Lord vighneswara is called parvathi thanaya, ganesha, lambodara, gajanana etc. Which are related with his birth and appearance. Various version are told his birth and how he came into existence in the puranas like padma purana, linga purana & Sivapurana. He had an elephants face and big belly. He is being worshipped by the gods and mankind to ever come their obstacles before they start any activity or any pooja to other gods or goddesses.
Lord Vishnu proclaimed that the worship rendered to any god or goddess will become futile if lord vighneswara is not worshipped. So ganeswara is worshipped all over the world. Especially, on bhdrapada suddha chaturdhii. E vinayaka cahvithi which is his birthday, people worship him with great devotion and gaity. Vigraha Pratista:
The idols we worship are of three types. In certain holy places, gods and goddesses wish to appear an dwell on the earth and restore peace sri varasiddhe vinayaka, the presiding deity of kanipakam temple was one among them. He appeared to rescue his devotees from their misery. The all-pervading power of the lord casts a spell of divinity, purity and curative power. One believes that he saves mankind from the evils of Adharma.
In some other places, gods like indra install the idols of lord Vishnu, lord Shiva etc. on the earth and worship them. Such places are consecrated. People worship them with great devotion and piety. In some places, men install the idols of gods and goddesses and worship them. All these three types of idols are protected In temples built with donations and offerings of the devotees.
All the facilities are provided by the committees of government for the poojas, utsavams, festivals and darsan of the deities there are many legends extolling the glory and manifestation of wonderful, spiritual omnipotence of the lord vighnesware. He corrects real hevotees and guards us from all evils. So people consider it highly auspicious.
Divine power &sacredness of Kanipakam:-
Kanipakam, chittore district (A.P) which is 12 km away from chittore is a holy place, on the banks of the river ‘Bahuda’, where the lord vighneswaras temple situated. This place was once called ‘Viharapuri’ as gods and goddesses frequented this place for its greenery beauty and all pervading divine power. There are many temples of gods in and around kanipakam.
In course of time, Kanipakam was inundated in the floods of the river, Bahuda the idol of the lord vighneswara completely sank and it remained there under water unnoticed for a longtime. Later normalcy resotred and the land became fertile and filled with greenery and abundance with crops and fruit trees. The generation that followed was not aware of the existence of the idol in the earth.
Years rolled. Once a blind man, a deaf man and a dumd man came to kanipakam and settled there. They earned their living by cultivating the land they acquired. They cooperated with one another. After sometime the land was hit with famine.
The people including the three suffered from scarcity of food grains and water. The river dried. Epidemics spread. People starved for food and water. The three persons wanted to dig their well deeper to get more water. They and identified the divine presence noticed a big stone in the well began to bleed. The three person were soaked in the blood. The curative power of the divine blood cured them all. They are all thankful to him for his divine grace.
Meanwhile, the king and the people learnt about the miraculous power of the lord and rushed to the spot. They all tried to stop bleeding. But invain. They all worshipped him. They praised the greatness of the lord in their Bhajans, keerthanas, stotras etc. they all offered him coconuts, flower and incense to please him. The coconut water spread all over the place. The kings as well as the common men worshipped him and prayed to him to restore normalcy.
A temple was constructed around the well and facilities were provided to have his darsan and perform poojas. The glory of the lord and the sanctity of the temple spread far and wide. The devotees believed that the sins of their life time are cleansed with his darsan. The visit to the temple is thought to be holy and purifying. Once we entered the temple, we feel a divine halo pervading the whole place.
The villagers of kanipakam believed that the disputes are settled without the interference of courts, police or middlemen. But it is due to the purification of hearts of the rivals under his divine spell. The guilty accept their guilt and pray to him for his forgiveness. The childless worship him for 22 or 41 days and beget children. The ailing persons come a long way to have his darsan and get their diseases cured.
The people who have faith in him and who visit his temple are assured of health peace, safety, security and prosperity.
Not only Andhras, Tamils, Keralites, and other south Indians get spiritual solace and attain fulfillment of their desires. They get salvation for their long pending problems. That is why the influx of worshippers and pilgrims is increasing day by day. The lord vighneswara cares for the devotion of the offered rather then the value of articles offered. Even if we offer garika (blades of grass) he gets utmost satisfaction.
