How does the first chapter describe Lord Ganesha, and what is his significance in this context?

In Chapter 1, Lord Ganesha is venerated as the remover of obstacles. He is described as the curved-trunk Heramba, the auspicious-looking, elephant-faced one who is the Lord of fourteen types of knowledge. He is also called Lambodar (large-bellied) because the fourteen worlds reside in his belly. He holds a bright axe to destroy the obstacles of devotees and is seen as the boat to cross the ocean of worldly existence. His significance is paramount, as bowing to him ensures a successful and obstacle-free completion of the work. The chapter further elevates this by stating that Sai himself is Ganesha, who, by taking the axe in hand, will destroy obstacles and bring forth his own knowledge.