Ganapathi slokam

Lord Ganesha, 

who wears a white garment, 

who is all-pervading, 

who has a bright complexion, 

who has four arms, 

who has an ever smiling face

,upon that God,

I meditate for removal of all obstacles.

History

According to the mythology, Ganesa is born (takes the form) from the dust of Parvati's body.  Parvati (daughter of snow mountain, Himalaya) herself must be glistening white, pure in color.  So, Ganesa when born must also be white, spot-less, very pure. All pervading - this adjective must be aimed at His enormous belly.  That belly is supposed to represent the entire cosmos? Surely, it will be a very big tummy to include all life. I remember to have read somewhere, that Ganesa (or a god similar in appearance and attributes) is also found in some countries east of Indian subcontinent.  Since He is given total authority over all 'Ganas' (gods who would put obstacles, who will mercilessly destroy unauthorized, non-sanctioned acts, like Daksha Yagna), He will have complete control over the entire cosmos; no exceptions to this rule. Mortal kings, emperors, will have control over a limited land, country, continent.  But not so, the god of 'vighna-adhipati'.

The Prayer