In Hinduism, beginning a service or any religious ceremony with a prayer is a deeply symbolic act. It sets the tone for the event, invoking divine blessings and purifying the environment. Here’s an expanded guide on how to pray to open a service in Hindu worship, complete with relevant prayers, puja steps, ideal deities to worship, mantras, and rare facts.
1. Understanding the Significance
In Hinduism, every ritual begins with a prayer or invocation known as “Sankalpa”. This is a vow or intention made to the deity, seeking their blessings for the event. The act of praying is not just a request but also an offering of gratitude, aligning oneself with cosmic forces.
2. Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship
- Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped at the start of any ceremony.
- Saraswati: The goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Saraswati is invoked to bless the service with clarity and insight.
- Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity, her blessings ensure the successful completion of the service.
- Vishnu or Narayana: The preserver of the universe, Vishnu is worshipped for the protection and sustenance of dharma (righteousness).
- Durga or Kali: Invoked for protection from negative influences, especially during powerful spiritual rituals.
3. Steps to Perform the Puja
Purification (Achaman and Sankalpa):
- Begin by purifying yourself with a few drops of water, known as Achaman. Recite the following mantra:
- Mantra: “Om Kesavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah”.
- After this, perform the Sankalpa, stating the purpose of the prayer service and seeking divine blessings.
Invoking Ganesha:
- Light a lamp and incense sticks.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
- Mantra: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”.
- Recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha or Ganesha Gayatri Mantra: “Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Dantih Prachodayat”.
Invocation of Saraswati:
- Offer white flowers, sandalwood paste, and milk.
- Mantra: “Om Saraswati Namah”.
- Chant the Saraswati Vandana: “Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala, Ya Shubhra Vastra-Avrita, Ya Veena-Vara-Danda-Manditakara, Ya Shveta Padmasana”.
Invocation of Vishnu or Lakshmi:
- If invoking Lord Vishnu, offer Tulsi leaves and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
- For Lakshmi, offer lotus flowers and chant the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam: “Namastestu Mahamaye, Shree Pithe Surapoojite, Shankha Chakra Gada Haste, Mahalakshmi Namostute”.
Main Prayer or Homage:
- Depending on the specific service, recite appropriate mantras or verses. For example, if it is an educational service, recite the Gayatri Mantra: “Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”.
- Perform the Aarti, waving a lit lamp in circular motions in front of the deity, while singing the Aarti song related to the deity being worshipped.
Offering and Closing:
- Conclude by offering fruits, sweets, and water to the deity.
- Perform the Pradakshina (circumambulation) around the deity or the altar, and then perform Namaskara (prostration).
- Close with the Shanti Mantra: “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” for peace.
4. Symbolism and Rare Facts
- Lamp (Deepam): The lighting of the lamp symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the arrival of knowledge.
- Flowers: Offerings of flowers represent the purity of heart and devotion.
- Sankalpa: The act of making a vow symbolizes the setting of intention, aligning oneself with cosmic order.
- Aarti: The circular motion of the lamp during Aarti signifies the cyclical nature of life and the universe.
5. Rare and Relevant Facts
- Mantras are considered to have vibrational energy that aligns the devotee with the cosmic forces. The correct pronunciation and intention are crucial for their effectiveness.
- Prasadam: The food offered to deities becomes blessed and is distributed among the devotees as Prasadam, symbolizing the sharing of divine blessings.
- Navagraha Worship: Sometimes, worship of the nine planetary deities (Navagrahas) is included in services to ensure planetary alignment and remove astrological obstacles.
Praying to open a service in Hindu worship is a blend of ritual, devotion, and symbolism. By invoking the right deities, following the correct procedures, and understanding the deeper meanings behind the rituals, one can create a spiritually charged environment that aligns with the divine and ensures the service proceeds smoothly and successfully.