In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often worshipped for a successful and happy marriage, as he is considered the epitome of a perfect husband, especially in his union with Goddess Parvati. Praying to Lord Shiva and chanting specific mantras with devotion is believed to help remove obstacles to marriage and bless devotees with a harmonious relationship. Here's a detailed guide to Shiva prayer for marriage:
1. Important Shiva Prayer for Marriage
One of the most powerful mantras to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for marriage is the "Parvati Vallabha Mantra" or Shiva Parvati Mantra. This mantra emphasizes the divine relationship between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and seeks their blessings for a happy and fruitful marriage.
Parvati Vallabha Mantra
"Om Parvati Vallabhaya Namah"
Meaning: "Salutations to the consort of Parvati."
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
This mantra is also chanted to remove obstacles and ensure a long, healthy, and harmonious married life.
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."
Meaning: "We Meditate on the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May he release us from the bondage of worldly attachments and lead us to immortality."
2. Number of Times to Chant
To get the most benefit from these mantras, they should be chanted with full faith and devotion.
- 108 times: The number 108 is significant in Hinduism as it represents spiritual completion. Chanting a mantra 108 times for 21, 40, or 108 consecutive days is a common practice to manifest your desires.
- 1,000 or more times: For quicker results, one can increase the number of chants by chanting the mantra 1,008 times daily for 40 or 108 days.
3. How to Chant
When chanting Shiva mantras for marriage, certain practices enhance the effectiveness of the prayer:
- Purity: Bathe and wear clean clothes before chanting.
- Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or after sunset is considered ideal for Shiva worship.
- Japa Mala: Use a Rudraksha mala (with 108 beads) for counting your chants.
- Focus: Focus on the form of Lord Shiva and visualize the ideal partner or a happy marital life while chanting.
4. Special Small Offerings (Upacharas) to be Done
During Shiva worship, specific offerings can please the deity and amplify the prayer’s power.
- Bilva (Bael) Leaves: Offering Bilva leaves is the most sacred offering to Lord Shiva. They must be fresh and preferably in a set of three.
- Water or Milk Abhishekam: Pouring milk or water on the Shiva Linga (Shivling) is a common ritual, symbolizing purification and devotion.
- Flowers: White flowers like jasmine and dhatura (sacred for Shiva) can be offered.
- Rice (Akshat): Offer unbroken rice grains mixed with turmeric or sandalwood.
- Sandalwood Paste: Apply sandalwood paste on the Shiva Linga.
- Sweet Offerings: Offering panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee) is highly beneficial.
5. Benefits of Shiva Prayer for Marriage
Worshiping Lord Shiva and chanting these mantras for marriage can bring several benefits:
- Removal of obstacles: Any obstacles or delays in getting married are removed.
- Early Marriage: Those seeking to get married soon may experience faster results.
- Happy and Harmonious Marriage: Lord Shiva blesses the devotees with marital bliss and harmony, akin to his relationship with Parvati.
- Divine Partnership: Shiva’s blessings ensure a partner with good qualities, emotional balance, and a supportive relationship.
- Reduction of negative planetary influences: Praying to Shiva can reduce the impact of unfavorable planetary positions (like Mangal dosha) affecting marriage.
6. Other Deities to Worship for Early Marriage
While Lord Shiva is the primary deity for marriage-related prayers, there are several other deities in Hinduism that can also be worshipped for marriage blessings.
Goddess Parvati: Since Goddess Parvati is the ideal partner of Lord Shiva, chanting the Parvati mantra or praying to her can enhance marital prospects.
Mantra:
"Om Hreem Namah Parvatyai Pataye Namah"Lord Ganesha: Worshiping Ganesha helps remove any obstacles (Vighna) and ensures a smooth path to marriage.
Mantra:
"Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"Lord Krishna: Praying to Lord Krishna (especially with Radha) can help in finding an ideal life partner and enhance love in the relationship.
Mantra:
"Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah"Katyayani Devi: A form of Goddess Parvati, worshiping Katyayani is specifically mentioned in the scriptures (e.g., the Bhagavata Purana) for removing marriage obstacles and ensuring early marriage. Many women perform the Katyayani Vrat.
Mantra:
"Om Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari
Nandgopasuta Devi Patim Me Kuru Te Namah"
By regularly chanting Shiva mantras, offering appropriate upacharas, and focusing on the divine relationship of Shiva and Parvati, devotees can invoke divine blessings for marriage and remove obstacles causing delays. Combining this worship with the prayers of other deities, such as Ganesha, Parvati, and Katyayani, can further accelerate the process of finding an ideal life partner and ensure a peaceful, joyous married life.