In Hinduism, praying to remove bad luck is a common practice, and it typically involves invoking the blessings of specific deities known for their power to dispel obstacles, negative energies, and misfortune. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pray for the removal of bad luck, including puja steps, prayers, and mantras to specific gods and goddesses such as Ganesha, Hanuman, Kali, and Surya.
1. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Removing Bad Luck
Ganesha: The remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, Ganesha is often worshipped at the start of any new venture to remove bad luck and ensure success.
Hanuman: Known for his strength, courage, and devotion, Hanuman is worshipped to overcome fear, negativity, and bad influences.
Kali: The fierce goddess who destroys evil forces, Kali is invoked to eliminate deep-seated fears, bad luck, and to protect from negative energies.
Surya: The Sun God, Surya is worshipped to bring light, positivity, and good fortune, dispelling darkness and misfortune.
2. Simple Prayers and Mantras
Ganesha Mantras
Vakratunda Mahakaya:
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa
Translation: "O Lord with a curved trunk and massive body, who shines like a million suns, please remove all obstacles from my work and life."
Ganapati Atharvasirsha:
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
Translation: "Salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles."
Hanuman Mantras
Hanuman Chalisa: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa (a 40-verse hymn) is believed to remove all kinds of troubles and bad luck.
Hanuman Gayatri Mantra:
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Mahabalaya Dheemahi Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat
Translation: "We meditate on Hanuman, the son of Anjana, who possesses immense strength. May He illuminate our minds."
Kali Mantras
Kali Beej Mantra:
Om Kreem Kalikaye Namah
Translation: "I bow to Goddess Kali, the source of energy that removes negative influences."
Mahakali Mantra:
Om Hrim Shreem Klim Adya Kalika Param Eshwari Swaha
Translation: "I invoke the Supreme Goddess Kali to remove all obstacles and protect me from harm."
Surya Mantras
Gayatri Mantra:
Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ Tat-savitur Vareṇyaṃ Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayat
Translation: "We meditate on the divine light of the Sun God, Surya, who illuminates and guides our intellect."
Aditya Hridayam: A powerful hymn dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, that is recited for strength, protection, and the removal of negative influences.
3. Steps to Perform a Simple Puja for Removing Bad Luck
Preparation:
- Clean your prayer area.
- Arrange a small altar with images or idols of the chosen deity (Ganesha, Hanuman, Kali, or Surya).
- Gather the necessary items: incense sticks, flowers, a lamp, fruits, and sweets.
Purification:
- Begin by purifying yourself with a bath and wearing clean clothes.
- Light the lamp (diya) and incense to purify the surroundings.
Invocation:
- Sit facing the east or north direction.
- Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and center yourself.
- Chant the chosen mantra (e.g., "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" for Ganesha) 108 times using a mala (prayer beads).
Offerings:
- Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
- Place the offerings in front of the deity while chanting the mantra.
Aarti (Ceremonial Worship):
- Perform Aarti by rotating the lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing a simple prayer or song dedicated to the deity.
Prayers and Reflection:
- Speak your heartfelt prayers to the deity, asking for the removal of bad luck and obstacles.
- Meditate for a few moments, focusing on the deity’s image and visualizing the removal of negative energies from your life.
Conclusion:
- Thank the deity for their blessings.
- Distribute the offerings (Prasad) among family members or consume them yourself as a symbol of the deity’s blessings.
4. Rare Facts and Additional Relevant Information
Ganesha’s Trunk: In Hindu iconography, the direction of Ganesha's trunk is symbolic. If the trunk turns to the left (called Vamamukhi), it is considered auspicious and associated with positive outcomes. Worshiping a Ganesha with a left-turned trunk is believed to bring good fortune.
Hanuman's Devotion: It is said that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times can remove the most severe of curses and bad luck. Hanuman is also associated with Saturn (Shani) and worshipping him can mitigate the ill effects of Saturn in one’s horoscope.
Kali’s Fierce Image: Kali’s fierce form is symbolic of the destruction of evil and ignorance. She is often depicted standing on Shiva, representing the power of time that consumes all.
Surya and Sundays: Sundays are considered particularly auspicious for worshiping Surya. Offering water to the rising sun and chanting the Surya Gayatri Mantra can bring immense positivity and dispel bad luck.
The practice of praying to remove bad luck in Hinduism is deeply personal and rooted in the belief that divine intervention can alter the course of one's destiny. Regular worship, chanting mantras, and performing simple pujas with devotion can create a protective shield of positive energy, dispelling misfortune and attracting good luck.