This prayer to Lord Ganesha is to be recited before starting any new task. शुक्लाम्बर धरं विष्णुं शशि वर्णम् चतुर्भुजम् | प्रसन्न वदनं ध्यायेत् सर्व विघ्नोपशान्तये ॥ shuklambaradharam vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarva vighnopa shantaye Sanskrit to English Word Meaning: Shuklambara- white cloth; dharam- worn; vishnum- all pervading ; Shashivarnam- bright complexion(like a full moon); Chaturbhujam- 4 shoulders; Prasanna Vadanam- Pleasant face; Dhyayet- I meditate; Sarva- all; Vighnopa- obstacles; Shantaye- pacify Translation: For the removal of all the obstacles in my effort, I meditate upon Bhagwan Ganesha, who wears a white garment, who is all pervading, who has a bright complexion (like a full moon), who has four shoulders, who has an ever-smiling face. Brief Explanation Lord Ganesha is considered the deity for removal of all obstacles in our life. Hence it is customary to pray to Him first before starting any new activity whether it be pooja, new business or a new journey. Thinking about the Lord who has a pleasant face (prasanna vadanam) will help us overcome all the obstacles that might arise in our task.