In Hinduism, the concept of "praying away evil" or removing negative energies is rooted in both devotion (Bhakti) and rituals. This can be achieved through prayers, mantras, and pujas dedicated to deities who are known for their strength, protection, and ability to destroy negative forces. Below is a guide on how to pray away evil in Hinduism, including mantras, simple puja steps, the clothes to wear, ideal deities, and some rare facts for modern times.
1. Deities to Worship for Protection from Evil
Several Hindu deities are revered for their ability to remove evil influences, negativity, and obstacles. Here are a few prominent ones:
- Lord Hanuman: The embodiment of strength, devotion, and courage. He is revered for his ability to remove evil spirits, fear, and negativity.
- Lord Shiva: The destroyer of ignorance and evil forces. His fierce forms like Bhairava and Mahakaal are worshipped for removing darkness.
- Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles and negative forces, Lord Ganesha helps to overcome difficulties and protects from evil energies.
- Lord Narasimha: The fierce form of Vishnu who destroys demonic forces and protects his devotees from harm.
- Goddess Kali: The fierce mother goddess who destroys demons and evil forces.
- Goddess Bhavani: A form of Goddess Durga, she is worshipped for protection and the destruction of negative energies.
- Lord Bhairava: A fierce aspect of Shiva, associated with protection, especially at night, and the destruction of evil spirits.
2. Simple Prayers and Mantras for Protection
Here are simple prayers and mantras to invoke the protection of these deities:
Hanuman Mantra for Protection
"Om Hanumate Namah"
Reciting this mantra with devotion invokes Lord Hanuman's strength and protects from evil forces.
Hanuman Chalisa: Reciting the entire Hanuman Chalisa is highly effective in warding off negative energies.
Part of the Chalisa:
"Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunave"
(Meaning: Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near, when the mighty Lord Hanuman’s name is chanted.)
Shiva Mantra for Protection
"Om Namah Shivaya"
This mantra invokes Lord Shiva and removes ignorance, darkness, and negative forces.
Shiva Kavach (Protection shield) is another powerful prayer recited for protection from evil.
Ganesha Mantra for Protection
"Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
This powerful mantra removes obstacles and protects the worshipper from negative influences.
Narasimha Mantra
"Om Ugram Veeram MahaVishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham, Narasimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityur Mrityum Namamy Aham"
This is a powerful Narasimha mantra to invoke his protection and destroy evil forces.
Kali Mantra for Protection
"Om Krim Kalikaye Namah"
This mantra invokes the fierce power of Goddess Kali to protect from evil and destroy malevolent forces.
Bhairava Mantra
"Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Bhairavaya Namah"
Chanting this mantra protects from evil spirits and negative forces. Bhairava is often worshipped at night for enhanced protection.
3. Simple Puja Steps for Protection from Evil
You can perform a simple puja at home to pray away evil. Here are some steps:
Items Needed:
- Flowers (preferably marigolds or lotuses)
- Incense sticks (agarbatti)
- A lamp (diya) with ghee or oil
- Rice mixed with turmeric (Akshata)
- Water in a small vessel
- Fruits (bananas, coconuts, or other offerings)
- A photo or idol of the deity you are worshipping
Steps:
- Clean the space: Clean the space where you’ll perform the puja and take a bath.
- Set up the altar: Place the deity’s image or idol on a clean platform.
- Light the diya (lamp): Light the diya and incense sticks. Offer them to the deity.
- Offer flowers and akshata: Take some flowers and rice (akshata) and offer them at the feet of the deity while chanting the respective mantras (choose from the mantras provided above).
- Offer fruits: Offer fruits or sweets to the deity.
- Chant the chosen mantra: Recite your chosen mantra at least 11 or 108 times. You can use a japa mala (rosary) for counting if needed.
- Pray for protection: After chanting, pray to the deity for protection from negative forces and evil.
- Conclude the puja: Finally, take a few drops of water from the vessel and sprinkle it on yourself for purification. You can also apply a tilak (red vermilion mark) on your forehead.
4. Clothing and Colors to Wear
The clothing you wear during prayers plays an important role in maintaining sanctity and focus. In Hinduism, certain colors are considered auspicious, especially when dealing with protection from evil:
- White: Symbolizes purity and peace. This is an ideal color for prayers and pujas.
- Saffron/Orange: Represents renunciation and is closely associated with Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.
- Red: Especially for worshipping Goddess Kali or Bhavani, red symbolizes power and strength.
- Yellow: Associated with auspiciousness and purity, it is also linked to Lord Ganesha.
It is ideal to wear clean, loose-fitting clothes, preferably in cotton, during your puja.
5. Rare Facts and Practical Ideas for Modern Times
Hanuman and Astrology: In Vedic astrology, Lord Hanuman is associated with planet Mars (Mangal), and praying to him can help pacify negative influences of this planet.
Bhairava and Travel Protection: Many Hindus offer prayers to Lord Bhairava before starting journeys, especially at night, for protection.
Practical Modern Steps:
- Mental Purification: Beyond rituals, focus on mental discipline like practicing non-violence, truthfulness, and meditation. These help in keeping your aura clean and free of negative influences.
- Space Cleansing: Regularly cleanse your living space by lighting camphor or sage (similar to agarbatti), which is believed to remove negativity and attract positive vibrations.
- Daily Mantra Practice: Chanting protective mantras for a few minutes daily, especially in the morning or evening, can build a shield around you. Use mobile apps for chanting reminders if needed.
- Positive Intentions: Keep positive intentions and thoughts, as in Hinduism, negativity can also stem from one's own mind and emotions. Practicing gratitude and positivity counters evil forces.
In Hinduism, praying away evil involves a holistic approach, combining devotion, ritual purity, and mental clarity. By regularly praying to deities like Hanuman, Shiva, Ganesha, Kali, and Bhairava, and incorporating protective mantras, you can invoke their divine protection against evil influences. Simple puja rituals, along with mindfulness and positivity, create a spiritual armor that helps ward off negative energies in daily life.