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How To Pray To Perumal? In Hindu Religion

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 Praying to Lord Perumal, a popular deity in Hinduism, involves specific rituals, mantras, and a devotional mindset. Known as Lord Vishnu, Perumal is revered in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. He is considered the preserver of the universe and is often worshipped for protection, blessings, and peace. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Perumal, including simple prayers, puja steps, and related aspects of worship.

1. Understanding Lord Perumal (Vishnu)

  • Attributes: Lord Perumal is often depicted as a four-armed deity holding a conch (Shankha), a discus (Chakra), a mace (Gada), and a lotus (Padma). These symbolize various aspects of the divine, such as power, righteousness, and purity.
  • Avatars: Lord Perumal is believed to have ten primary avatars (Dasavatara), including Rama and Krishna, each representing different facets of his divine intervention in the world.
  • Symbolism: Perumal symbolizes protection, sustenance, and preservation. He is known for his role in maintaining cosmic order (Dharma).

2. Ideal Time and Place for Worship

  • Time: The best times to pray to Perumal are during the early morning (Brahma Muhurta, around 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM) and evening (Sandhya time, around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM). Special days like Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar fortnight) are considered highly auspicious for Perumal worship.
  • Place: A clean and quiet place is ideal for praying to Perumal. If possible, a dedicated prayer room with a picture or idol of Perumal can enhance the devotional atmosphere.

3. Preparation for Puja

  1. Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the puja. White or yellow attire is considered auspicious for Vishnu worship.
  2. Setup: Place the idol or picture of Lord Perumal on a clean altar or platform. Decorate it with flowers, especially Tulsi (holy basil), which is dear to Lord Vishnu.
  3. Gather Puja Items: Essential items include flowers, incense sticks, camphor, oil lamps (diya), sandalwood paste, turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), fruits, and sweets. Tulsi leaves are particularly significant and should always be offered to Perumal.

4. Puja Steps to Worship Perumal

  1. Dhyana (Meditation): Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take deep breaths to calm your mind. Visualize Lord Perumal in your heart, invoking his presence with sincerity and devotion.

  2. Achamana and Sankalpam (Purification and Resolution):

    • Perform Achamana, a ritual sipping of water, to purify oneself.
    • Make a Sankalpam (a vow or resolution) stating your intention for the puja, whether it is for general well-being, spiritual growth, or any specific purpose.

  3. Invocation (Avahana):

    • Light the lamp and incense sticks.
    • Invoke Lord Perumal by chanting the following mantra or any invocation mantra you know:
    Om Namo Narayanaya

  4. Offering of Flowers (Pushpanjali):

    • Offer flowers at the feet of the deity, chanting the 108 names of Vishnu or a simple mantra like "Om Namo Narayanaya."

  5. Offering Naivedya (Food Offering):

    • Place fruits, sweets, and other food items in front of the deity. Offer them with a prayer asking Lord Perumal to accept these offerings.

  6. Aarti (Ceremonial Offering of Light):

    • Perform Aarti by waving a lit camphor or oil lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity. Sing a Vishnu Aarti song or chant "Om Namo Narayanaya" during this ritual.

  7. Circumambulation (Pradakshina):

    • Walk around the altar or the deity's image in a clockwise direction three times as a mark of respect and devotion.

  8. Prostration (Namaskara or Sashtanga):

    • Bow down fully in front of the deity (Sashtanga Namaskara) or kneel and bow (Namaskara) as an act of surrender and devotion.

  9. Tulsi Offering:

    • Offer Tulsi leaves to the deity, as it is believed to be very dear to Lord Vishnu and carries immense spiritual merit.

  10. Closing Prayers:

    • Recite the "Vishnu Sahasranama" (the 1000 names of Vishnu) or the "Vishnu Ashtakam" (a devotional hymn) if possible. End the puja by praying for the well-being of all beings and seeking Lord Perumal's blessings.

5. Simple Prayers and Mantras for Lord Perumal

  1. Om Namo Narayanaya: This is a simple yet powerful mantra dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Chanting it regularly brings peace, protection, and spiritual growth.

  2. Shanta Karam Bhujaga Shayanam: This is a verse from the Vishnu Sahasranama that describes the peaceful form of Lord Vishnu. It can be chanted during meditation or prayer.

    Shanta Karam Bhujaga Shayanam
Padmanabham Suresham,
Vishwadharam Gagana Sadrisham
Megha Varnam Shubhangam,
Lakshmi Kantam Kamala Nayanam
Yogibhirdhyanagamyam,
Vande Vishnum Bhava Bhaya Haram
Sarva Lokaika Natham.

  3. Vishnu Sahasranama: This is a popular prayer consisting of 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. It is considered very auspicious and beneficial to recite regularly.

  4. Vishnu Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Narayanaya Vidmahe
Vasudevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat

6. Ideal Deities to Worship Alongside Perumal

  • Lakshmi: As the consort of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi is often worshipped alongside Perumal. She represents wealth, prosperity, and fortune.
  • Garuda: The vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Vishnu, Garuda is also revered in some rituals, especially in Vaishnavism.
  • Hanuman: Being a devout devotee of Lord Rama (an avatar of Vishnu), Hanuman is sometimes worshipped in conjunction with Lord Perumal.

7. Rare and Relevant Facts About Perumal Worship

  • Thiruvilakku Puja: This is a unique lamp-lighting ceremony performed by devotees, especially in South India, where they light lamps with devotion and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
  • Perumal Temples: The 108 Divya Desams are revered temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, primarily located in India, and are considered highly auspicious for pilgrimage and worship.
  • Ekadashi Fasting: Observing fasts on Ekadashi, the 11th day of each lunar cycle, is considered very beneficial and is believed to please Lord Vishnu, bringing his blessings and grace.

8. Key Points to Remember in Perumal Worship

  • Sincerity and Devotion: The most important aspect of worship is devotion (Bhakti). Approach the puja with a sincere heart and pure intentions.
  • Regular Practice: Regular worship, even if simple, builds a deeper connection with the divine. It’s better to perform a short, heartfelt prayer daily than an elaborate ritual done infrequently.
  • Community Worship: Participating in community worship and festivals can enhance the spiritual experience, such as during major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi and Janmashtami.

By following these steps and incorporating these prayers and mantras into your daily routine, you can develop a deeper connection with Lord Perumal and receive his divine blessings.