The silver armour which was quite fit when it was donated by Sri B.Siddaiah Naidu and his wife Smt lakshmamma of aragonda gollapalli, now becomes smaller. It is evident that the idol of lord vighnesware is gradually growing in its size and dimensions.
Bere volence of lord vighneswara
There are innumerable stories magnifying his benevolence and attachment to his devotes. I narrate one episode in which lord vighneswara magnanimously showered his blessing on his devotees. He comes to the rescue of the ill-fated.
Once a poorman and his brother, sankha and liktha wanted to visit lord vighneswara’s temple at kanipakam. They started their journey they were tired of walking. They did not have food or water with them. They were starving. Being unable to bear the pangs of hunger, he plucked a mango from a nearby mango grove inspite of his brother’s warning. The king ordered his soldiers to shear his hands for stealing a mango. Being helpless, they prayed to lord vighneswara they had a dip in the nearby river to have his darsan. To their surprise he got back his shorn hands under the divine spell of lord. That day on wards the river was called bahuda (Bahu+da). The two brothers remained there the rest of their lives and served him. They spread the greatness of the lord and sanctity of the temple far and wide.
Before learning How To Do Ganesha Mantra Jaap let us first understand
What is Japa?
JAPA, OR RECITATION, IS THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICEof devotedly repeating a mantra, generally a specified number of times, such as 108, often while counting on a strand of beads,called a japa mala, while conscientiously concentrating on the meaning of the mantra. The repetition should be dutifully slow. This brings punya, merit, to the devotee. It should not be thought lessly mechanical or the hurried, so-called rapid-fire or machine-gun japa, which demonstrate ignorance of the tantras. Such casual, nonchalant negligence and disregard for contemplative traditions brings papa, demerit, to the devotee, creating internal strife, community opposition and turmoil for all concerned.
Lord Krishna says in the Bhagvat Gita
Of all the Vedas I am the Sama Veda!
Of all the Yagnas I am the Japa yagna!!
Thus highlighting the importance of japam.
Japa is a form of devotional worship, invocation, supplication, praise, adoration, meditation and direct, experiential communion. Unless we are actually in a state of samadhi (total absorption), which is rare for most people, japa provides a means to disengage from our racing thoughts and our memories of the past -- mostly the bad ones. The repetition of positive, uplifting, spiritual mantras over and over again lifts consciousness and causes the muladhara chakra to spin clockwise. We feel uplifted. Life does not look so bad, and neither does the past.A sense of forgiveness comes and the future looms bright. The past is forgiven and forgotten.Japam can be done by everyone. However for yagnas certain conditions are mentioned.
There are three ways by which one can do Japam
1. Ucchahi - loud recitation - less effective
2. Upamshu - soft recitation - more effective
3. Manasikam - within the mind - most effective.
OM is the basic vibration of the cosmic universe. Hence all mantras begin with "OM".
Benefits of Japam
1. Physical - to energize the system (to tone up the system)
2. Mental - to remove depression/obstacles/mental blocks.
3. Spiritual - Attaining Siddhi,self-development/specific areas of growth(strengthening the inner-personality by projecting positive powers inwards; over-coming/eliminating negative traits).
Ganesh Mantra Siddhi Jaap
Invoking Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is invoked through the mantra Aum.
The Mandukya Upanishad elucidates the inner meaning of Aum, which embodies the highest wisdom. Aum has three syllables. A represents the waking state. U represents the dreaming state. M represents the state of deep sleep. Aum in its entirety, plus the moment of silence which follows it,represents the shanti, the peace beyond understanding.
Thus, Aum japa performed as an invocation to Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Wisdom and Knowledge -- while love is welling up from our hearts and tears are for no reason flowing simultaneously -- calls forth the knowledge of the entirety of our existence in these four categories of consciousness. These are realms that God Ganesha rules over as Lord of Categories, and this is the knowledge that He can grant devotees who perform Aum japa and meditation on the meaning of Aum.
Methods to do Aum japa
1. For Aum japa to be effective, the mantra must be pronounced correctly. The first syllable is A, pronounced as the English word "awe," but prolonged: "aaa." The second syllable is U, as in "roof," pronounced "oo" but prolonged: "ooo." The third syllable is M, pronounced "mm" with the front teeth gently touching and the sound prolonged: "mmmm." Each repetition is sounded for about seven seconds, with two seconds on A, two seconds on U and three seconds on M, with a silence of about two seconds before the next repetition. The three syllables are run together: AAUUMM (silence), AAUUMM (silence), AAUUMM(silence). On the first syllable, A, we feel the solar plexus and chest vibrating. On the second syllable, U, the throat vibrates. The third syllable, M, vibrates the top of the head. Thus, proper chanting of Aum also is a high form of yoga, moving energy from the lower chakras of the body up to the highest chakra, or energy center -- the sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head.
