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How To Pray For Closing Prayer? In Hindu Religion

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In Hinduism, a closing prayer is a significant part of a religious ritual (puja) or any spiritual practice. It signifies gratitude, asking for blessings, and ending the spiritual practice on a peaceful note. The closing prayer, known as the "Mangala Aarti" or "Mangala Prarthana" (auspicious prayer), often invokes blessings for the individual, family, society, and the world.

Steps for Performing the Closing Prayer in a Puja:

  1. Preparation:

    • Ensure that all items used in the puja are kept in order and clean.
    • Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and incense to the deity.
    • Light a diya (lamp) and incense to create a serene environment.

  2. Invoke the Divine:

    • Chant an invocation mantra to the deity you're worshiping.
    • Common deities include Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, depending on the type of puja or prayer.

  3. Gratitude and Humility:

    • Thank the deity for their presence, guidance, and blessings.
    • Acknowledge any mistakes or lapses during the puja and ask for forgiveness.

  4. Chant the Mangala Mantra:

    • Recite traditional mantras that are associated with blessings, protection, and peace.
    • Some closing mantras are recited universally across various Hindu practices.

  5. Aarti (Final Offering):

    • Perform the Aarti (light circling in front of the deity) as the final act of offering. Sing or recite the Aarti song related to the deity.
    • Waive the flame in a circular motion, showing reverence to the divine.

  6. Seek Blessings:

    • Bow down or touch the feet of the deity's idol/image, asking for protection and divine grace.
    • Sprinkle water around, symbolizing purification and protection.

  7. Distribute Prasad:

    • The prasad (blessed offering) is distributed among family members or devotees as a symbol of receiving divine blessings.

Simple Closing Prayers:

Here are some simple prayers that can be used as a closing prayer in Hindu rituals:

  1. Om Shanti Mantra:

    Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,
Sarve Santu Niramayah,
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu,
Ma Kashchit Dukha Bhagbhavet,
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

    Meaning: "May all be happy; may all be free from diseases; may all experience auspiciousness; may no one suffer. Om peace, peace, peace."

  2. Shanti Patha (Prayer for Universal Peace):

    Om Dyauh Shantir, Antariksham Shantih,
Prithvi Shantir, Aapah Shantir,
Oshadhayah Shantih, Vanaspatayah Shantih,
Vishwadevah Shantih, Brahma Shantih,
Sarvam Shantih, Shantir Eva Shantih,
Saama Shantir, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih.

    Meaning: "May peace radiate in the skies and in the space. May peace reign on the earth, in the waters, in herbs, plants, and trees. May the divine beings bring peace. May everything in the universe be in peace. May peace pervade everywhere."

  3. Mangala Prarthana (Auspicious Closing Prayer):

    Kayena Vacha Manasendriyairva,
Buddhyatmanava Prakriteh Swabhavat,
Karomi Yadyad Sakalam Parasmai,
Narayanayeti Samarpayami.

    Meaning: "Whatever actions I have performed, with my body, speech, mind, senses, intellect, or by the nature of my soul, I surrender them all to the supreme being, Narayana."

Ideal Deities to Worship:

  • Lord Vishnu: The preserver of the universe and remover of obstacles. Often worshiped during Vaishnavite rituals.
  • Lord Shiva: Worshiped for destruction of ignorance and bestowing inner peace.
  • Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and happiness, invoked for blessings of abundance.
  • Goddess Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, learning, and wisdom.
  • Goddess Durga or Parvati: Represents protection, power, and nurturing.
  • Lord Ganesha: Always worshipped at the start and end of pujas for the removal of obstacles and granting of success.

Important Mantras for Closing:

  1. Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah,
Tat Savitur Varenyam,
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi,
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat.

    Meaning: "We meditate on the divine light of the Sun, which inspires and guides our intellect and wisdom."

  2. Om Namah Shivaya: A universal mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, which can be used in any type of worship.

  3. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya: A mantra for Lord Vishnu, seeking his divine grace and blessings.

Rare Facts About Hindu Closing Prayers:

  • Pradakshina (Circumambulation): In traditional Hindu pujas, devotees often perform circumambulation (moving around the deity in a circular motion) after closing prayers, symbolizing respect and acknowledgment of the divine presence.

  • Forgiveness Mantras: Hindus often end their prayers with a request for forgiveness, acknowledging any inadvertent mistakes during the ritual. The mantra for this is:

    Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyante Haranisham Maya,
Daso’hamiti Mam Matva Kshamasva Parameshwara.

    Meaning: "O Lord, I commit thousands of offenses daily. Please forgive me as I am your humble servant."

Relevant Facts:

  1. Timing: Prayers can be performed at specific times during the day, especially during the Sandhya Vandanam (twilight hours) for maximum spiritual benefit.

  2. Navagraha Invocation: In many pujas, closing prayers include offerings to the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) to remove negative planetary effects and gain blessings.

  3. Aum/Om Sound: The syllable "Om" is considered a sacred sound in Hinduism and is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers. It is believed to be the primordial sound of the universe.

Puja Steps Recap:

  1. Invoke and Worship the Deity.
  2. Perform Offerings (Flowers, Incense, Fruits, Water).
  3. Chant Mantras for Blessings and Peace.
  4. Perform Aarti and Circumambulation.
  5. Thank the Deity and Ask for Forgiveness.
  6. Distribute Prasad and End with Shanti Prayers.

Closing prayers in Hinduism are an act of humility, gratitude, and request for continued blessings. They seal the devotion and ensure that the spiritual energy generated during the puja is carried forward into the daily life of the devotee. These prayers align the body, mind, and soul with peace, balance, and divine blessings.