What is the purpose of the invocations, or 'Mangalacharan', found at the beginning of Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra?

Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra explains that the purpose of the auspicious invocations, known as Mangalacharan, is to ensure the obstacle-free completion of the task at hand. The author notes that this traditional etiquette is adopted to attain auspiciousness and the grace of the desired deity. Specifically, the text mentions that salutations are offered first to Ganapati, who holds a bright axe to destroy the obstacles of his devotees, thereby allowing for the fulfillment of the desired goal.