In Hinduism, prayer for someone who is sick is considered a powerful act of compassion, invoking divine intervention to heal and protect the individual. There are several gods and goddesses associated with health, healing, and well-being. Each deity can be worshipped with specific mantras, prayers, and rituals, offering comfort to both the person praying and the person who is unwell.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pray for someone who is sick in the Hindu religion:
1. Dhanvantari – The God of Medicine and Healing
Dhanvantari is the divine physician in Hindu mythology, and he is worshipped for health and longevity. Dhanvantari holds a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality) and is invoked for healing ailments and restoring vitality.
Prayer to Lord Dhanvantari:
Chanting this mantra invokes the blessings of Dhanvantari to remove diseases and restore health.
Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वंतराये अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वमय विनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः। Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha-hastaya Sarva-maya-vinashanaya Trailokya-nathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namah.
Meaning: I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, the one who carries the pot of nectar, the destroyer of all diseases, the protector of the three worlds.
Puja Steps for Dhanvantari:
- Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and ghee lamps to Lord Dhanvantari's idol or image.
- Light incense and recite the Dhanvantari mantra 108 times with focus and devotion.
- After the chanting, offer water to Dhanvantari and visualize the healing nectar flowing into the person who is sick.
- End the prayer with gratitude and ask for the well-being of the sick person.
2. Pashupati – The Lord of All Living Beings (Form of Shiva)
Pashupati is one of the compassionate forms of Lord Shiva. In this form, Shiva is the protector of all creatures, and he is prayed to for alleviating suffering and illnesses.
Prayer to Lord Pashupati:
ॐ नमः शिवाय पशुपतये नमः। Om Namah Shivaya Pashupataye Namah.
This mantra calls upon Shiva in his Pashupati form to remove suffering and heal the sick.
Puja Steps for Pashupati Shiva:
- Place a Shiva Linga or an image of Lord Shiva in front of you.
- Offer bilva (bael) leaves, milk, and water (abhisheka) to the Shiva Linga.
- Chant the Pashupati mantra with full concentration.
- Visualize the divine energy of Shiva flowing into the sick person and healing them from within.
- Offer prasad (fruits or sweets) to Lord Shiva and conclude the prayer with gratitude.
3. Lord Vishnu – The Preserver
Lord Vishnu is regarded as the protector and preserver of life. He ensures balance and protects devotees from suffering. His incarnations, such as Krishna and Rama, are also invoked for well-being and health.
Prayer to Lord Vishnu:
ॐ नमो नारायणाय। Om Namo Narayanaya.
This simple mantra invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu for protection and healing.
Puja Steps for Vishnu:
- Offer Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, and a ghee lamp to an image of Lord Vishnu.
- Recite the Vishnu mantra 108 times, focusing on the restoration of health for the sick individual.
- After the prayer, offer a small bowl of sweetened rice or kheer as prasad.
4. Goddess Durga – The Protector and Healer
Goddess Durga is a powerful manifestation of Shakti (divine energy) and is worshipped for protection against negative forces, including diseases. She is the embodiment of strength and healing energy.
Prayer to Goddess Durga:
सर्वमङ्गल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोऽस्तुते॥ Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute.
Meaning: O Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva, the one who grants auspiciousness and fulfils all desires, I bow to you. You are the protector of the universe.
Puja Steps for Durga:
- Place a picture or idol of Goddess Durga and offer flowers (especially red ones), incense, and a ghee lamp.
- Chant the Durga mantra with full faith and devotion, asking for her protection and healing.
- Visualize her divine energy surrounding and healing the person who is unwell.
- After the prayer, offer sweets as prasad and distribute them among family members.
5. Goddess Annapurna – Provider of Nourishment and Healing
Goddess Annapurna is the goddess of nourishment and sustenance. Praying to her ensures not only the healing of the body but also the strength to overcome illness.
Prayer to Goddess Annapurna:
ॐ अन्नपूर्णायै नमः। Om Annapurnayai Namah.
This simple yet powerful mantra asks for Goddess Annapurna's blessings for health and vitality through nourishment.
Puja Steps for Annapurna:
- Place an image or idol of Annapurna on the altar and offer food items like rice, grains, or cooked dishes as offerings.
- Recite the Annapurna mantra 108 times with devotion.
- After the prayer, distribute the food as prasad to those in need and offer the intention of healing for the sick person.
Additional Rituals and Facts:
Lighting a Lamp: Lighting a ghee or sesame oil lamp daily in front of the deity is considered auspicious and helps in removing darkness and ignorance, symbolically representing the removal of sickness.
Fasting (Upavasa): Fasting for the health of someone is a common practice in Hinduism. One can fast on Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar cycle) or a day dedicated to a specific deity such as Monday for Shiva or Thursday for Vishnu.
Offering Water (Jal Daan): Offering water to the Sun God (Surya) every morning is believed to bring healing and vitality to the body, as the Sun represents health and energy.
Rare Facts and Insights:
Ayurveda’s Connection to Dhanvantari: Dhanvantari is considered the father of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, and his worship is integral in traditional healing practices.
Mantra Healing: In Hinduism, sound vibration through mantras is believed to realign the energies in the body, aiding in the healing process.
Sacred Tulsi Plant: Tulsi (Holy Basil) is considered a powerful healing plant. It is often used in prayers and rituals for health and well-being. Keeping a Tulsi plant in the home is believed to ward off illness.
Offering Coconuts: Breaking coconuts in front of a deity and offering them is a symbol of surrender and is believed to remove obstacles, including health problems.
Pashupatinath Temple Healing: The Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is one of the most revered shrines of Lord Pashupati (Shiva) and is considered a sacred place for those seeking healing from physical and mental illnesses.
By praying with pure intention, devotion, and following these simple yet powerful practices, Hindus believe they can invoke divine blessings for the sick, promote healing, and bring peace to the afflicted.