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How to Pray for Autism in Hinduism

In Hinduism, when praying for health and healing, including for conditions like autism, devotees focus on invoking deities associated with healing, well-being, and the welfare of children. The prayer is not just for a cure but for strength, guidance, and the best outcome for the individual. Below is an expanded guide on how to approach prayer for autism, with simple prayers, mantras, and practical steps rooted in Hindu tradition.


Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Autism

  1. Lord Dhanvantari: The god of Ayurveda, known for his healing powers.
  2. Lord Shiva: A benevolent deity, prayed to for health, peace, and well-being.
  3. Ashwini Kumaras: Twin deities associated with health, healing, and medical knowledge.
  4. Santana Gopala Krishna (Ladoo Gopal): An incarnation of Lord Krishna, worshipped for the health and protection of children.
  5. Skanda Mata (Mother of Lord Kartikeya): The protector of children, invoked for courage and health.
  6. Goddess Parvati: The mother goddess, compassionate and protective towards children.
  7. Goddess Sheetala Mata: Known for curing diseases and safeguarding children’s health.

Simple Prayers for Autism

1. Lord Dhanvantari Mantra (for healing)

"Oṃ Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya Dhanvantaraye Amṛta-kalāśa-hastāya Sarva-āmaya-vināśanāya Trailokya-nāthāya Śrī Mahā-viṣṇave Svāhā."

Meaning: "Salutations to Lord Dhanvantari, who holds the nectar of immortality. May you eradicate all diseases and suffering."

2. Shiva Mantra (for peace and well-being)

"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."

Meaning: "We meditate on the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who nourishes and restores health. May He liberate us from disease and grant us immortality."

3. Ashwini Kumaras Mantra (for health and protection)

"Om Ashwini Kumarabhyam Namah."

Meaning: "Salutations to the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine healers of the gods, for health and healing."

4. Santana Gopala Mantra (for the well-being of children)

"Om Devaki Sudha Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate Dehime Tanayam Krishna Tvamaham Sharanam Gatah."

Meaning: "O Lord Krishna, son of Devaki, bestower of joy, I surrender to you. Bless my child with good health and protection."


Simple Puja Steps for Autism

  1. Preparation: Clean the prayer area and place idols or images of the deities you intend to worship (Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, etc.).

  2. Offering: Prepare simple offerings such as fruits, flowers (especially marigolds and lotuses), incense, and sweets (like ladoos for Ladoo Gopal).

  3. Lighting a Lamp (Diya): Light an oil lamp (ghee or sesame oil) and offer it to the deities while chanting prayers or mantras.

  4. Invoke the Deities: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha, as He is the remover of obstacles, then proceed to the specific deities of your choice.

  5. Recitation of Mantras: Recite the chosen mantras like those of Lord Dhanvantari, Shiva, and Ashwini Kumaras. You can use a rosary (mala) to repeat the mantra 108 times, though repeating it at least 11 times is also acceptable.

  6. Offering Water and Prasad: Offer water and prasad (a sweet or food offering) to the deities and later distribute it among family members.

  7. Aarti: Conclude with aarti (offering of light) by moving the lit lamp in a circular motion before the deities. Chant simple prayers or bhajans (devotional songs) during the aarti.

  8. End with a Prayer for Strength: Close the puja by praying for inner strength, healing, and the well-being of the child or person for whom the prayer is being performed.


Clothing and Colors to Wear

In Hindu rituals, it is customary to wear clean and modest clothes. White or light-colored clothes are often preferred for peace and healing. Specific colors associated with each deity can also be worn:

  • Lord Dhanvantari: Yellow or gold.
  • Lord Shiva: White or light blue.
  • Ashwini Kumaras: Light yellow or green.
  • Santana Gopala Krishna: Yellow or saffron.
  • Goddess Parvati and Skanda Mata: Red or pink for energy and protection.
  • Goddess Sheetala Mata: White or light blue, symbolizing calmness and healing.

Practical Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Mindfulness Meditation: Teach mindfulness or meditation to help calm the mind. Lord Shiva, known as the master of meditation, can be invoked for mental peace through regular meditation practices.

  2. Incorporating Mantras in Daily Life: Chant mantras during daily activities or play them as background music in the home. This creates a peaceful environment, beneficial for individuals with autism.

  3. Prayers for Caregivers: Autism care can be challenging for families. Prayers to Goddess Parvati and Skanda Mata can be made for the strength and patience of caregivers.

  4. Using Rudraksha Beads: Wearing or using Rudraksha beads in prayers, especially those associated with Lord Shiva, is believed to bring calmness and protection.

  5. Temple Visits: When possible, visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, or Sheetala Mata. Praying in these sacred spaces with the guidance of priests can enhance the spiritual experience.


Rare Facts and Relevant Information

  • Ayurvedic Remedies: In addition to prayers, Ayurveda (associated with Lord Dhanvantari) offers dietary and herbal recommendations that may support individuals with autism, like enhancing cognitive function and calming anxiety.

  • Sheetala Mata and Autism: Goddess Sheetala Mata is traditionally worshipped to prevent and cure diseases, particularly those affecting children. Although typically associated with smallpox and other infections, she is invoked for overall child health and well-being, which can extend to developmental conditions like autism.

  • Ladoo Gopal for Children’s Health: Prayers to Ladoo Gopal (baby Krishna) are particularly popular among mothers who seek divine intervention for their children’s well-being. This form of Krishna is especially beloved for child-specific prayers, providing comfort to families.


Summary of Key Points

  • Deities to worship: Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Shiva, Ashwini Kumaras, Santana Gopala, Skanda Mata, Parvati, and Sheetala Mata.
  • Mantras: Recite specific mantras related to these deities to invoke healing, well-being, and protection.
  • Simple Puja Steps: Offerings, lighting a lamp, recitation of mantras, aarti, and concluding prayers for strength.
  • Clothing: Light, peaceful colors such as white, yellow, and red are ideal.
  • Modern Ideas: Incorporate prayers, mantras, and meditation into daily life, including mindfulness techniques and Ayurvedic approaches.

With this guide, you can approach prayer for autism with devotion, drawing on the rich traditions of Hinduism to seek divine intervention, strength, and healing.