Praying for seemingly impossible things in Hinduism combines devotion (bhakti), intention, patience, and connection to specific deities believed to help with specific desires, challenges, or healing needs. Hinduism holds that faith, combined with sincere worship and prayer, can unlock divine energy to guide individuals through difficult circumstances or achieve goals that seem insurmountable. Below are specific approaches, prayers, and practical steps to focus on when praying for impossible things.
1. Choosing the Ideal Deities and Purpose of Worship
Each deity in Hinduism represents particular energies and can be invoked for different goals:
- Shiva: Lord of transformation, invoked for major changes, strength, and endurance.
- Ganesha: Remover of obstacles, best for new beginnings and success in ventures.
- Dhanvantari: God of Ayurveda and healing, ideal for health-related requests.
- Hanuman: Embodiment of strength, courage, and devotion; pray to him for protection, strength, and to overcome fears.
- Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth and abundance, called upon for prosperity and success.
- Durga: Warrior goddess; offers protection, strength, and victory over challenges.
- Vishnu: Preserver and protector; promotes harmony, stability, and success.
- Kal Bhairav: Fierce aspect of Shiva, invoked for courage and protection from adversities.
- Vaishno Devi: Divine mother, provides protection, compassion, and fulfillment of desires.
- Murugan: God of war and wisdom, worshipped for success, courage, and guidance.
2. Simple Prayers and Mantras
Reciting mantras with sincerity and focus connects you to the divine energy of each deity. Below are simple yet powerful mantras:
- Shiva: “Om Namah Shivaya” – This mantra calms the mind and helps focus on positive transformation.
- Ganesha: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” – For removing obstacles and finding success.
- Dhanvantari: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya” – For health and healing.
- Hanuman: “Om Han Hanumate Namah” – A powerful chant for strength and protection.
- Lakshmi: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah” – For wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
- Durga: “Om Dum Durgaye Namah” – For protection and courage.
- Vishnu: “Om Namo Narayanaya” – For peace, stability, and guidance.
- Kal Bhairav: “Om Kalabhairavaya Namah” – To remove fears and for protection from harm.
- Vaishno Devi: “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Viche” – For overcoming adversities.
- Murugan: “Om Saravana Bhava” – To invite wisdom, strength, and courage.
3. Simple Puja Steps
For a basic puja to pray for the impossible, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Space: Set up a small altar with an image or idol of the deity, a clean cloth, and items such as a diya (oil lamp), incense, and flowers.
- Clean Yourself and Dress Appropriately: Take a bath to cleanse yourself physically. White, saffron, or yellow are auspicious colors, symbolizing purity, devotion, and positivity. Red is also powerful for deities like Durga and Lakshmi, symbolizing strength and abundance.
- Light a Lamp and Incense: Lighting a diya and incense represents inviting divine presence and blessings.
- Offer Flowers and Fruit: Offer flowers as a symbol of devotion and fruit as an offering to honor the deity.
- Chant Mantras: Sit quietly and chant the mantra of the deity you are invoking. Recite it a minimum of 108 times (one mala) to build energy.
- Meditate on Your Wish: Visualize your goal, or the “impossible” outcome you seek, and feel it as if it’s already manifesting. Request guidance from the deity in making it happen.
- Express Gratitude: Thank the deity and end the puja with a small offering of water, symbolizing completeness.
4. Colors of Clothing to Wear During Worship
Wearing the right colors is believed to enhance the spiritual connection:
- White: For Shiva, Ganesha, Dhanvantari – Purity and peace.
- Yellow or Orange: For Hanuman, Vishnu, and Vaishno Devi – Spirituality, courage, and wisdom.
- Red or Saffron: For Durga, Lakshmi, and Murugan – Strength, abundance, and protection.
- Black or Dark Blue: For Kal Bhairav – Power and transformation.
5. Practical Steps and Ideas for Modern Times
- Set a Daily Time for Worship: Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to pray and chant mantras. Consistency is important in making a connection with the deity.
- Digital Altar: For those who travel or have limited space, keep a small picture or digital image of the deity on your phone or in a special place at home. Light a virtual candle or lamp on an app as a way of keeping the energy alive.
- Affirmations and Visualization: In addition to mantras, write down affirmations related to your goal. Visualize yourself overcoming obstacles and achieving what you’re asking for, while chanting mantras.
- Japa Mala for Mantra Chanting: Carry a small Japa mala (prayer beads) with you to chant the mantra 108 times whenever you have a moment.
- Fasting and Austerity: Many people fast on specific days related to a deity (e.g., Mondays for Shiva, Tuesdays for Hanuman). Fasting strengthens your intent and dedication.
- Donate or Give in the Deity’s Name: If you’re praying for prosperity or healing, offer a donation to those in need or volunteer in the name of the deity, as acts of kindness amplify the energy of your prayer.
6. Rare Facts and Beliefs About Praying for the Impossible
- Deity-Specific Days: Each deity has specific days associated with them, considered more powerful for worship:
- Shiva: Mondays (Somvar)
- Ganesha: Wednesdays (Budhvar)
- Hanuman: Tuesdays and Saturdays (Mangalvar and Shanivar)
- Lakshmi: Fridays (Shukravar)
- Cosmic Energy Cycles: According to Hindu belief, certain time cycles, like Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon), enhance the potency of prayers, especially for difficult situations.
- Pilgrimage and Temples: Visiting powerful temples dedicated to the specific deity can bring added blessings. For example, praying to Lord Murugan at Palani Hills or Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath is said to yield miracles.
- Astrological Alignment: Some believers align their prayers with favorable planetary positions, especially if the “impossible” is tied to timing or relationships.
7. Final Words of Wisdom for Praying for the Impossible
Hinduism emphasizes surrender (Bhakti) and karma. While praying, focus on letting go of attachment to outcomes. Prayers in Hinduism teach patience and acceptance, often leading to a result better than originally hoped.