In Hinduism, the act of praying for a dying loved one, especially a mother, is both a deeply personal and spiritual practice. Through prayers, mantras, and pujas, one seeks blessings for peace, relief from suffering, and an auspicious transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Key Prayers and Mantras for a Dying Mother
Shiva Mantra for Peace and Liberation
Lord Shiva is considered the ultimate liberator of the soul. Chanting Shiva mantras can help relieve suffering and prepare the soul for a peaceful departure.
Mantra:
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning: "I bow to Lord Shiva." This mantra invokes Shiva's grace, offering peace and liberation.Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
This mantra, also known as the "Death-Conquering Mantra," is intended to promote health, protect from premature death, and provide spiritual liberation.
Goddess Parvati Mantra for Comfort and Strength
Goddess Parvati represents motherhood, strength, and compassion. Her prayers are ideal for someone facing difficulty.
- Parvati Mantra:
Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Parameshwari Parvatyai Namah
This mantra invokes the motherly and protective aspects of Goddess Parvati, offering comfort and peace.
Hanuman Mantra for Protection and Strength
Lord Hanuman is known for his strength, courage, and devotion, making his prayers fitting for bringing strength to both the family and the mother.
- Mantra:
Om Hanumate Namah
Chanting this mantra invokes Hanuman's blessings for courage, protection, and inner strength during challenging times.
Prayers to Goddess Kali and Durga for Ease of Transition
Goddess Kali is often worshipped in times of transformation, and Goddess Durga brings strength and courage to those undergoing trials.
Kali Mantra:
Om Krim Kalikayai Namah
This mantra invokes Goddess Kali, who aids in removing fear and granting liberation.Durga Mantra:
Om Dum Durgaye Namah
This mantra asks Goddess Durga for strength, protection, and a smooth transition for the soul.
Yama Prayer for Peaceful Transition
Lord Yama, the god of death, is respectfully invoked to ensure a peaceful passing and smooth journey in the afterlife.
- Mantra:
Om Yamaaya Namah
This mantra is a way of acknowledging Yama's role and requesting his guidance for the soul’s journey.
2. Simple Puja Steps for Peaceful Passing
Preparation:
- Begin by setting a clean and sacred space near your mother. Place a small table with a cloth, preferably white or yellow, on which you can arrange a photo or idol of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, or any deity preferred by the family.
Offerings:
- Light a diya (oil lamp) to symbolize divine light. Offer fresh flowers (white, yellow, or red) and incense. Tulsi leaves are also auspicious and can be offered to Shiva.
- Place fruits, a bowl of rice, and a glass of water as offerings.
Mantra Chanting:
- Choose a mantra (e.g., Om Namah Shivaya or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra) and chant it aloud or mentally. Repeating the mantra 108 times or as many as possible is considered powerful.
- Family members can join hands and pray together.
Final Prayer:
- End the puja with a simple prayer, asking for the deity’s blessings to give peace, strength, and a smooth transition to the soul. A prayer can be said such as:
“O Lord Shiva and Divine Mother Parvati, please bless our mother with peace and relieve her of suffering. Guide her soul towards moksha (liberation) and bless her in her journey to the divine abode.”
- End the puja with a simple prayer, asking for the deity’s blessings to give peace, strength, and a smooth transition to the soul. A prayer can be said such as:
3. Appropriate Attire and Colors
For this solemn occasion, family members traditionally wear white, a color representing peace, purity, and detachment in Hindu culture. Avoid bright and flashy colors, as white or light yellow are seen as ideal.
4. Ideal Deities to Worship and Focus Areas
- Lord Shiva: Known for liberation and peace.
- Goddess Parvati: For comfort, maternal blessings, and strength.
- Lord Yama: For smooth soul transition.
- Goddess Durga/Kali: For courage and removing fear.
- Lord Ganesha: For clearing obstacles in the transition.
- Lord Hanuman: For protection and courage.
Each of these deities represents different aspects that can aid in both comfort and courage during this challenging time.
5. Practical Tips and Ideas for Modern Times
- Playing Recorded Mantras: If family members are unable to chant continuously, playing a recording of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya softly can create a peaceful environment.
- Lighting Camphor or Pure Incense: Camphor is believed to purify the atmosphere and is said to ease the soul’s journey. Light camphor at the end of the puja as a final offering.
- Soothing Environment: Maintain a calm, clean, and soothing space. Limit electronic devices, maintain dim lighting, and add soft music or chanting in the background.
- Prayer for Letting Go: Family members can sit by the mother’s side and say a prayer, asking for divine blessings to help them accept her departure peacefully, recognizing her soul’s journey.
6. Rare Insights and Facts
- Tulsi’s Importance: It’s auspicious to keep a few Tulsi leaves near the bedside. Tulsi is believed to purify the air and environment, blessing the transition process.
- Moksha and the Significance of Reciting the Gita: Verses from the Bhagavad Gita are considered potent and beneficial in bringing peace. Chapter 2 and Chapter 12 contain verses about the soul, detachment, and peace.
- Ritual of Karna Mantra: It’s common to chant mantras into the ear of the person nearing death. This is believed to help guide their consciousness and give strength.
In Hinduism, praying for a loved one’s peaceful journey beyond life involves compassionate care, respect for tradition, and invoking the divine’s blessings. Through these rituals, prayers, and mantras, one can bring solace, both to the departing soul and to the family, fostering a sense of spiritual peace in modern times.