In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often revered as the great healer, embodying the power to cure both physical and spiritual ailments. Worshipping Lord Shiva for healing can be done through specific prayers, chants (mantras), and offerings during a simple puja (ritual). One of the most powerful forms of Lord Shiva associated with healing is Pashupati – the Lord of Animals, symbolizing his connection to all living beings and his role as a divine physician.
Important Shiva Prayer for Healing: The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The most important Shiva prayer for healing is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. This mantra is believed to bestow good health, longevity, and protection from negative energies. It is considered highly powerful in overcoming serious illnesses and ailments. Here is the mantra:
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Transliteration: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
Meaning: "We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Shiva) who permeates and nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and the cycle of birth and death, like a ripe cucumber detaches effortlessly from the vine, bestowing upon us the nectar of immortality."
How Many Times to Chant:
- For healing purposes, it is recommended to chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times in a single sitting.
- Alternatively, chanting it 21, 51, or 108 times daily over a period of days, especially during a healing crisis, can be immensely beneficial.
How to Chant the Mantra:
- Purify Yourself: Take a bath or wash your hands and face to cleanse yourself physically and mentally.
- Choose a Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet space, preferably near a Shiva lingam or image of Lord Shiva.
- Meditative Posture: Sit in a comfortable posture (Padmasana or Sukhasana) facing East or North.
- Chant with Devotion: Use a Rudraksha mala (rosary) to count the chants. Recite the mantra slowly, with attention and devotion, focusing on the meaning of the words and visualizing Lord Shiva’s healing energy surrounding you.
- Offer Prayers: After the chanting, close your eyes and offer your prayers to Lord Shiva for the specific healing you seek, whether it is for yourself or someone else.
Special Offerings (Samagri) for Healing Puja:
To enhance the power of the prayer, make small, symbolic offerings to Lord Shiva. These offerings, associated with his healing aspect, include:
- Bilva (Bael) leaves: Sacred to Lord Shiva, offer these with devotion.
- Water or Milk Abhishekam: Pour water or milk on a Shiva Lingam while chanting the mantra.
- Datura Flower: Often used in Shiva worship, believed to have healing powers.
- Fruits (like Coconut or Banana): As an offering of gratitude and devotion.
- Sandalwood Paste or Vibhuti (Sacred Ash): Apply it to the forehead as a mark of healing energy.
Simple Shiva Puja for Healing:
- Prepare the altar: Place a Shiva Lingam or an image of Lord Shiva on a clean altar.
- Light a lamp: Light a ghee or oil lamp in front of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the light of healing.
- Offer incense (Agarbatti): Light incense sticks, which signify purification.
- Recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Chant it 108 times or as much as time permits.
- Perform Abhishekam: Bathe the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, or yogurt, and offer Bilva leaves and flowers.
- Offer Prasad: Offer fruits or sweets as prasad (food offering), which can later be distributed and consumed by family members.
- Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing Aarti (circling the lamp around the deity) while singing or reciting a Shiva bhajan (devotional song).
Benefits of Shiva Healing Prayer and Puja:
- Physical Healing: Helps in recovery from diseases and ailments, boosting overall physical health and vitality.
- Mental Peace: Alleviates mental stress, anxiety, and depression, bringing a deep sense of calm and serenity.
- Spiritual Growth: Increases spiritual energy, purifies the mind, and connects the devotee to higher consciousness.
- Protection from Negative Energies: Protects the devotee from negative influences, both physical and spiritual, promoting long life and well-being.
Other Deities to Worship for Healing:
In addition to Lord Shiva, certain other deities are also closely associated with healing in Hinduism:
- Dhanvantari: The divine physician and the god of Ayurveda, often worshipped for health and longevity.
- Surya (Sun God): Associated with vitality, strength, and healing through the power of sunlight. The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and chanting of the Surya Gayatri mantra can promote health.
- Ashwini Kumaras: The twin gods of medicine, known to provide health and healing to both humans and gods.
- Maa Parvati: Worshipped as the nurturing aspect of the divine, invoking her blessings can bring healing and relief from suffering.
By performing this simple puja, chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra with devotion, and making small offerings, one can invoke the healing powers of Lord Shiva, specifically in his form as Pashupati (the Lord of all beings), who is often revered as the great physician.