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How To Pray For Everyone? In Hindu Religion

In Hinduism, prayer is an integral part of daily life and is considered a way to connect with the divine. Praying for everyone means seeking the welfare, peace, and prosperity of all beings, which aligns with the core Hindu belief of "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah", meaning "May all beings be happy." You can perform these prayers individually or as part of a puja (ritualistic worship). Here's a comprehensive guide to praying for everyone in the Hindu way, including steps, mantras, and the best deities to worship for universal well-being.

Key Deities for Prayers for Everyone

In Hinduism, specific gods and goddesses embody virtues and attributes that can benefit all of creation. The following deities are ideal for prayers focused on the welfare of others:

  1. Goddess Saraswati – Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
  2. Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
  3. Goddess Durga – The fierce form of the divine mother, protector of the righteous.
  4. Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
  5. Lord Vishnu/Krishna – The preserver and protector of the universe.
  6. Lord Shiva – The transformer and destroyer of negativity and ignorance.
  7. Lord Hanuman – The symbol of devotion, strength, and courage.

Steps to Perform Puja for Universal Well-being

  1. Clean the Space and Yourself: Purify the area where you will conduct the puja by sprinkling water. Bathe or wash your hands and feet, and wear clean clothes.

  2. Prepare an Altar: Place idols or images of the deities on a clean surface. Offer fresh flowers, fruits, incense, lamps, and water (preferably in a copper vessel).

  3. Invoke the Deities: Light a lamp (preferably with ghee) and offer it to the deities. Light incense and make an offering to the gods and goddesses.

  4. Chant Mantras: Recite powerful mantras dedicated to the chosen deities, invoking their blessings for everyone’s well-being.

  5. Offer Prayers: Recite simple prayers for universal peace, happiness, and prosperity.

  6. Aarti (Waving of Light): Perform Aarti by waving a lit lamp in a circular motion in front of the deities as an act of reverence and surrender.

  7. Distribute Prasad: Offer fruits, sweets, or other food to the deities, and then share this prasad with family, friends, and even animals.

  8. End with Shanti Mantra: Conclude the prayer with a Shanti Mantra (prayer for peace) for all beings.

Simple Prayers and Mantras for Universal Well-being

Here are a few mantras and prayers dedicated to each deity, which can be recited for the well-being of all:

1. Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge)

Mantra:

Om Saraswati Namah

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Saraswati, the source of wisdom and knowledge.

Prayer: "May the blessings of Saraswati flow through the minds and hearts of all beings, granting wisdom, peace, and harmony."

2. Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity)

Mantra:

Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyai Namah

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Lakshmi, the one who brings wealth and prosperity.

Prayer: "May Goddess Lakshmi's blessings bring abundance and happiness to every home and heart."

3. Goddess Durga (Divine Mother and Protector)

Mantra:

Om Dum Durgayei Namah

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Durga, the invincible one.

Prayer: "May Goddess Durga's divine energy protect all beings and grant courage to overcome all challenges."

4. Lord Ganesha (Remover of Obstacles)

Mantra:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Meaning: I bow to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Prayer: "May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from the lives of all beings and bring peace, prosperity, and success."

5. Lord Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe)

Mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Meaning: I bow to Lord Vishnu, the supreme protector.

Prayer: "May Lord Vishnu protect and preserve the well-being of the entire creation, granting peace to all."

6. Lord Krishna (God of Love and Compassion)

Mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

Meaning: A chant invoking the divine energies of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.

Prayer: "May the love and compassion of Lord Krishna fill every heart with joy, unity, and peace."

7. Lord Shiva (The Destroyer of Evil)

Mantra:

Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance.

Prayer: "May Lord Shiva destroy ignorance and suffering, and bless all beings with peace and enlightenment."

8. Lord Hanuman (Symbol of Devotion and Strength)

Mantra:

Om Hanumate Namah

Meaning: I bow to Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and strength.

Prayer: "May Lord Hanuman inspire devotion, courage, and strength in every heart, leading us all toward righteousness."

Rare and Relevant Facts About Hindu Prayers for Everyone

  1. Sarva Dharma Samabhava: Hinduism teaches respect for all faiths, and prayers are often inclusive. During major festivals or auspicious days, it's common to pray for the well-being of not just humans, but animals, plants, and the environment too.

  2. "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu": This ancient prayer is a core part of Hindu philosophy, meaning "May all beings in all the worlds be happy." It's often chanted at the end of prayers or rituals.

  3. Chanting Mantras Benefits All: According to Hindu belief, even when mantras are chanted for personal growth, their vibrations benefit the entire cosmos. For example, chanting "Om" is considered to resonate with the sound of the universe, bringing peace to all living beings.

  4. Panchayatana Puja: A form of puja in which five deities are worshipped together (Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya, and Ganesha) is a holistic way of praying for balance in all aspects of life – knowledge, wealth, protection, peace, and health for all.

  5. Importance of Shanti Mantras: Many Hindu prayers, especially in the Vedas, conclude with Shanti Mantras (peace prayers), invoking peace in the universe, nature, and in every individual.

Shanti Mantra Example:

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

Meaning: May all beings be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see goodness, and may no one suffer. Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.


Conclusion

Praying for everyone in Hinduism is a beautiful and inclusive practice, focusing on universal well-being, peace, and prosperity. Whether through simple prayers or elaborate pujas, invoking deities like Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, and Hanuman can bring divine blessings to all. Simple mantras, along with heartfelt intentions, are powerful tools in spreading happiness, wisdom, and protection across the world.

By incorporating these steps and prayers into your daily practice, you align with the core Hindu principles of peace, harmony, and unity for all beings.