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How To Pray Against Lust? In Hindu Religion

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Praying against lust in the context of Hindu religion involves invoking deities known for control over desires, power, and purification. Hinduism recognizes that lust, or Kama, is one of the six inner enemies (Shadripu) that prevent spiritual growth. Through devotion, meditation, chanting mantras, and performing specific pujas, one can seek divine assistance to control and overcome these desires.

Deities to Worship for Overcoming Lust:

  1. Kamadeva and Rati:

    • Kamadeva is the god of love, desire, and lust. Although Kamadeva is associated with love, his story shows that he was burnt to ashes by Shiva for disturbing his meditation. Kamadeva's story symbolizes the control of desires, and he can be invoked for the purification of lustful tendencies.
    • Goddess Rati, Kamadeva's consort, represents the divine feminine aspect of love and desire. Together, they can be invoked for balanced, pure love, free from lust.

  2. Lord Hanuman:

    • Lord Hanuman is the symbol of celibacy, self-restraint, and devotion. His worship helps cultivate control over desires and strengthen mental fortitude to overcome lust.

  3. Lord Shiva:

    • Shiva, in his aspect as the destroyer of lust (destroyer of Kamadeva), is another powerful deity to invoke for lust control. His intense focus and deep meditation symbolize control over the senses.

  4. Lord Muruga (Kartikeya):

    • Kartikeya, also known as Lord Muruga, represents wisdom and courage. His worship aids in overcoming the impulses of lust, as he is often invoked to gain mastery over the mind and desires.

  5. Parashurama:

    • Parashurama, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, is known for his discipline and righteous anger. He can be worshiped to overcome desires and cultivate self-discipline.

  6. Goddess Kali:

    • Goddess Kali, with her fierce form, represents the destruction of impurities. She can destroy negative emotions like lust, transforming them into divine energy.

  7. Goddess Chinnamasta:

    • Goddess Chinnamasta, a form of Shakti, represents self-control and the sublimation of sexual energy into spiritual power. She is depicted as self-decapitated, symbolizing the transcendence of ego and material desires.

Simple Prayers and Mantras to Overcome Lust:

  1. Kamadeva and Rati Prayer:

    • Mantra:

      Om Kamadevaya Vidmahe Pushpabanaya Dheemahi Tanno Anangah Prachodayat
      • Meaning: "We meditate upon Kamadeva, the god of love and desire, who wields the bow of flowers. May he inspire us towards purity and divine love."

    • Simple Prayer: "O Kamadeva, may my desires be transformed into pure love, free from selfishness and lust. May your blessings guide me to a higher state of being."

  2. Lord Hanuman Prayer:

    • Hanuman Chalisa: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is known to help control desires and purify the mind.

    • Simple Mantra:

      Om Hanumate Namah
      • Meaning: "I bow to Lord Hanuman." This simple mantra invokes Hanuman's energy of celibacy, strength, and devotion to remove distractions caused by lust.

  3. Lord Shiva Mantra:

    • Mantra:

      Om Namah Shivaya
      • Meaning: "I bow to Lord Shiva." This mantra purifies the mind and soul, helping devotees transcend material and physical desires.

    • Simple Prayer: "O Mahadeva, destroyer of lust and desires, purify my mind and heart. Help me attain the strength to control my senses and focus on spiritual growth."

  4. Lord Muruga Mantra:

    • Mantra:
      Om Saravanabhavaya Namah
      • Meaning: "Salutations to Lord Muruga, the divine warrior." This mantra helps in cultivating mental strength and focus, overcoming obstacles such as lust.

  5. Goddess Kali Mantra:

    • Mantra:

      Om Krim Kalikayai Namah
      • Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Kali." Chanting this mantra invokes her fierce energy to destroy negative tendencies like lust and ignorance.

    • Simple Prayer: "O Mother Kali, destroy the impurities in my mind and heart. Help me transcend worldly desires and connect with the divine."

  6. Goddess Chinnamasta Mantra:

    • Mantra:
      Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chinnamastayai Namah
      • Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Chinnamasta, who liberates one from desires and attachments."

Steps for Puja to Overcome Lust:

  1. Preparation:

    • Cleanse yourself and the place where you are performing the puja.
    • Set up a clean altar with images or idols of your chosen deity (e.g., Lord Shiva, Hanuman, or Goddess Kali).

  2. Offerings:

    • Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense to the deity.
    • Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks.

  3. Invocation:

    • Begin by chanting "Om" three times, followed by the Ganesh mantra for obstacle removal:
      Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

  4. Main Prayer:

    • Chant the appropriate mantra for the deity you are invoking (Shiva, Hanuman, etc.).
    • Focus your mind on the deity and express your desire to overcome lust and other negative tendencies.

  5. Meditation:

    • Spend time in silent meditation, focusing on the deity's qualities (such as Hanuman’s celibacy or Kali’s purification).

  6. Concluding the Puja:

    • Perform the aarti (waving the light in front of the deity).
    • Offer gratitude and prayers for the blessings of self-control and purity.

Rare and Interesting Facts:

  1. Shiva's Triumph Over Lust: The story of Kamadeva being burnt by Shiva signifies that through the intense practice of meditation and devotion, lust can be completely subdued.

  2. Chinnamasta’s Symbolism: The Goddess Chinnamasta cuts off her own head, symbolizing the severing of ego and material desires. Her worship is rare but potent for overcoming strong desires, including lust.

  3. Hanuman and Celibacy: Hanuman is considered the epitome of celibacy, often invoked by monks and those wishing to follow a life of strict brahmacharya (celibacy) for spiritual discipline.

  4. Mantra Chanting: Repeated chanting of mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" not only purifies the mind but also helps regulate the nervous system, which can control lustful thoughts by inducing a meditative state.

Additional Practices to Overcome Lust:

  1. Meditation on Ajna Chakra (Third Eye):

    • Focusing on the third eye (center of the forehead) during meditation is believed to help subdue lower desires, including lust.

  2. Observing Brahmacharya:

    • Following the path of Brahmacharya, which refers to controlling the mind and senses, helps prevent the overwhelming influence of lust.

  3. Reading Scriptures:

    • Study texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna advises detachment from desires for mental peace and spiritual progress.

By invoking the deities, chanting mantras, and performing simple but focused pujas, devotees can work towards transforming and overcoming the obstacles of lust, moving towards a state of purity and spiritual growth.