2. Another traditional way to do this japa is to take a full breath and then chant the AUM three times as you exhale. The first repetition is audible, the second is more quiet and the third is barely audible, as you concentrate within. Then inhale slowly as you visualize the image of our loving Lord Ganesha in your mind. Then repeat the AUM again three times as you exhale. The breathing should not be forced, but natural, slow, gentle and rhythmical. We can use a japa mala with 108 beads and pass over one bead for each repetition, or do the japa for a prearranged period of time.
Ganesha Siddhi Mantras:
Those so mystically inclined and knowledgeable of the seven chakras below the muladhara use these powerful incantantions under the direction of the guru to close off these regions of the mind one by one and free consciousness from deep depression, confusion, jealousy, rage, lingering anger and fear. Some such mantras are given below for the spiritual benefit of the readers.
1. Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah
meaning "Praise to Lord Ganesha." This is the mantra of invocation, adoration and worship. It is repeated at the beginning of pujas and it can be used for japa, to invoke Ganesha's blessings for the auspicious beginning of a task, project, change of life, community undertaking or simply to offer Him our praise. This mantra is usually taught to children for their good education. It increases their memory power, and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university, and for success in attaining their degree.
2. Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah
This is Lord Ganesha's mula ("root") mantra. It is also known as His bija mantra, for it combines Ganesha's bija ("seed") sound, "gam," with the phrase, "Praise be to Ganapati." This mantra is used for yoga sadhana in which we invoke Ganesha and merge ourself with His supreme knowledge and peace. These two mantras are not harmful if mispronounced, as sometimes happens, though they should be sounded as properly as possible to be most effective. Most importantly, they must be chanted at the same time each day, and this means exactly the same time, for full devonic support. This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success.
3. Aum vakratundaya hum
This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.
4. Aum kshipra prasadaya namah
Kshipra means instantaneous. If some danger or negative energy is coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that trouble, with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing and purification of one's aura.
5. Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam ganapataye
vara varada sarva janamme vashamanaya svaha
There are several bija (seed) mantras in this mantra . Among other things, it signals, "Shower Your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego as an oblation."
6. Aum sumukhaya namah
This mantra has a lot of meaning, but to make it simple, it means you will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit,in face, everything. By meditating on this mantra, very pleasing manners and a beauty comes on you. Along with that comes peace, which constantly dances in your eyes; and the words you speak are all filled with that power of love.
7. Aum ekadantaya namah
Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God broke the duality and made you to have a one-pointed mind. Whoever has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve everything.
8. Aum kapilaya namah
Kapila (red) means that you are able to give color therapy. You are able to create colors around yourself and around others, bathe them in that color and heal them. As per the mantra you create,so will you create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow," the "cow of plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is a wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for healing others, comes true immediately.
9. Aum gajakarnikaya namah
The ears of Ganesha, the elephant, are constant fanning, which means people may talk a lot,but you are not receiving inside anything other than that which is important.It also means that you can sit anywhere and tune this cosmic television (the body) with seven channels (chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear ancestors, angels, the voice of God or the voice of prophets. That kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra.
10. Aum lambodaraya namah
This means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all the universes are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the whole universe is in the sound of creation, which is Aum, and that Aum consciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe. Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the universe, "shanti to the world" every day, then the grace of God will come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the universes within Aum ad Aum within you.
11. Aum vikataya namah
This means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream. All of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife or husband or children or citizens, all consistent with the role we have taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra that is brought on the stage falls, the entire audience cries; but that boy who has fallen knows it was not a real cobra and he is not dead. Life is a drama --definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego, is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is quite happy knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything else you consider as drama. That consciousness comes to you by knowing this mantra.
12. Aum vighna nashanaya namah
This mantra invokes the Lord Ganesha to remove every impediment in your life and in your works. By constant meditation on this mantra, all obstacles and blocked energy in your physical and astral bodies are released.
13. Aum vinayakaya namah
Vinayaka is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under control. Vinayaka means the Lord of problems.
