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How Pray For Dead Person? In Hindu Religion

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Praying for the Dead in Hinduism

In Hinduism, praying for the deceased is a way to ensure that the departed soul attains peace and moves on to the next stage of existence, reaching moksha (liberation) or a favorable rebirth. The rituals, prayers, and mantras offered for the dead are deeply spiritual, invoking various deities like Lord Shiva, Yamraj (the god of death), Kal Bhairava, Goddess Kali, and others.

Importance of the Rituals

  1. Pitru Karma: This refers to the rites performed for the ancestors and the dead, helping their soul achieve peace.
  2. Shraddha Ceremony: An annual ritual performed to honor one's ancestors, usually done on the death anniversary or during Pitru Paksha.
  3. Antyeshti (Funeral Rites): This is the final offering to the deceased, typically involving cremation, prayers, and offerings to the gods for the peaceful journey of the soul.

Ideal Gods/Goddesses to Worship

  1. Yamraj: The god of death who judges the soul and directs it towards its next destination.
  2. Lord Shiva: Known as the god of destruction and the ultimate giver of moksha (liberation). Shiva's role as "Maha Yogi" and "Kalantaka" (destroyer of time) makes him an ideal deity to pray to for the dead.
  3. Kal Bhairava: A fierce form of Shiva associated with time and death, Bhairava protects souls and helps them transition.
  4. Goddess Kali: The fierce form of the goddess Durga, Kali symbolizes time, death, and the ultimate reality.
  5. Dhumavati: One of the ten Mahavidyas, representing the widow form of the divine mother. She is often associated with death, grief, and destruction.

Mantras and Prayers for the Dead

1. Yamraj Prayer (To invoke peace for the soul)

Mantra:

ॐ यमाय धर्मराजाय मृत्यवे चान्तकाय च |
वैवस्वताय कालाय सर्वभूतक्षयाय च || 
औदुम्बराय दध्नाय नीलाय परमेठिने |
वृकोदराय चित्राय चित्रगुप्ताय वै नमः ||

Translation: "We offer salutations to Yamraj, the lord of righteousness, death, the controller of time, and the one who leads the soul beyond this life. We pray to him for the peaceful passage of the departed."

2. Lord Shiva (Moksha Mantra)

Mahā Mṛityunjaya Mantra:

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ||

Translation: "We worship the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva) who nourishes and sustains all beings. May he free us from the cycle of birth and death, and grant us immortality (liberation)."

This mantra is especially powerful for both the living and the dead, helping the soul attain moksha.

3. Kal Bhairava (Time and Death Mantra)

Mantra:

ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः ||

Translation: "Salutations to Lord Kal Bhairava, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva and the controller of time."

This simple yet potent mantra helps the deceased transition beyond time and ensures their protection in the afterlife.

4. Goddess Kali (Liberation from Fear and Death)

Mantra:

ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः ||

Translation: "Salutations to Goddess Kali, the destroyer of time, who removes the fear of death and liberates souls."

This mantra is useful for both living and deceased souls to overcome fear and transition smoothly.

5. Dhumavati (For dealing with grief and ensuring soul’s peace)

Mantra:

ॐ धूमावत्यै विद्महे |
कर्कश्यायै धीमहि |
तन्नो धूमावति प्रचोदयात् ||

Translation: "We meditate upon Goddess Dhumavati, the goddess of dissolution and death. May she guide the soul to peace and bless those left behind with wisdom and strength to overcome grief."

Simple Prayers for the Departed Soul

  1. Peace Prayer:

    ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ||

    Translation: "Let there be peace, peace, peace."

  2. Prayer for Moksha:

    हे भगवन्, मृतात्मा की आत्मा को शान्ति मिले, उसे आपकी कृपा से मुक्ति प्राप्त हो।

    Translation: "O Lord, may the departed soul find peace and attain liberation by your grace."

Steps for a Simple Puja for the Departed

  1. Preparation:

    • Clean the house or sacred space where the puja will take place.
    • Gather essential items like incense, flowers, a photo of the deceased, ghee lamps, fruits, water, and some food offerings.

  2. Invocation:

    • Light a ghee lamp and incense.
    • Recite mantras to invoke Lord Shiva, Yamraj, or the desired deity for blessing the soul.

  3. Offerings:

    • Offer flowers, fruits, and food (typically rice balls, known as Pind).
    • Recite mantras, such as the Mahā Mṛityunjaya Mantra or Yamraj's mantra.

  4. Meditation and Prayer:

    • Sit quietly, meditate on the departed soul, and pray for their peaceful journey.
    • Offer water (Tarpan) while praying for their liberation.

  5. Concluding the Puja:

    • Conclude by offering prasad to those gathered and chanting "Om Shanti" to invoke peace.

Rare Facts and Beliefs about Death Rituals in Hinduism

  1. Pind Daan: Performing Pind Daan (offering rice balls) is believed to be essential for the peace of the soul in the afterlife. It is especially important in places like Gaya in India.

  2. Importance of Ganga Jal: Sprinkling water from the holy river Ganges on the body or offering it as part of the prayer helps the soul attain liberation.

  3. Ekoddishta Shraddha: A specific ceremony performed for those who have died recently, believed to offer immediate peace to the soul.

  4. Yama Lok and Soul’s Journey: According to Hindu mythology, the soul must pass through various realms, including Yama Lok (the realm of Yamraj), where it is judged. Prayers and rituals help make this journey smoother for the soul.

  5. Kal Bhairava's Role: In certain regions of India, especially in Varanasi, it is believed that Kal Bhairava grants moksha to those who die there, protecting them from the cycle of rebirth.

By performing these prayers, rituals, and pujas, Hindus believe they help the soul of the deceased move towards a higher spiritual plane, providing peace for both the departed and those left behind.