Vighnesh Anugraha

shlokam:

With axe, and deer in hands, the Pure one, with hanging down right leg, to the left with folded leg, Three-eyed, decorated with matted hair, blessing the king of obstacles who is to the left by placing the hand on his head with love, smearing (the ash as)three stripes, to that vighna prasada, salutations.

Vighnesh Anugrahar : Blessing the god of obstacles (bhoga murti)

Vighnesh is the form of knowledge of the Lord. His majestic elephant form shows the greatness of knowledge. For doing the Shiva puja or any austerities, knowledge is required. So the first vighnesha is prayed to remove our ignorance and any other disturbances, and give us the knowledge for praying the Lord. Lord Shiva gave vighnesha when the gods and devotees prayed Him for the removal of any hurdles, that occur when they worship.(There are many other puranas about vignesha's appearance). Praying the Vighnesh Anugrahar will remove the hurdles.