14. Aum ganadhyakshaya namah
This mantra is so important. Suppose you have a group, a country, neighbors, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole country needing healing, then you have to bring that entire group to your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place by this mantra.
15. Aum bhalachandraya namah
In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means the crescent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as Siva, identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly that you are carrying the crescent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar and peace.
Feelings after Mantra Jaap
1. When the ganas and devas of Lord Ganesha are finally attracted to the home shrine, the room will feel filled with actinodic energy even if it is a closet or a small sacred alcove.
2. The energy will come out of seeming nowhere into the room. This feeling indicates that Ganesha's ganas are present, eager and willing to do whatever they can to maintain shanti, peace, within the home and bind the family together. Nothing bad, hurtful or harmful will ever be performed by them, even if fervently prayed for. Only good and goodness will be their actions. They do not condone revenge. They do not deny anything to anyone who is within dharma's calling. And they do work within the prarabdha karmas of each individual within the family. Theirs is a calculated job in doing what they have to do to maintain family togetherness, even at great distances.
Results of Ganesh Jaap
Ganesha mantras are siddhi mantras. Each mantra contains certain specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When chanted with the proper pranayama (rhythmic breathing) and sincere devotion, they will yield good results.
1. In general, Ganesha mantras will ward off all evil.
2. Bless the devotee with abundance, prudence and success.
3. Evil spirits dare not enter the home or the mind of the devotee where Ganesha mantras are recited.
Precautions for Ganesh Jaap
1. One should bathe or wash the limbs before sitting for repetition of the mantra.
2. One should do three or more pranayama before beginning the mantra.
3. The minimum repetition of the mantra should be one full mala, or 108 times.
4. When this is done at a fixed hour and place regularly for 48 days, it becomes an upasana, which means intense meditation, that will yield siddhis, or spiritual powers.
5. One should use those powers only for healing the sick and other such selfless actions for the benefit of mankind.
6. These powers should not be misused. Misuse of power may bring the curse of the asuras(Demons).
Lord Ganesha
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"Om Sri Gam Ganapathaye Namaha"
This is the Lord Ganesha’s mantra.
According to the Vaidic literature, Ganesha is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and he is the head of Pramadhaganas, hence Ganapathi. His brother is Kumaraswamy.
Hindus worship Lord Ganesha with several other names like Vinayaka, Vighneswara, Gajanana and Ganapathi.
Lord Ganapathi is said to be the form of Omkara. Om, which is written in Devanagari (script) is also considered as the pranava. In Om, the upper arc is said to be the head or the face of Gajanana. The Lower arc is his belly. The twisted arc, which is on the right side of Om is the trunk. Thus Omkara represents the complete physical form of Lord Ganesha.
Similarly, yet another divine symbol, the Swastika is also worshipped as another form of Lord Ganesha. According to the Indian culture, both these symbols have divine values.
Every year, the fourth day after the no-moon day (Amaavasya) in the month of Bhadrapada (September according to the English calendar) is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This day is known as Vinayaka Chaturdhi or Vinayaka Chavithi.
On this day, Lord Ganesha was born in Hasthami Nakshatra and Kanya Raasi. The Lord of Kanaya Raasi is Budha (Mercury). Green coloured jewel or Emerald represents Mercury. Owing to this, we worship Lord Ganesha with grass, which is of green in colour.
As Ganesha was born in the zodiac Mercury, he is intelligent like Budha. Similarly, who ever prays him will also attain the intelligence. The Raasi in which Ganesha was born (Hasthami) has the shape of an elephant trunk and rises before dawn on the day of Vinayaka Chavithi.
In the zodiac, Kanya Raasi is in the sixth position. This place indicates the debts and diseases. Owing to this, by worshiping the Lord, the devotees will get rid of the problems related to debt and ill health.
Ganesha is also considered to be the Lord of agriculture. Bhadrapada, the month in which Ganesha was born, falls in rainy season. Being the Lord of agriculture, even the body parts of Ganesha have relevance to various agricultural implements. His trunk resembles the plough. Ears are compared to dust pans. His belly is compared to granary. His vehicle, the rat, indicates the abundant availability of grain. The goad he holds is used for driving the bullock carts, which carry the grain to the granary.A fruit in the other hand is indication of bountiful yield. All these indicate that Lord Ganesha symbolises prosperity.
