In the Hindu tradition, intercessory prayers are powerful ways of invoking divine grace, blessings, and intervention in our lives. Intercession is often requested for health, protection, guidance, or removing obstacles. There are various deities that can be invoked, each with a specific role or attribute, such as wisdom, strength, or removing difficulties.
Here’s a guide on how to perform intercessory prayers with simple prayers, mantras, puja steps, and ideal deities to worship.
1. Preparation for the Puja (Worship)
Before starting, it’s important to cleanse the body and mind. This can be done through a bath and wearing clean clothes. The space where you perform the puja should also be cleaned and an altar set up with an idol or image of the deity, along with offerings like fruits, flowers, incense, and a lamp.
2. Steps for Puja
Invoke Lord Ganesha: It is customary to begin any Hindu prayer or ritual by first invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This ensures that the path to your prayers is cleared.
- Simple Prayer:
"Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada."
O Lord Ganesha, with a curved trunk and a large body, radiant like a thousand suns, please remove all obstacles in my endeavors.
- Simple Prayer:
Light a Lamp: A diya (lamp) is lit to symbolize the removal of darkness and ignorance.
Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, incense, and sweets (like modaks for Ganesha, or laddus for Hanuman). This can be symbolic or real, depending on your tradition and resources.
Invoke the Specific Deity: Chant the mantra specific to the deity you are asking for intercession. Below are mantras and prayers for various gods and goddesses.
3. Ideal Gods and Goddesses for Intercessory Prayer
Goddess Saraswati – For Wisdom, Knowledge, and Art
Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom, is invoked for guidance in matters of education, creativity, and knowledge.
Simple Prayer:
"Saraswati Mahabhage Vidye Kamala Lochane, Vidyarupe Vishalakshi Vidyam Dehi Namostute."
O Saraswati, great goddess of wisdom and knowledge, with lotus-like eyes, bless me with wisdom and knowledge.Mantra:
"Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah."
I bow to the goddess Saraswati.
Lord Shiva – For Strength, Transformation, and Protection
Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, is invoked for spiritual growth, protection, and to overcome fears.
Simple Prayer:
"Om Namah Shivaya."
I bow to Lord Shiva, the supreme being who manifests in the form of pure consciousness.Mantra for Protection:
"Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and sustains all living beings; may He free us from the bondage of worldly attachments and liberate us from the cycle of birth and death.
Lord Hanuman – For Courage, Devotion, and Strength
Hanuman, the monkey god, represents strength, devotion, and selfless service. He is often invoked for courage in facing difficulties and protection.
Simple Prayer:
"Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogata, Ajaadyam Vakpatutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranat Bhavet."
By remembering Lord Hanuman, one attains wisdom, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, health, and eloquence.Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namah."
I bow to Lord Hanuman.
Lord Narasimha – For Protection Against Evil and Fear
Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, is the fierce form of the Lord that protects his devotees from danger. He is invoked for immediate relief from fear and protection from evil forces.
Simple Prayer:
"Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham, Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityor Mrityum Namamy Aham."
I bow to Narasimha, the fierce and valorous form of Vishnu, who is death to death and grants protection and auspiciousness.Mantra:
"Om Namo Narayanaya."
I bow to Lord Narayana (Vishnu).
Yama – For Control Over Death, Fearlessness, and Liberation
Yama, the god of death, can be invoked when seeking protection against untimely death or fear of mortality. He is also the lord of dharma (righteousness).
Simple Prayer:
"Mrityunjayaaya Rudraaya Neelakantaaya Shambhave, Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya Mahadevaaya Te Namah."
Salutations to the one who conquers death, who is Rudra (Shiva), the blue-necked one, the benefactor of all beings.Mantra for Overcoming Death:
"Om Yamaaya Namah."
I bow to Yama, the lord of death.
4. Conclusion of Puja
After the mantras and prayers, offer the fruits, sweets, or food as prasadam (sacred offering). A final prayer of thanks or shanti mantra can be recited to conclude the puja.
Shanti Mantra:
"Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah; Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchit Dukh Bhaag Bhavet.
Om Shanti Shanti Shantih."
May all beings be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see only good, may no one suffer. Peace, Peace, Peace.
5. Rare Facts and Relevant Insights
Combination of Deities: In Hinduism, it is common to invoke multiple deities for specific prayers. For example, praying to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles, followed by Goddess Saraswati for wisdom, and Lord Shiva for inner strength and transformation.
Hanuman as an Avatar of Shiva: Some believe that Hanuman is an incarnation of Shiva, making him a powerful deity for prayers related to strength and protection.
Narasimha’s Role in Personal Protection: The Narasimha Kavacha is a prayer shield often used in times of great fear or crisis to seek his fierce protection.
Yama Worship: Though rare in direct worship, Yama is invoked in rituals for liberation from the fear of death or for a peaceful transition of souls in funeral rites.
6. Additional Tips for Intercessory Prayer
- Devotion (Bhakti) is key: The most powerful ingredient in Hindu prayer is sincerity and devotion, known as bhakti. The stronger the connection to the deity, the more powerful the intercession.
- Offerings: You can offer incense, a lamp (diya), flowers, fruits, and sweets like laddus or modaks. Water or milk can be offered in simple prayers as well.
- Frequency: You can perform intercessory prayers daily, during special festivals, or when a particular need arises.
With these prayers, mantras, and rituals, you can approach the divine for intercession, seeking their blessings and protection for yourself or others.