Purportedly Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and rules the first Chakra or the Muladhara Chakra. Hence obeisance must be paid to the one God or deity, in this form in order to progress and be successful in Yoga especially when it comes to awakening the serpent fire (kundalini).
Generally I think the meaning is that unless we act in accord with natural law, which are the laws of God or Deity we will not be successful. Once we come into harmony (pay obeisance) with these laws we ride with the flow of dharma or right-eousness to our goal. "'Dharma' is that invincible power of nature which upholds existence." "Our life moves backwards and forwards automatically as WE direct it, under the influence of Dharma." MMY/Gita http://www.ganesh.us/