Aakaashasyaadhipo Vishnuhu Agneshchaiva maheshvari
Vaayoh Sooryaha Kshiterishaha Jeevanasya Ganaadhipaha
This indicates Lord Ganesha to be the Lord of water as well. Basing on this, his idols are immersed in water after worshiping them for nine days during the Vinayaka navaratri.
Lord Ganesha inspires all Lords related to the Karmendriyas (mouth, hands, legs, rectum and genitals), five Gnanendriyas (eyes, nose, ears, tongue and skin), four antahkaranas (Manas,Buddhi,Ahankara and Chittam).
As every recital starts with an Omkara, all the rituals too start only after praying Lord Ganesha. Otherwise, it is believed, the rituals will not reach their logical end.
Sumukhaschaikadanthascha kapilo gajakarnikaha
Lambodarascha vikato vighnaraajo ganaadhipaha
Dhoomaketurganaadhyakshaha phalachandro gajaananaha
Vakratundaha shoorpakarno herambaha skandhapoorvajaha
Who ever recites all these 16 names of Lord Ganesha will avoid various starting troubles during any activity.
There is a mention about Lord Ganesha and his importance in Padma Purana, Linga Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Skaanda Purana, Siva Purana, Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana, Ganapatyadharva Sheersham and Ganapatyupanishad.
Lord Ganesha is described to be having an elephant face, large ears, one tusk, four arms, large belly and the rat as his vehicle. Noose, goad, tusk and an open palm assuring protection…is the description about his four arms. His colour is mentioned to be blood red and sports the same coloured clothes.
Devotees worship him with 21 blades of grass (Darbha) and 21 varieties of flowers. He is known as Modakapriya. Hence is offered 21 Modakas (round cakes or balls made of rice flour). Lord Vinayaka also likes Wood apple, coconut, black plum, plum and other varieties of fruits. Green gram and Bengal gram are soaked in water and offered.
While reciting Ganapathi Stotra or Shata or Sahasra Naama, every name starts with four beejaaksharas—Om, Shreem Glaum Gam and ends with Namaha.
Wednesday is the prominent day for Lord Ganesha. Gam is the beejaakshara for Ganapathi. According to Shiva Purana, 21 forms of ganesha are worshipped. However, this number is put at 32 according to another theory. Ganesha likes music and dance.
Shuklaambaradharam vishnum shashi varnam chaturbhujam
Prasanna vadanam dhyaayet sarva vighnopa shaantaye
Agajaanana padmaarkam gajaananamaharnisham
Aneka damtam bhakataanaam ekadanta mupaasmahe
Both these slokas are recited during every ritual.
Ganapathi pancharatnas and Ganaasthakam are also recited by devotees.
Every fourth day after the full moon day is known as Sankastha Chaturthi. Devotees observe fast on the day till dawn and worship Lord Ganesha before having their meal. This practice is known as Sankashta chaturthi vratham. The ritual performed on Bhaadrapada Shudha Chaviti is known as Varasidhi Vinayaka vratham.
Vaishnavites, instead of worshipping Ganesha, worship Vishwaksena. However, it is believed Vishwaksena is the other form of Ganesha. A round areca/betel nut and raw turmeric are worshipped as the forms of Lord Ganesha.
Material required for worshipping Lord Ganesha
Turmeric powder, Saffron , Gulvaalu , Bukka , Camphor , Coconut , Incense sticks , Oil or ghee lamp , 21 grass blades (Darbha) , 
21 varieties of flowers , Wood apple,Plum , Black plum , Guava , Pomegranate , Bananas, Panchaamrutam (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar),
Holy water collected from near by river, Turmeric , Round betel nuts (2 numbers) , Unbroken rice, Sandal powder, New piece of cloth , Yagnopaveetham (Sacred thread) , Betel leaves Dates, 21 varieties of leaves, Dakshina (offering in the form of currency or coins), Lord Ganesha’s idol or a photograph, A book or a cassette which details the mantras and process of worshipping.
Om ganaanaam tva ganapathigm havaamahe
Kavim kaveena mupamashravasthamam
Jyeshtha raajam brahmanaam brahmanaspatha
Aanashrunvannuutibhi sseedasaadanam
This vaidic hymn is chanted before starting Ganapathi pooja.
Omkara/ Pranava:
Omkara is a combination of the basic syllables A (as pronounced in Other),
