Vakratunda Mahakaya is the most widely recited Ganesha shloka in the Hindu tradition. It is chanted at the beginning of any auspicious work, before exams, at the start of a journey, and at the opening of any puja or ceremony. Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles — is invoked to ensure success and bless the endeavour.
| Vakratuṇḍa | One with a curved trunk |
| Mahākāya | Of immense body, great-bodied |
| Sūryakoṭi | Ten million suns |
| Samaprabha | Of equal radiance |
| Nirvighnam | Without obstacles, free of impediments |
| Kuru | Make, grant, cause to be |
| Me | For me |
| Deva | O divine one |
| Sarvakāryeṣu | In all works, in all endeavours |
| Sarvadā | Always, at all times |
The description of Ganesha as having the radiance of ten million suns is significant — despite his unconventional form, Ganesha's inner radiance is incomparable. The prayer asks not for success per se, but for the removal of obstacles — the rest is left to divine will.