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How to Pray for Approval in Hinduism: A Guide

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In Hinduism, praying for approval—whether it's for a personal desire, success in a task, or blessings in your life—can involve invoking specific deities, chanting mantras, and performing simple pujas (worship rituals). Each deity has a unique energy or attribute that helps with different aspects of life, such as wisdom, strength, prosperity, or success.

Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Approval

  • Lord Ganesha: He is the remover of obstacles and the deity of new beginnings. Ganesha is often worshipped first in any prayer or puja to ensure success and remove hurdles.
  • Lord Shiva: As the supreme destroyer and transformer, Shiva helps in overcoming obstacles and bringing about personal transformation.
  • Lord Vishnu: He is the preserver and protector. Worshipping Vishnu brings success and protection in ventures.
  • Lord Hanuman: Known for his strength, courage, and devotion, Hanuman is worshipped for strength, perseverance, and success in challenging situations.
  • Goddess Durga: Durga, the warrior goddess, represents power and protection. She helps in overcoming fears and difficulties.
  • Goddess Saraswati: For knowledge, wisdom, and success in education or creative endeavors, Saraswati is worshipped.
  • Goddess Lakshmi: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, blesses devotees with success in finances, career, and material endeavors.

Simple Prayers and Mantras for Approval

  1. Lord Ganesha:

    • Mantra: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
      • This mantra removes obstacles and brings success.
    • Prayer: "O Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, please clear the path before me. Grant me the success and approval I seek with your blessings."

  2. Lord Shiva:

    • Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”
      • This is a powerful mantra that brings inner strength and clears difficulties.
    • Prayer: "O Lord Shiva, destroyer of ignorance, grant me your wisdom and strength. Help me achieve approval and success in my endeavor."

  3. Lord Vishnu:

    • Mantra: “Om Namo Narayanaya”
      • This mantra invokes the protective energy of Lord Vishnu.
    • Prayer: "O Lord Vishnu, preserver of the universe, protect and guide me in my task. Bless me with success and approval."

  4. Lord Hanuman:

    • Mantra: “Om Hanumate Namah”
      • This mantra invokes Hanuman’s energy for strength and courage.
    • Prayer: "O Hanuman, mighty and powerful, bless me with the strength and determination to achieve success and win approval."

  5. Goddess Durga:

    • Mantra: “Om Dum Durgaye Namah”
      • This mantra is used to invoke Durga's protection and power.
    • Prayer: "O Mother Durga, fierce and compassionate, help me overcome all obstacles in my path. Grant me your strength and the approval I seek."

  6. Goddess Saraswati:

    • Mantra: “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”
      • This mantra is for invoking wisdom, clarity, and creative energy.
    • Prayer: "O Goddess Saraswati, source of all knowledge, bless me with clarity and wisdom. Help me achieve success in my efforts."

  7. Goddess Lakshmi:

    • Mantra: “Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyai Namah”
      • This mantra invokes Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for prosperity and success.
    • Prayer: "O Goddess Lakshmi, bringer of fortune and prosperity, shower your blessings upon me. Help me achieve success and approval in my endeavors."

Simple Puja Steps for Seeking Approval

  1. Preparation:

    • Choose a clean and quiet place to perform the puja.
    • Place an image or idol of the deity you wish to worship on a clean altar or table.
    • Keep a small lamp (diya), incense sticks, flowers, and a bowl of water ready.

  2. Clothing:

    • Wear clean clothes, preferably in colors that are auspicious to the deity:
      • Lord Ganesha: Yellow, as it signifies success and prosperity.
      • Lord Shiva: White or light blue, representing peace and purity.
      • Lord Vishnu: Yellow or gold, as these are associated with prosperity and success.
      • Goddess Durga: Red, symbolizing energy and power.
      • Goddess Saraswati: White, for purity and knowledge.
      • Goddess Lakshmi: Red or gold, for wealth and abundance.
      • Lord Hanuman: Orange or red, representing strength and devotion.

  3. Puja Ritual:

    • Step 1: Lighting the Lamp: Light the diya (lamp) and incense sticks.
    • Step 2: Offer Flowers: Offer fresh flowers to the deity, symbolizing devotion.
    • Step 3: Water Offering: Sprinkle a few drops of water around the altar and on yourself, symbolizing purification.
    • Step 4: Chanting Mantras: Chant the deity’s mantra 11, 21, or 108 times.
    • Step 5: Prayers: Recite your personal prayer or the given prayers with a sincere heart.
    • Step 6: Offering Food (Naivedya): Offer any food or sweets to the deity as a symbol of gratitude.
    • Step 7: Aarti: Perform a simple aarti (moving the lamp in circular motion in front of the deity) while chanting or silently praying.
    • Step 8: Closing: Bow your head in gratitude and seek the deity’s blessings.

Practical Steps for Modern Times

  1. Time of Day:

    • Perform your prayers early in the morning (Brahma Muhurta, between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM) or during the evening.
    • If you have a busy schedule, even a simple 5-10 minute prayer or mantra chanting session can be effective.

  2. Virtual Prayers:

    • In modern times, many people use online platforms to attend virtual pujas or connect with temples to have prayers done in their name.

  3. Mindfulness & Sincerity:

    • Even if you cannot perform elaborate rituals, focus on the sincerity of your prayer. Simple prayers, offered with devotion, are as effective as complex rituals.

  4. Create a Dedicated Space:

    • If possible, create a small sacred space or altar at home for daily worship. This helps focus your mind and brings a sense of peace.

Rare and Relevant Facts

  • Bhasma for Lord Shiva: Devotees of Lord Shiva can apply sacred ash (bhasma) on their forehead as a symbol of purification and renunciation. This is believed to attract Shiva’s blessings for success and approval in any task.

  • Ganesha’s Trunk Symbolism: In depictions of Ganesha, the direction of the trunk holds significance. A trunk facing to the left is more peaceful and is ideal for domestic and approval-related worship.

  • Durga’s 9 Forms: During the festival of Navaratri, Durga is worshipped in nine different forms, each offering unique blessings. For success and approval, worshipping Skandamata (the nurturing mother) on the fifth day is considered highly auspicious.

  • Saraswati’s Vahana (Vehicle): Saraswati’s vehicle is a white swan, symbolizing wisdom and the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. Devotees pray to Saraswati for clarity of mind in decision-making.

  • Hanuman's Strength: Hanuman is believed to have the power to overcome impossible challenges. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is said to remove obstacles and grant approval in difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, the combination of specific mantras, pujas, and the right mindset can lead to success and approval in Hindu worship. With simplicity and sincerity, prayers and rituals can be adapted to modern times while still maintaining their spiritual power.