In Hinduism, an invocation prayer is a spiritual act that calls upon divine blessings, guidance, or presence at the beginning of a religious or auspicious event. Invocation (or Aavahana) means "to invite," and it is a way to honor and call upon deities, seeking their divine intervention. Typically, this is done with deep reverence and purity of thought.
Steps for Performing an Invocation (Aavahana) Prayer
1. Purification (Shuddhi)
- Before beginning the prayer, it is essential to purify both the environment and oneself. A bath is typically taken, and the prayer area is cleaned.
- Light a lamp (diya) and offer incense to purify the surroundings.
2. Preparation of Puja Items
- Gather essentials such as flowers, rice (Akshata), water, a bell, fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
- Place a picture or idol of the deity to be invoked.
3. Aavahana (Invoking the Deity)
- Begin by inviting the deity into the place of worship using mantras or prayers. Chant the invocation mantra specific to the deity you are calling upon. The Ganesha Mantra is ideal to start any prayer.
Ganesha Invocation Mantra:
ॐ गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे कविं कवीनामुपमश्रवस्तमम्। ज्येष्ठराजं ब्रह्मणां ब्रह्मणस्पत आ नः शृण्वन्नूतिभिः सीद सादनम्॥
Meaning: "We invoke You, O Ganapati, the leader of all divine beings, the most intelligent one, the remover of obstacles. We pray for Your guidance and blessings."
4. Worshiping the Deity
- Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and water are made while chanting the Gayatri Mantra for divine light and knowledge.
Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं। भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
Meaning: "We meditate on the divine light of the Sun, the Creator, who inspires and enlightens our intellect and removes ignorance."
5. Shanti (Peace Invocation)
- After invoking the deity, peace mantras are often chanted to bring tranquility to the surroundings. One popular chant is the Shanti Mantra.
Shanti Mantra:
ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै। तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Meaning: "May He protect us both (teacher and student), may He nourish us both, may we both work together with great energy, may our learning be vigorous, and may we not hate each other. Om, Peace, Peace, Peace."
6. Offering to the Deity
- Offer a small Arati (lamp with camphor) while chanting the deity's name or mantra. The 108 names of the deity (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) can be chanted to increase the depth of devotion.
7. Conclusion with Prayers for Peace and Prosperity
- After offering the Arati, close the prayer with a Peace Invocation. A popular peace prayer is:
Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu (Universal Peace Mantra):
सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु। सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु। सर्वेशां पूर्णं भवतु। सर्वेशां मङ्गलं भवतु॥
Meaning: "May there be well-being in all, may there be peace in all, may there be fulfillment in all, and may there be auspiciousness in all."
Specific Gods and Goddesses to Invoke for Special Occasions
Lord Ganesha: Invoked at the beginning of all prayers for removing obstacles and success in endeavors.
- Ganesha Mantra:
ॐ वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥Meaning: "O Lord with a curved trunk and mighty body, with the brilliance of a million Suns, please remove all obstacles in my endeavors."
Goddess Saraswati: The goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and arts.
- Saraswati Mantra:
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता। या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना॥Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, who is as white as the Kunda flower, who is dressed in pure white, who holds the Veena and sits on a white lotus."
Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune.
- Lakshmi Mantra:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद। ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi, who dwells in the lotus and grants wealth and prosperity. May You always be gracious to me."
Mookambika Devi: The goddess of power, knowledge, and creativity.
- Mookambika Mantra:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं क्लीं मूकाम्बिकायै नमः॥Lord Vishnu: Invoked for protection, preservation, and sustenance of the universe.
- Vishnu Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥
Rare Facts and Interesting Information
Shanti Mantra's Importance: The repetition of the word "Shanti" (Peace) three times in the Shanti Mantra is intended to calm the physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, thus bringing complete peace.
Significance of Ganesha: It is believed that no prayer or puja can be successful unless Lord Ganesha is first invoked, as He is considered the remover of obstacles.
Chanting the Gayatri Mantra: This is considered one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism. It invokes the divine light of the Sun (Savitr), which is the source of all energy and life.
Role of Akshata (Rice): In pujas, Akshata (unbroken rice grains) symbolizes prosperity and continuity of life. They are often sprinkled as an offering to deities.
Final Steps: Prasad and Aarti
Prasad (Holy Offerings): Once the puja is completed, the food and offerings made to the deity are distributed as Prasad, signifying the blessings of the gods.
Aarti (Light Offering): The ritual of offering light to the deity, usually done with a lamp or camphor, is the final step in the invocation. This symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the spreading of divine light.
In Hinduism, every prayer and invocation is unique, but what remains universal is the heartfelt intention and devotion with which the divine is worshiped.