In Hinduism, prayers and rituals for long life are a deeply ingrained part of spiritual practice, as longevity is viewed as a vital element for fulfilling one's dharma (duty) and attaining spiritual goals. Prayers for long life typically focus on promoting health, vitality, and protection from untimely death. Various deities are worshipped for this purpose, each representing different aspects of life, health, and well-being.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pray for long life in Hinduism, including simple prayers, puja steps, mantras, and the deities to worship.
Ideal Deities for Prayers of Long Life
Dhanvantari: The divine physician, Dhanvantari is worshipped for health and longevity. He emerged during the churning of the ocean with the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality).
Ashwini Kumaras: The twin gods of healing, associated with the restoration of youth and vitality, are also invoked for long life.
Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of all auspicious events, including prayers for longevity.
Lord Shiva (Pashupati): As the controller of life and death, Lord Shiva, particularly in his Pashupati form, is often prayed to for protection from premature death and good health.
Goddess Annapurna: She is the goddess of nourishment and sustenance. A healthy, nourished body is key to a long life.
Goddess Durga: Durga is often worshipped for strength, protection from dangers, and overcoming disease and misfortune.
Goddess Saraswati: The goddess of wisdom, Saraswati grants clarity and mental health, which is crucial for a fulfilling, long life.
Simple Prayers for Long Life
Prayer to Dhanvantari:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, Dhanvantaraye Amrita-Kalasha Hastaya, Sarva-Maya-Vinashanaya, Trailokya-Nathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namaha"
Meaning: "I bow to the Lord Dhanvantari, the preserver of life, holding the pot of nectar, who removes all ailments and diseases."
This mantra invokes the healing energy of Lord Dhanvantari, asking for protection from disease and promotion of health and longevity.
Prayer to Ashwini Kumaras:
"Om Ashwini Kumarabhyam Namaha"
This simple prayer can be chanted to honor the Ashwini Kumaras, the twin gods of healing and longevity. They are often called upon to restore vitality and health.
Prayer to Ganesha:
"Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
Chant this mantra at the beginning of any long-life prayer or puja. Lord Ganesha, as the remover of obstacles, clears the path toward health, peace, and longevity.
Prayer to Lord Shiva (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra):
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
Meaning: "We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who nourishes all beings and bestows health. May he liberate us from the bondage of death, and lead us to immortality."
This powerful mantra is often chanted to overcome sickness, fear of death, and for long life.
Prayer to Goddess Annapurna:
"Om Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Prana Vallabhe Gyaan Vairaagya Siddhyartham Bhikshaam Dehi Cha Parvati"
This prayer asks Goddess Annapurna for nourishment, sustenance, and good health, all of which are necessary for a long and healthy life.
Prayer to Goddess Durga (Durga Suktam):
"Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute"
Meaning: "Salutations to the goddess who brings auspiciousness, who grants success in all endeavors, who is the refuge of all, and who has three eyes. I bow to you, Narayani."
Invoke Goddess Durga for strength, vitality, and protection from all forms of illness and danger.
Prayer to Goddess Saraswati:
"Om Saraswati Mahabhage Vidye Kamalalochane Vidyarambe Karishyami Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada"
This mantra invokes Goddess Saraswati for clarity of mind and wisdom, which promotes mental health and longevity.
Puja Steps for Long Life
Preparation:
- Cleanse yourself and the space where you will conduct the puja.
- Set up a clean altar with images or idols of the deities you are invoking (Dhanvantari, Ashwini Kumaras, Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, Annapurna, Saraswati).
- Prepare offerings: fruits, flowers, rice, sweets, water, incense, and a ghee lamp.
Invocation (Dhyana):
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha with the mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" to remove obstacles.
- Then, mentally visualize the deities you are invoking, asking for their presence.
Offerings (Upachara):
- Offer water, flowers, and fruits while reciting the respective mantras for the deities.
- Light the incense and ghee lamp, making circular motions before the deity's image as a gesture of respect and devotion.
Recitation of Mantras:
- Recite the chosen mantras, such as the Dhanvantari mantra or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, focusing on health and long life.
Prasad (Offering and Blessings):
- Conclude the puja by offering sweets or any cooked food to the deity.
- Seek blessings and protection for longevity and health by touching your head or heart while offering your prayers.
Aarti:
- End the puja with an aarti, waving the lamp before the deity while singing an aarti song, such as the "Om Jai Jagdish Hare" or any specific aarti for the deity.
Rare Facts and Relevant Traditions
Dhanvantari Jayanti: Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated two days before Diwali to honor the deity of health. Performing a special puja on this day is believed to bring health and longevity.
Mahamrityunjaya Homa: Performing a homa (fire ritual) dedicated to Lord Shiva using the Mahamrityunjaya mantra is a potent remedy for long life and protection from dangers.
Ashwini Kumaras in Ayurveda: The Ashwini Kumaras are said to be the founders of Ayurveda, and invoking them through mantras is believed to bestow long life and healing.
Fasting and Vratas: Some devotees observe fasts on specific days like Pradosh Vrat (dedicated to Lord Shiva) or Annapurna Jayanti to ensure long life and well-being.
Praying for long life in Hinduism involves invoking the blessings of various gods and goddesses, each representing health, protection, wisdom, and sustenance. By performing pujas, reciting mantras, and making offerings, devotees seek to live a long, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling life.