In Hinduism, prayer for the welfare of abused children involves invoking divine blessings and protection from various gods and goddesses. Through rituals, puja, and mantras, devotees seek divine intervention to help children heal emotionally, mentally, and physically. This process requires sincerity and faith, with the understanding that each deity represents different energies that contribute to protection, strength, healing, and peace.
1. General Guidelines for Prayer and Puja for Abused Children
When praying for abused children, the primary focus is on protection, healing, and removing obstacles from their lives. Here is a simple guide:
Clothes & Colors:
- White or yellow clothes are ideal, as they signify purity, protection, and positivity.
- For male deities like Krishna, Hanuman, or Ganesha, yellow, red, or orange are auspicious.
- When worshiping goddesses like Durga or Parvati, red and white are often used, symbolizing strength and purity.
Ideal Time for Prayer or Puja:
- Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or during twilight hours is considered ideal.
- Tuesdays and Saturdays are particularly significant for Hanuman and Bhairava worship.
2. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship
When praying for the protection and healing of abused children, various deities are considered powerful and benevolent.
Laddu Gopal / Gopalakrishna (Baby Krishna): The image of child Krishna (Laddu Gopal) represents innocence and joy. Worshiping Laddu Gopal brings protection to children and restores their happiness.
Lord Hanuman: Hanuman is known as the protector from evil forces, and invoking his name helps in removing fear and providing strength.
Lord Ganesha: Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and protector of the vulnerable. Praying to him can help in overcoming the trauma and challenges children face.
Goddess Parvati: As the mother of the universe, she is the nurturing and protective force. Prayers to her can invoke her blessings for love and care.
Goddess Durga: Durga, the warrior goddess, symbolizes strength and protection. She is often invoked to safeguard children from harm.
Lord Bhairava: Bhairava is a fierce form of Lord Shiva, known to protect devotees from negative energies and evil influences.
3. Simple Prayers for Abused Children
Prayer to Laddu Gopal (Krishna as a Child):
"O Laddu Gopal, the protector of the innocent and the giver of joy,
Guide and guard the children who suffer.
Bless them with strength, love, and peace.
Let them find refuge in your divine presence.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
Mantra:
"॥ ॐ श्रीकृष्णाय नमः ॥
(Om Shree Krishnaya Namah)
I bow to Lord Krishna, protector of all."
Prayer to Hanuman for Protection:
"Om Hanuman, remover of fear,
Protect the children from harm.
Grant them strength and courage,
And help them overcome their suffering.
Om Shri Hanumate Namah."
Mantra:
"॥ ॐ हनुमते नमः ॥
(Om Hanumate Namah)
I bow to Lord Hanuman, the source of strength."
Prayer to Goddess Durga for Protection:
"O Durga Maa, the fierce and loving mother,
Protect the innocent souls from cruelty and fear.
Grant them your divine strength,
And shield them with your powerful arms.
Om Dum Durgaye Namah."
Mantra:
"॥ ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
(Om Dum Durgaye Namah)
I bow to Goddess Durga, the one who protects from harm."
4. Simple Puja Steps
Materials Needed:
- Flowers (preferably red, yellow, or white)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- Oil lamp (Diya)
- Fruits or sweets (offerings)
- Holy water (Ganga jal) or plain water
- Turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), and sandalwood paste for tilak
- A small idol or picture of the deity you are worshiping
Steps for Puja:
Purification: Wash your hands and face before beginning the puja. Clean the space where you will be praying.
Lighting the Lamp: Light an oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks to create a sacred atmosphere.
Invocation (Dhyana): Close your eyes and focus on the deity. Visualize them in their most divine form and ask for their presence during the prayer.
Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers to the deity, saying a simple prayer such as "I offer these flowers to you, Lord/Devi, with devotion and love. Please accept them and bless the children with protection and healing."
Offering Water: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the deity and on yourself as an act of purification.
Chanting Mantras: Recite the mantras of the deity you are invoking (see the section above). Repeat the mantra 11 or 21 times for greater focus.
Offering Food: Offer fruits or sweets to the deity as prasad, asking them to accept it as a symbol of your devotion.
Aarti: Conclude the puja by waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing an aarti or simple hymn.
Prasad Distribution: Share the prasad (offering) with those around or simply place it in front of the idol for a few moments before consuming it.
5. Rare and Relevant Facts
Laddu Gopal's Innocence: Laddu Gopal symbolizes the innocence of childhood. Offering prayers to him for abused children helps them regain their lost sense of innocence and joy.
Bhairava and Fearlessness: Lord Bhairava’s fierce form protects the weak and those suffering from fear. Bhairava worship is especially effective on Saturdays, and invoking him removes negative influences and harmful energies.
Krishna's Childhood Stories: Krishna, as a child, was known to protect other children from demons and evil forces. This symbolizes his role as a divine protector of the young and innocent.
6. Important Mantras for Specific Gods
Gopal Krishna Mantra for Protection of Children:
"॥ ॐ श्री गोविन्दाय नमः ॥
(Om Shree Govindaya Namah)"
Ganesha Mantra for Overcoming Obstacles:
"॥ ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥
(Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)
I bow to Lord Ganesha, remover of all obstacles."
Hanuman Chalisa: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most powerful prayers for protection from evil, harm, and fear.
Durga Suktam (for strength and protection):
"सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
(Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike,
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute)
O Durga, who is the auspiciousness of all that is auspicious, the fulfiller of all objectives, I surrender to you."
By performing these simple prayers and rituals, devotees can invoke divine intervention for the protection and healing of children, restoring peace and joy in their lives.