--> Skip to main content


How To Pray After Sinning? In Hindu Religion

By

In Hinduism, when a person feels guilt or remorse after committing a sin (Paap), they often seek forgiveness from the divine through prayer, rituals (Puja), and by practicing self-purification. The act of praying after sinning aims to cleanse one's soul, ask for divine forgiveness, and return to the path of righteousness (Dharma). The religion emphasizes self-purification, devotion (Bhakti), and sincere repentance (Prayaschitta) as methods to overcome sin.

Steps to Pray After Sinning:

  1. Self-Reflection and Repentance (Prayaschitta):

    • The first step is recognizing the sin and feeling sincere repentance for the actions. One must accept their mistakes and resolve not to repeat them.

  2. Purification (Snana and Pranayama):

    • Take a bath to purify your body and mind, symbolizing the washing away of negativity and impurities. Perform deep breathing or Pranayama to center your mind.

  3. Setting up a Puja Altar:

    • Arrange a clean space with idols or pictures of your chosen deity (Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, etc.).
    • Offer flowers, incense, a ghee lamp, and fruits.

  4. Pray with a Sincere Heart:

    • Sit quietly, chant prayers, and offer your apologies. Express sincere devotion and the desire for self-purification.

  5. Japa (Repetition of Mantras):

    • Reciting sacred mantras is important. Repeating a mantra dedicated to the specific deity can help in seeking divine grace and forgiveness.

Gods/Goddesses to Worship for Forgiveness:

In Hinduism, different deities are associated with different qualities. For forgiveness and relief from sins, the following deities are considered ideal for prayers:

  1. Lord Vishnu – The preserver and protector of the universe, He is known for His forgiving nature and compassion.
  2. Lord Shiva – Known as the destroyer of evil, Shiva is also the god of transformation, and He grants forgiveness and liberation (Moksha).
  3. Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles, Ganesha is prayed to for overcoming difficulties and seeking a fresh start.
  4. Goddess Durga – She is the embodiment of strength and protection and helps to ward off negativity and evil.
  5. Goddess Kali and Chinnamasta – These fierce forms of the Goddess help in destroying sins, ego, and attachments.
  6. Lord Hanuman – A symbol of devotion and strength, Hanuman is prayed to for protection from sins and wrongdoings.

Prayers and Mantras for Seeking Forgiveness:

1. Lord Vishnu:

Vishnu is the protector, and chanting His name helps to remove all impurities and sins.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
    (Meaning: I bow to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "Oh Lord Vishnu, protector of the universe, I surrender to you. Please forgive my sins, knowingly or unknowingly, and guide me to the path of righteousness."

2. Lord Shiva:

Shiva is also known as the god of destruction, who can destroy sins and offer liberation.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Namah Shivaya"
    (Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "O Lord Shiva, the merciful, you are the destroyer of all sins and illusions. Please forgive me for my mistakes and grant me liberation."

  • Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for seeking blessings and protection from sins: "Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
    Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"

3. Lord Ganesha:

Ganesha is invoked at the start of any endeavor, including spiritual repentance.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
    (Meaning: Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "O Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, help me overcome the obstacles of my sins and lead me on the right path."

4. Goddess Durga:

Durga is the Mother Goddess who destroys negativity and blesses her devotees with strength and protection.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Dum Durgayei Namaha"
    (Meaning: I bow to Goddess Durga, the one who removes suffering.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "O Divine Mother Durga, destroyer of evil, please remove the effects of my sins and grant me your protection and blessings."

5. Goddess Kali:

Kali is worshiped to destroy negativity and to burn away all sins with her fierce energy.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Krim Kalikaye Namah"
    (Meaning: I bow to Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil and sin.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "O Mother Kali, with your fierce energy, please purify me and destroy all my sins, granting me a new life of virtue."

6. Lord Hanuman:

Hanuman is worshiped for strength, devotion, and for protection from evils.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Hanumate Namah"
    (Meaning: I bow to Lord Hanuman.)

  • Simple Prayer:
    "O Lord Hanuman, protector of the weak, please remove all the negativity and sin from my life. Guide me to be strong and righteous."

7. Kal Bhairav:

Kal Bhairav is a fierce form of Shiva, associated with time and destruction of ego.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Kalabhairavaya Namaha"
    (Meaning: I bow to Kal Bhairav, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva.)

Puja Ritual to Perform:

  1. Purification:

    • Begin by purifying yourself with water (Achamana) and recite: "Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gato Api Va
      Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantarah Shuchih"
      (Meaning: Whoever remembers the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu becomes internally and externally purified.)

  2. Lighting the Lamp and Incense:

    • Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks and place them on your altar.

  3. Offering:

    • Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity and sprinkle water as a gesture of purification.

  4. Mantra Chanting:

    • Recite the mantras dedicated to the deity of your choice.
    • Use a Japa mala (prayer beads) for chanting mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."

  5. Aarti and Pradakshina:

    • End the puja with an Aarti (lighting a camphor lamp) and perform Pradakshina (circumambulating the altar 3 or 7 times).

  6. Apology and Surrender:

    • Offer a prayer of apology to the deity, ask for forgiveness, and resolve not to commit the sin again.

Rare Facts:

  • Kalabhairava is traditionally prayed to by those seeking redemption from grave sins as He is known as the lord of time and destruction.
  • Chinnamasta, a fierce form of Goddess Shakti, is rarely invoked but symbolizes the removal of attachment to worldly desires and destruction of ego.
  • The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is considered highly powerful for purification, not only for physical healing but for erasing sins.


In Hinduism, forgiveness and purification are accessible through sincere prayer, self-reflection, and devotion to the divine. By seeking forgiveness from deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, and Hanuman, one can cleanse their soul and reaffirm their commitment to a virtuous life. Chanting mantras, performing puja, and practicing humility in front of the divine help in restoring one's spiritual balance and moral integrity.