In Hinduism, prayer is deeply rooted in devotion, and many people turn to the gods for help, healing, and protection in times of need. When praying to save someone's life, especially when dealing with health crises or critical situations, certain deities and mantras are considered powerful. The act of prayer combined with rituals (puja) and faith can be a way to invoke divine intervention. Here’s a guide on how to pray and perform pujas to save someone's life in Hindu tradition, including deities, mantras, and rare facts associated with them.
Key Deities to Worship for Saving Someone’s Life
- Lord Dhanvantari – The god of medicine and Ayurveda, often invoked for healing and health.
- Lord Shiva as Pashupati – The Lord of all living beings, who can grant life and protection.
- Lord Vishnu – The preserver of the universe, who can sustain and restore life.
- Lord Hanuman – The embodiment of strength, protection, and devotion, often prayed to in critical situations.
- Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles, invoked at the beginning of all auspicious works, including prayers for healing.
1. Prayer to Lord Dhanvantari for Healing
Mantra for Lord Dhanvantari: Recite this mantra while offering flowers, lighting a lamp, and placing sacred herbs or Tulsi leaves near an image or idol of Dhanvantari.
Dhanvantari Mantra:
Om Shankh Chakram Jalaukam Dadhadana Dhanvantarim Devam Mayamritham Hi Tvanam Sugandham Savyasena Lokanam Hantharam Sarva Roganam Vande Iham Nithyam
Translation: I bow to Lord Dhanvantari who is holding the conch, disc, and pot of nectar. He is the remover of all fears and diseases.
Simple Prayer:
- Set up a small altar with a picture or idol of Lord Dhanvantari.
- Offer fruits, flowers, and a small bowl of water.
- Light a ghee lamp (diya) and incense.
- Chant the Dhanvantari mantra at least 11 or 108 times, while visualizing the person in need of healing surrounded by golden light.
Rare Fact: Dhanvantari is believed to have emerged from the cosmic ocean during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and is the source of Ayurveda, the ancient healing science.
2. Worship of Lord Shiva as Pashupati (Protector of Life)
Lord Shiva as Pashupati (Lord of Beings) is revered for his power over life and death. He is often invoked during life-threatening situations.
Shiva Mantra for Protection:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Translation: We meditate on the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who spreads fragrance and nourishes all beings. May He free us from death, for the sake of immortality.
Simple Puja:
- Perform this puja during the early morning hours or during Pradosh (the time before sunset).
- Place a Shiva Lingam or an image of Lord Shiva on a clean altar.
- Offer milk, water, Bilva (Bael) leaves, and white flowers to the Lingam.
- Light a lamp and incense, and chant the above mantra at least 108 times.
- Pray for the health and safety of the person in need, asking Lord Shiva to release them from the bonds of suffering.
Rare Fact: This mantra is also called the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and is one of the most ancient and powerful mantras for overcoming death and diseases.
3. Prayer to Lord Hanuman for Strength and Health
Hanuman is known for his invincible strength and protective power. He is often worshipped during times of crisis.
Hanuman Mantra for Health and Protection:
Om Namo Hanumate Rudravataraaya Sarva Rogan Nivaaraya Sarva Dushtaan Haanaya Sarva Vidhna Upashaantaye Ram Dootaaya Swaha
Translation: O Hanuman, avatar of Rudra, destroyer of all diseases, remover of all obstacles, I bow to you.
Simple Hanuman Puja:
- On a Tuesday or Saturday, set up an altar with a statue or image of Lord Hanuman.
- Offer red flowers, bananas, and a garland of Tulsi leaves.
- Light a mustard oil lamp and incense.
- Chant the Hanuman mantra 11 or 108 times, visualizing Hanuman bringing healing energy to the person.
- You can also recite the Hanuman Chalisa for added protection and strength.
Rare Fact: In the Ramayana, Hanuman saved Lakshmana’s life by bringing the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas, making him a symbol of life-saving power.
4. Prayer to Lord Vishnu (Preserver of Life)
Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe and is often invoked to protect and restore balance during difficult times.
Vishnu Mantra for Protection:
Om Namo Narayanaya
Translation: I bow to Lord Narayana (Vishnu), the preserver of the universe.
Simple Vishnu Puja:
- Set up an altar with a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu.
- Offer yellow flowers, fruits (especially bananas), and sacred Tulsi leaves.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Chant the above mantra 108 times, and pray for the person’s well-being and longevity.
- Offer water (Achamana) to Lord Vishnu, praying for the flow of life force and protection.
Rare Fact: Lord Vishnu is known to incarnate in various forms (avatars) to restore dharma and save lives during times of great peril, such as in the form of Narasimha to protect Prahlad.
5. Invocation of Lord Ganesha (Remover of Obstacles)
Before any prayer or puja, Lord Ganesha is always invoked as he removes obstacles that may hinder the success of your efforts.
Ganesha Mantra for Removing Obstacles to Healing:
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Translation: I bow to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Simple Ganesha Puja:
- Set up a simple altar with a Ganesha idol or image.
- Offer modaks (sweet dumplings), red flowers, and Durva grass.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Chant the above mantra 11 or 108 times, asking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles in the path of the healing process.
Rare Fact: Lord Ganesha is revered as Vighnaharta, the one who removes obstacles, making him essential in any prayer to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
General Puja Steps to Save Someone’s Life
Preparation:
- Clean the space where the puja will be performed.
- Prepare offerings (fruits, flowers, water, incense, lamp, and food items such as sweets).
- Wear clean clothes and sit on a clean mat facing east or north.
Invocation:
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha with the Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha mantra to remove obstacles.
- Offer flowers, incense, and light a lamp to signify the presence of the divine.
Offering to the Deity:
- Choose the deity (Dhanvantari, Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman) based on your devotion and the situation.
- Offer items like milk, fruits, Tulsi leaves, or Bilva leaves depending on the deity.
- Recite the specific mantra related to the deity (chant it at least 11, 51, or 108 times, depending on the time available).
Final Prayer:
- After the mantra chanting, close your eyes and pray from the heart, visualizing the person who is unwell surrounded by divine light and receiving healing.
- Thank the deity for their blessings and offer a sincere prayer for their intervention.
Completion:
- Conclude the puja with the Aarti (offering a flame) and distribute the offerings (Prasad) to everyone after the puja.
Additional Tips for Effectiveness
- Fasting: Some people observe fasting during the day of the puja, especially if praying to Lord Shiva or Hanuman.
- Chanting in Numbers: It is believed that chanting mantras in multiples of 108 can increase the potency of the prayer.
- Positive Intention: Maintain a positive and calm mind while praying, as faith and devotion play a significant role in the outcome.
These prayers and pujas are grounded in the belief that divine energy can bring healing, protection, and blessings in times of crisis. Combining these practices with medical care can bring solace and hope