahma looked at the child and, following the Vedas, named him Vighna Vinashaka, the destroyer of obstacles.

Single-tusked, elephant-faced Vinayaka has a matchless form with three eyes. His legs are strong like pillars and his belly is full and round. Seeing him, the Moon laughed.

So Ganapati cursed the Moon god, and at once the Moon lost his light. Ganapati travels through all fourteen worlds and rules the three worlds.

Ganapati must be worshipped first, so that every task is done without obstacles. With folded hands, praise the glory of Shri Ganapati.