In Hinduism, "delay" in life’s objectives—whether it's related to career, marriage, health, or other pursuits—is often seen as a result of cosmic or karmic influences. To pray against delays, specific deities are worshipped who can help remove obstacles, bring good fortune, and fast-track the desired outcomes. Here, I'll provide a detailed guide, including deities, prayers, mantras, and puja steps you can follow.
Deities Ideal for Removing Delays
- Lord Ganesha - The remover of obstacles.
- Lord Hanuman - For strength, speed, and success.
- Goddess Mangala (Durga) - Protector from planetary influences, especially for delays caused by Mars (Mangal Dosha).
- Goddess Lakshmi (Shri) - For prosperity and the removal of financial delays.
- Goddess Bhu Devi - Goddess of the Earth, known for grounding energy and removing delays in physical well-being or home-related matters.
- Lord Vishnu - The preserver, for overall success and protection.
- Lord Shiva (Bholenath, Rudra) - For transforming and dissolving negative karma.
- Lord Ayyappa - A deity known for overcoming challenges, especially spiritual or personal delays.
General Puja Steps to Overcome Delays
Cleanse Yourself and the Puja Area: Take a bath to purify your body. Clean the puja area to ensure positive energy flow.
Light a Lamp and Incense: Light a ghee or oil lamp, symbolizing the awakening of divine energy, and incense to purify the environment.
Place the Idol or Picture of the Deity: Place idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, Goddess Lakshmi, and others you wish to invoke.
Offer Flowers and Fruits: Present fresh flowers and fruits as offerings to the deity.
Recite the Prayers and Mantras: Chant specific mantras and prayers with devotion. You can also play devotional music related to the deity.
Offer Prasad: Offer some cooked or raw food (fruits, sweets) as prasad.
Perform Aarti: Wave the aarti lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing or chanting praises.
Meditation: Sit quietly and focus on the deity's image or mantra. This strengthens your connection and clarifies intentions.
Specific Prayers and Mantras Against Delay
Lord Ganesha - Remover of Obstacles
Mantra:
"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"
(This is the most powerful Ganesha mantra for removing obstacles.)Prayer:
"Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada"
(O Lord Ganesha, with a curved trunk and a mighty body, shining like millions of suns, please remove all obstacles in all my endeavors.)
Lord Hanuman - For Speed and Success
Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namah"
(For seeking Hanuman's help in removing delays and bringing success.)Prayer:
"Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogata
Ajadyam Vak Patutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranad Bhavet"
(By remembering Hanuman, one is blessed with wisdom, strength, success, courage, fearlessness, health, and eloquence.)
Goddess Mangala (Durga) - For Protection from Negative Influences
Mantra:
"Om Dum Durgaye Namaha"
(A powerful mantra to invoke Goddess Durga to overcome any negative planetary influences, especially Mangal Dosha.)Prayer:
"Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute"
(O Gauri, the auspicious one, the consort of Shiva, who grants all wishes, I bow to you.)
Goddess Lakshmi - For Prosperity and Removing Financial Delays
Mantra:
"Om Shreem Maha Lakshmyei Namah"
(To invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for financial prosperity and timely success.)Prayer:
"Sarva Vighna Haram Devi Sarva Sampat Pradaayani
Sarva Tushti Kari Devi Lakshmi Devi Namostute"
(O Goddess Lakshmi, remover of all obstacles, granter of wealth, I bow to you.)
Lord Vishnu - The Preserver and Granter of Success
Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
(A powerful mantra to invoke Lord Vishnu’s protection and success.)Prayer:
"Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham
Vishvadharam Gaganasadrasham Meghavarnam Shubhangam
Lakshmikantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanatham"
(I bow to Lord Vishnu, who has a peaceful form, rests on the serpent, and is the protector of the universe.)
Lord Shiva (Bholenath, Rudra) - For Dissolving Karma and Obstacles
Mantra:
"Om Namah Shivaya"
(This mantra helps in transforming negative karma and overcoming delays.)Prayer:
"Mahamrityunjaya Mantra":
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
(We meditate on the three-eyed one, Lord Shiva, who nourishes and nurtures all. May he free us from the bondage of mortality and lead us to liberation.)
Lord Ayyappa - For Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles
Mantra:
"Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa"
(This mantra is a surrender to Lord Ayyappa, asking him to remove obstacles and grant success.)Prayer:
"Harivarasanam Viswamohanam Haridhara Sutham Hema Varna Bhuushanam
Arivimardhanam Sarvabhishta Pradham Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa"
(O Lord Ayyappa, who is the bestower of all that is good, I surrender to you.)
Rare Facts and Relevant Insights
Mangal Dosha: Delays, especially in marriage, can often be attributed to Mangal Dosha (influence of Mars). Remedies include worshipping Goddess Mangala or performing rituals like Mangal Shanti Puja.
Ashtavinayak Yatra: It is believed that visiting the eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra (Ashtavinayak Yatra) can bring quick relief from obstacles and delays.
Shri Suktam: The recitation of the Shri Suktam is highly effective for removing delays related to financial prosperity, as it invokes the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: This is one of the most powerful mantras to alleviate suffering and delay caused by health or spiritual imbalances.
Navagraha Worship: Worshipping the nine planetary gods (Navagrahas) is essential in overcoming delays caused by planetary malefic influences, especially Saturn (Shani) and Mars (Mangal).
Additional Tips for Overcoming Delay
Fasting: Observing fasts on specific days (such as Mondays for Lord Shiva or Tuesdays for Hanuman) can enhance the effectiveness of prayers.
Visit Temples: Visiting temples dedicated to the relevant deity, like Siddhivinayak Temple for Ganesha, or Hanuman Mandir for Hanuman, helps in seeking divine grace faster.
Yantras: Keeping a Ganesha Yantra or Lakshmi Yantra in your home can bring prosperity and remove obstacles.
By performing these rituals and consistently praying to the respective deities, devotees can experience relief from delays and find smoother paths toward success.