The most fundamental of Hindu deities, is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - popular deities include Ganesha, Krishna, Hanuman and goddesses like Lakshmi, Durga,Saraswati.
Lord Ganesha is one of the most prominent deities in Hinduism. Ganesha has the unique distinction that his name is always invoked before any other God's name in any prayer service. Legend has it that Lord Ganesha received this distinction as a blessing from his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that no act whether of peace or war or daily living will succeed unless Ganesha is worshipped first, This holds true not only for humans but also for heavenly beings. When Ganesha first appeared as Shiva's mind-born son(mansik- putra) Shiva decreed that Ganapati should be invoked in prayer by one and all to ensure success. No act or prayer to any deity would succeed unless preceded by worship of Ganesha When Shiva set out to destroy the evil demon, Tripuraasura, he forgot his own ruling and rushed forth in great haste. However, as he got into his chariot, the nail in the wheel broke and the chariot could not be moved. Amazed that such an event should have happened to him, Shiva stopped and pondered. He then realised that he had forgotten to pray to Ganesha and hence this impediment. He then invoked the name of his son and set out, achieving success in the Tripuraantaka war This story emphasises the importance of prayer to Ganesha at the beginning of every activity..
The moment of invocation is the moment of calm reflection and concentration on the forces of good, before beginning any enterprise or a long journey.
