In the Hindu religion, there are specific ways to pray for success when embarking on a journey, especially when going abroad. Whether it's for education, work, or spiritual travel, offering prayers with devotion to certain gods and goddesses is considered auspicious. Here’s an expanded guide, including simple prayers, puja steps, clothing recommendations, ideal deities to worship, mantras, and some rare and relevant facts.
1. Ideal Deities to Worship
In Hinduism, several gods and goddesses are associated with protection, safe travel, success, and removing obstacles. When praying for success in going abroad, these deities are often invoked:
- Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, He is always worshipped first.
- Lord Krishna: For guidance, wisdom, and smooth travel.
- Lord Hanuman: For strength, courage, and protection during travels.
- Lord Shiva: For overall blessings and auspicious beginnings.
- Lord Vishnu: The preserver, for maintaining balance and protection during the journey.
- Goddess Lakshmi: For prosperity and good fortune in a foreign land.
- Lord Garuda: As the king of birds and Vishnu’s vahana, He is also considered a protector during travel.
2. Simple Prayers and Mantras
For Lord Ganesha (Remover of Obstacles)
Mantra:
"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"
This is a simple and powerful mantra to remove obstacles.
Prayer:
"Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha | Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada"
Meaning: O Lord Ganesha, with a curved trunk and immense power like the sun, please remove obstacles from all my endeavors, always.
For Lord Krishna (Divine Guidance)
Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
This mantra invokes the blessings of Lord Krishna for protection, wisdom, and guidance during the journey.
Prayer: "Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum" Meaning: I bow to Lord Krishna, the Guru of the Universe, to guide me in my journey.
For Lord Hanuman (Strength and Courage)
Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namaha"
This mantra calls upon Lord Hanuman for strength, courage, and protection.
Prayer:
"Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varistham | Vatatmajam Vanarayuthmukhyam Shree Ramdootam Sharanam Prapadye"
Meaning: I take refuge in Hanuman, who is as swift as the mind, strong as the wind, and the best of the wise.
For Lord Shiva (Auspiciousness)
Mantra:
"Om Namah Shivaya"
This mantra is powerful for invoking Lord Shiva’s blessings for success and protection during the journey.
Prayer:
"Karpur Gauram Karunavataram Sansara Saram Bhujagendra Haram | Sada Vasantam Hridayaravinde Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami"
Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva, the compassionate one, who wears the snake around his neck and resides in my heart along with Goddess Parvati.
For Lord Vishnu (Preserver and Protector)
Mantra:
"Om Namo Narayanaya"
This mantra seeks the protection and preservation of Lord Vishnu during the journey.
Prayer:
"Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham Vishvadharam Gaganasadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam | Lakshmikantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamyam Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanatham"
Meaning: I bow to Lord Vishnu, who lies on the serpent, who has the universe as His body, and who removes worldly fears.
For Goddess Lakshmi (Prosperity)
Mantra:
"Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah"
This mantra seeks the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and good fortune in foreign lands.
Prayer: "Sarvagyay Sarvavaraday Sarvadushtabhayankari Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay" Meaning: I bow to Goddess Lakshmi, who is omniscient, grants boons to all, and removes sorrows and misfortunes.
For Lord Garuda (Protector in Travel)
Mantra:
"Om Garudaya Namaha"
This mantra is dedicated to Lord Garuda for protection during air travel and journeys abroad.
3. Simple Puja Steps
Materials Needed:
- A clean space for the altar
- Pictures or idols of the deities (Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Garuda)
- Offerings: Fruits, flowers (yellow or white flowers are auspicious), incense sticks, ghee lamps (diya)
- Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste, and rice for tilak
- Sweet offerings like laddus or modaks for Ganesha, butter for Krishna
- Water for purification (sprinkling and for offering)
Steps:
Purification: Sprinkle water around the altar and yourself, chanting “Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gatopi Va.”
Invocation: Light the lamp and incense sticks, and chant the Ganesh mantra, "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah," to invoke Lord Ganesha and remove obstacles.
Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, and food to each deity while reciting their specific mantras. For example, chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” while offering to Lord Krishna.
Tilak and Prayers: Apply tilak on your forehead and bow to each deity, chanting their respective mantras or the prayers mentioned above.
Meditation and Chanting: Sit quietly and meditate for a few minutes, visualizing a successful and safe journey. Chant the mantras silently or aloud, focusing on your intention.
Aarti: Perform aarti using the ghee lamp in a circular motion, offering light to the deities.
Closing Prayer: End the puja with a prayer to all deities for a safe, smooth journey and blessings in the foreign land. Bow down to the deities, and ask for protection.
4. Colors and Clothes to Wear
- White, yellow, and orange are considered auspicious for pujas and prayers.
- White symbolizes purity and peace.
- Yellow is associated with wisdom and knowledge, ideal when seeking blessings for study or work abroad.
- Saffron/Orange represents spirituality and devotion.
You can wear simple, clean, and comfortable traditional clothes like a kurta-pajama for men and a saree or salwar-kameez for women.
5. Rare and Relevant Facts
Garuda Purana mentions that Garuda offers protection during travels, especially air travel, as He is Lord Vishnu’s vehicle.
Hanuman Chalisa is often recited before long journeys, especially for protection from unforeseen difficulties.
Pradosh Vrat: Observing a fast on Pradosh, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered auspicious when seeking blessings for new endeavors, including foreign travel.
Makar Sankranti is an important day for travelers to offer prayers to Surya Dev (Sun God) for success in new ventures.
By incorporating these prayers, mantras, and puja steps, devotees can invoke divine blessings for a safe, successful journey abroad.