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How To Pray For Kids In Hindu Religion

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Praying in Hinduism for kids is a beautiful way to introduce them to spirituality, culture, and values. It helps in nurturing a sense of calm, gratitude, and connection to the divine. Children can be taught simple prayers, rituals (puja), and the significance of different deities. Below is an expanded guide on how to pray for kids in the Hindu religion, including steps for puja, ideal gods and goddesses, mantras, and some rare and relevant facts.

1. Puja Steps for Kids

Performing puja with children should be kept simple yet meaningful. Here are some basic steps:

Step-by-Step Puja Guide:

  1. Preparation:

    • Ensure cleanliness (take a bath if possible).
    • Set up a small altar with pictures or idols of deities.
    • Light a lamp (diya) and some incense (agarbatti).

  2. Offerings:

    • Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
    • You can use turmeric and sandalwood paste (kumkum) for applying a small dot (tilak) on the forehead of the child and deity.

  3. Prayers:

    • Teach children to fold their hands in a namaste gesture and close their eyes while reciting prayers.

  4. Aarti:

    • Wave the lit lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing an aarti (devotional hymn).

  5. Prasad:

    • Offer the sweets or fruits to the deity first and then distribute them as prasad (blessed food).

2. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Kids

Here are some deities traditionally worshipped by children for blessings of knowledge, health, protection, and well-being:

Lord Ganesha – Remover of obstacles, patron of arts and sciences.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
    This is a simple yet powerful mantra children can chant for wisdom, intelligence, and success in their studies.

Goddess Saraswati – Goddess of learning, wisdom, and arts.

  • Mantra:
    "Saraswati Namastubhyam, Varade Kamarupini,
    Vidyarambham Karishyami, Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada"
    Translation: O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of boons, I begin my studies under your guidance. May I always attain success.

Santana Gopala Krishna – Form of Lord Krishna associated with children's well-being.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Devaki Suta Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate
    Dehi Me Tanayam Krishna Tvam Aham Sharanam Gatah"
    This prayer is ideal for blessings of children and their well-being.

Goddess Annapurna – Provider of nourishment and food.

  • Mantra:
    "Annapoorne Sadapoorne Shankara Prana Vallabhe
    Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhikshaam Dehi Cha Parvati"
    This mantra is recited to teach children gratitude for food and the importance of never wasting it.

Lord Hanuman – Symbol of strength, courage, and devotion.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Hanumate Namah"
    A simple and powerful mantra for kids to gain strength, courage, and protection from harm.

Goddess Sashti Devi – Protector of children and mothers.

  • Prayer:
    Devotees of Sashti Devi often perform puja on Sashti days (6th day of the lunar month) for children's safety and health.

Goddess Mookambika – Embodiment of knowledge, power, and creative energy.

  • Mantra:
    "Om Mookambikayai Namah"
    This mantra is beneficial for children to invoke wisdom and success in their studies.

Goddess Sheetala – Goddess associated with good health, particularly in protection from diseases like smallpox.

  • Prayer:
    Reciting simple prayers like "Jai Mata Sheetala" helps in invoking blessings for children's good health.

3. Simple Prayers for Children

Here are a few simple, traditional Hindu prayers that children can learn:

Morning Prayer

"Karagre Vasate Lakshmi, Karamadhye Saraswati
Karamule Tu Govindah, Prabhate Karadarshanam"
Translation: At the tips of the fingers resides Goddess Lakshmi, in the middle resides Saraswati, and at the base of the hand resides Lord Govinda. Therefore, I look at my hands in the morning.

Prayer Before Meals

"Brahmarpanam Brahmahavir Brahmagnau Brahmana Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahmakarma Samadhina"
Translation: The act of offering, the offering itself, and the one who receives are all Brahman (the ultimate reality). Therefore, I offer this food in divine consciousness.

Night Prayer

"Shubham Karoti Kalyanam Aarogyam Dhanasampada
Shatrubuddhi Vinashaya Deepa Jyotir Namostute"
Translation: O Light, you bring auspiciousness, health, and prosperity, and destroy negative thoughts. I bow to you.

4. Relevant and Rare Facts for Kids

  • Hanuman as a Role Model for Strength and Devotion:
    Hanuman is not only a symbol of physical strength but also one of intelligence and devotion. He teaches children about the importance of loyalty, focus, and selfless service.

  • Goddess Saraswati's Role in the Vasant Panchami Festival:
    Vasant Panchami, celebrated in honor of Saraswati, is an ideal time to encourage children to pray for knowledge and education. Many schools in India offer Saraswati puja on this day.

  • Sashti and Santana Gopala Krishna for Childbirth and Safety:
    In many South Indian families, special prayers are offered to Sashti Devi and Santana Gopala for the protection of children. The "Sashti Kavacham" is chanted to ensure the well-being of kids.

  • Annapurna and the Concept of Sharing Food:
    Teaching children to say a short prayer before meals in honor of Annapurna helps instill the values of gratitude and sharing.

  • Ganesha's Love for Modaks:
    Telling children the story of Ganesha’s love for modaks (sweet dumplings) can engage them while teaching them to appreciate simplicity and sweetness in life.

5. Special Festivals for Children

  • Bal Ganesha Festivals:
    The celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi is a wonderful time to involve children in making clay idols, chanting simple mantras, and learning about environmental protection by promoting eco-friendly practices.

  • Navaratri for Saraswati and Mookambika Worship:
    During Navaratri, children can participate in Saraswati puja, keeping their study materials at the feet of the goddess to receive blessings for education.

  • Ram Navami for Lord Rama and Hanuman:
    This is an ideal occasion to teach children about the life of Lord Rama and his unwavering friendship with Hanuman.


Praying in the Hindu tradition for kids is a practice of instilling values, gratitude, and spiritual awareness. Simple mantras, puja rituals, and prayers can be incorporated into a child's daily life to help them grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Engaging children with the stories of Ganesha, Saraswati, Hanuman, and other deities fosters a sense of connection to their roots and culture, while building a foundation of faith, wisdom, and compassion.