In Hinduism, prayer and devotion after surgery hold a significant place, as they are seen as means of invoking divine blessings for health, strength, and recovery. After a surgery, devotees often turn to specific deities associated with healing, well-being, and protection. Praying after surgery can include offering thanks for successful surgery, seeking divine protection, and asking for a swift and full recovery.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to pray after surgery according to Hindu traditions, including simple prayers, mantras, puja steps, and information on the ideal deities to worship:
Deities for Healing After Surgery
- Lord Dhanvantari – The God of Medicine and Health in Hinduism. Dhanvantari is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is revered as the divine physician.
- Ashwini Kumaras – Twin gods who are the divine healers in the Vedas. They are often invoked for physical and spiritual healing.
- Lord Pashupati Shiva – A form of Lord Shiva, the "Lord of Life." Shiva is worshipped for overall well-being and protection.
- Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings. Praying to him ensures a smooth recovery process.
- Lord Vishnu – The preserver of the universe, Vishnu is often invoked for protection and well-being.
- Goddess Parvati – The mother goddess, associated with nurturing and care. She represents divine feminine energy and healing.
- Goddess Adi Parashakti – The primordial divine energy, often worshipped as the ultimate source of power and healing.
Simple Prayer and Mantras for Post-Surgery Healing
Lord Dhanvantari Prayer (For Health and Recovery)
Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वंतरये अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्व भय विनाशाय सर्व रोग निवारणाय त्रिलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः। Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Trilokyanathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namaha.
Translation:
"I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, the preserver of the universe, holder of the nectar of immortality. Destroyer of all fears and diseases, I seek refuge in you for complete recovery."Simple Prayer:
"O Lord Dhanvantari, bless me with good health and strength to recover from my surgery. May your divine healing energies restore my body to perfect health."Ashwini Kumaras Prayer (For Physical Healing)
Mantra:
ॐ अश्विनीकुमाराभ्यां नमः। Om Ashwinikumārābhyām Namaha.
Translation:
"Salutations to the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine healers."Simple Prayer:
"O Ashwini Kumaras, divine physicians of the heavens, I seek your blessings for my speedy recovery. Heal my body and restore it to health and vitality."Lord Shiva (Pashupati Form) Prayer (For Well-being and Protection)
Mantra:
ॐ नमः शिवाय। Om Namah Shivaya.
Translation:
"Salutations to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one."Simple Prayer:
"O Lord Shiva, protector of life, bless me with strength, courage, and well-being as I recover. Remove any negative energies and protect me from harm."Lord Ganesha Prayer (For Obstacle Removal)
Mantra:
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः। Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.
Translation:
"Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles."Simple Prayer:
"O Lord Ganesha, please remove all obstacles in my path of healing and recovery. Grant me the strength and peace of mind to recuperate fully."Lord Vishnu Prayer (For Protection and Sustenance)
Mantra:
ॐ विष्णवे नमः। Om Vishnave Namaha.
Translation:
"Salutations to Lord Vishnu, the protector."Simple Prayer:
"O Lord Vishnu, protector of all, please watch over me and protect me during my healing journey. Grant me peace, strength, and a swift recovery."Goddess Parvati Prayer (For Nurturing and Strength)
Mantra:
ॐ पार्वत्यै नमः। Om Parvatyai Namaha.
Translation:
"Salutations to Goddess Parvati, the divine mother."Simple Prayer:
"O Goddess Parvati, nurture me with your motherly love and care. Help me regain my strength and health."Goddess Adi Parashakti Prayer (For Energy and Empowerment)
Mantra:
ॐ आदिशक्त्यै नमः। Om Adi Shaktyai Namaha.
Translation:
"Salutations to Goddess Adi Parashakti, the primordial power."Simple Prayer:
"O Adi Parashakti, the ultimate source of energy, fill me with your strength and power. Empower my body to heal and rejuvenate."
Steps for a Simple Post-Surgery Puja
Preparation:
- Cleanse yourself and the space where you will perform the puja.
- Light a ghee lamp and some incense (agarbatti).
- Place images or idols of the deities you wish to worship on a clean surface.
Invocation:
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Chant: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" 3 times.
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
Offerings:
- Offer flowers, fruits, or sweets (prasadam) to each deity.
- Light camphor or a small diya and perform an aarti (circular motion) in front of each deity’s image.
Mantras and Prayers:
- Recite the specific mantras of Lord Dhanvantari, Ashwini Kumaras, Shiva, Vishnu, or the goddesses as per your choice.
- Speak from your heart, asking for strength, healing, and protection.
Meditation and Reflection:
- After the prayers, sit quietly in meditation. Focus on your breathing and imagine divine light filling your body, bringing healing energy to all parts of your being.
Conclusion:
- Offer thanks to the deities for their blessings and conclude by distributing prasadam to family members or consuming it yourself.
Rare and Relevant Facts on Hindu Healing Traditions
Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, traces its roots to the divine teachings of Lord Dhanvantari.
Ashwini Kumaras were the physicians of the gods in ancient Vedic mythology. They are believed to bring not only physical but also spiritual healing.
Mantra Healing: Reciting specific mantras, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for Lord Shiva, is considered highly effective for protection from harm and for healing.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥ Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
Translation:
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and nurtures all beings. May he liberate us from the cycle of birth and death and grant us immortality."Pashupati Form of Shiva: This form of Lord Shiva symbolizes his connection with life, health, and natural healing processes, often invoked in healing rites.
By performing these prayers and pujas after surgery, devotees can invoke divine energy for a smooth recovery and overall well-being.