Vighnas

Vignams are basically various kinds of blocks that humans encounter - they are of categorized into 11 kinds of vighnas - any person who can cross all of these barriers (vighnams) is definitely an enlightened soul. For the sake of reference these are enumerated below 

1. ahankaram

2. madham

3. krodam

4. nirlakshyam

5. agnyaanam

6. shatru budhdhi

7. kaamam

8. bhayam

9. adharmam

10. mOham

11. asooya

One who provides guidance and helps humans overcome these vighnams is no other than Ganesha and hence ganesha chathurthi is celebrated for 11 days in most places within India.