In Hinduism, abortion is seen as a sensitive issue, and forgiveness is sought through prayer, self-reflection, and devotion. The process of seeking forgiveness, called prāyaścitta (atonement), focuses on acknowledging the act, performing rituals, and surrendering to the Divine for purification. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pray for forgiveness after an abortion within the Hindu tradition, including specific gods, mantras, and puja steps:
1. Self-Reflection and Inner Acknowledgement
- Intention: Begin by mentally acknowledging the act and expressing deep remorse for it. The primary focus should be on self-purification, forgiveness, and offering the soul of the aborted child to the Divine.
- Meditation: Sit in a quiet place and meditate for some time to calm the mind. Contemplate on the sanctity of life, the emotions you are experiencing, and your desire for forgiveness.
2. Ideal Deities to Worship
In Hinduism, various deities are invoked for forgiveness and purification. Below are some gods and goddesses associated with forgiveness, protection, and motherhood:
- Santana Gopala (Krishna): As the protector of children and the god of fertility, Santana Gopala is revered for blessings of progeny and child protection.
- Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles and the granter of wisdom. Ganesha is invoked to seek removal of karmic hurdles.
- Goddess Parvati: The mother goddess, embodying motherhood and nurturing love. She offers compassionate forgiveness.
- Lord Shiva: The god of destruction and transformation, Shiva is also known for his forgiving nature and ability to destroy sins.
- Lord Vishnu: The preserver of the universe, often invoked for forgiveness and protection.
- Lord Brahma: Creator of the universe, who governs creation and is asked to bless new beginnings and forgive past mistakes.
3. Steps for Praying for Forgiveness
1. Cleansing (Purification)
- Before starting any prayer or puja, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Light a ghee lamp or incense, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and invoking the presence of the Divine.
2. Setting the Altar
- Place images or idols of Santana Gopala, Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, and Vishnu on a clean altar.
- Offer flowers (preferably white for purity), fruits, and a small bowl of water.
3. Offer Prayers (Mantras)
Santana Gopala Mantra (for forgiveness and child protection):
Recite the following mantra, asking Lord Krishna in his child form for blessings and forgiveness:
“Om Devaki Sudha Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate,
Dehime Tanayam Krishna Tvamaham Sharanam Gatah.”
Translation: “O Lord Krishna, son of Devaki and Vasudeva, protector of the world, grant me forgiveness and blessings. I surrender myself to you.”
Ganesha Mantra (for removing obstacles of karma):
Chant the following Ganesha mantra, seeking wisdom and removal of obstacles from your life:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.”
Translation: “Salutations to Ganesha, remover of obstacles and granter of wisdom.”
Shiva Mantra (for purification and destruction of sins):
Lord Shiva is often invoked to destroy sins and purify the soul. Recite this mantra for cleansing:
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Translation: “I bow to Lord Shiva, the compassionate destroyer of ignorance.”
Parvati Mantra (for forgiveness and maternal compassion):
Invoke Goddess Parvati for her compassionate nature:
“Om Parvatyai Namah”
Translation: “Salutations to Goddess Parvati, the Mother of the Universe.”
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra (for preservation and forgiveness):
Chant this mantra to Lord Vishnu to seek his protection and forgiveness:
“Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dheemahi,
Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat.”
Translation: “We meditate upon Lord Narayana, who is Vasudeva. May Vishnu guide us.”
Brahma Mantra (for new beginnings):
Invoke Lord Brahma for blessings of new beginnings and creation after the act of abortion:
“Om Brahmaya Namah”
Translation: “Salutations to Lord Brahma, the Creator.”
4. Puja Ritual Steps
- Invoke Lord Ganesha: Begin your puja by praying to Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles in the process of seeking forgiveness. Offer him fruits and light a lamp.
- Santana Gopala Puja: Offer a small idol or picture of child Krishna (Santana Gopala) with milk, butter, and flowers. Recite the Santana Gopala mantra 108 times, asking for forgiveness and blessings of future healthy progeny.
- Goddess Parvati Puja: Light a lamp and offer a white lotus or hibiscus flower to the Goddess. Pray for her forgiveness and motherly protection. Recite the Parvati mantra while offering flowers.
- Lord Shiva Puja: Perform a simple Shiva Abhishekam by pouring water or milk over a Shiva Lingam (if available). Offer Bilva leaves and chant the Shiva mantra.
- Lord Vishnu Puja: Offer a tulsi leaf to Lord Vishnu and chant the Vishnu Gayatri mantra for forgiveness and preservation of dharma.
- Conclude with Brahma: Close the puja by offering flowers to Brahma, praying for new beginnings and the removal of past karma.
5. Additional Practices and Rituals
- Japam (Chanting): It is considered auspicious to recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra of Lord Shiva 108 times daily. This mantra helps with physical and emotional healing.
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.”
Translation: “We meditate on the three-eyed one (Shiva) who sustains all. May he liberate us from the bondage of sin, just as a ripe fruit is freed from its stem.”
- Tarpanam: A special ritual known as Tarpanam can be performed to offer prayers to the soul of the aborted child. This is often done by offering water and sesame seeds, asking for peace and forgiveness for both the soul and yourself.
6. Rare and Relevant Facts
- Santana Gopala Form: In South India, particularly among Vaishnavites, the form of Santana Gopala Krishna is worshipped to seek blessings for children and to protect the souls of lost children.
- Samskara for Unborn Children: In Hindu tradition, there is a ritual known as Garbhadana Samskara, a pre-birth samskara that sanctifies the intention to conceive children. If a miscarriage or abortion occurs, certain purificatory rites (Shuddhi Kriya) can be performed to purify the family.
- Ashaucha (Impurity): After an abortion, there is a period of ashaucha (ritual impurity), traditionally lasting for a few days. During this period, prayers for purification and atonement are highly recommended.
Seeking forgiveness after an abortion in Hinduism is a deeply personal and spiritual process that involves acknowledging the act, praying for purification, and surrendering to the mercy of the Divine. The deities like Santana Gopala, Ganesha, Parvati, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma play significant roles in this process of healing, purification, and seeking a new beginning. By performing the outlined rituals, reciting mantras, and offering prayers with sincerity, one can find peace and forgiveness in the spiritual realm.