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How To Pray for Someone Terminally Ill In Hinduism?

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Praying for someone who is terminally ill in Hinduism involves invoking divine blessings, seeking relief from suffering, and ultimately encouraging peace for both the patient and their loved ones. Hindu prayers in this context often focus on healing, protection, and preparing the soul for its next journey. Here are some practical steps, prayers, rituals, and guidelines rooted in Hindu traditions that can be adapted for modern times.

Simple Steps for Praying for the Terminally Ill

  1. Preparation and Setting Up the Space:

    • Clean the space where you will pray. Create a small altar with images or idols of gods like Shiva, Dhanvantari (God of healing), Ganesha, Durga, or any deity the patient feels connected to.
    • Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense to purify the atmosphere. The lamp represents divine energy and removes negativity.

  2. Color of Clothes:

    • White is traditionally worn for prayers meant to bring peace and comfort, especially in times of illness. However, colors like yellow and light green are also suitable as they are associated with healing and vitality.
    • Avoid dark or overly bright colors; instead, go for light, soothing shades that encourage a calming effect.

  3. Offering Simple Items:

    • Offer flowers (preferably yellow or white), a little rice, some sandalwood paste, and fruits. Avoid meat and onion/garlic during these prayers.
    • A small offering of milk and honey can be symbolic of nurturing and health.

  4. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship:

    • Shiva: Known as the lord of liberation and healing.
    • Dhanvantari: The god of Ayurveda and healing.
    • Ashwini Kumaras: Twin gods associated with healing and rejuvenation.
    • Durga (or Bhavani): For strength and endurance in the face of suffering.
    • Bhairava: For protection and courage.
    • Saraswati: For peace of mind and wisdom.
    • Hanuman: For strength, endurance, and relief from fear.

Simple Prayers and Mantras

Here are a few mantras and prayers that can be recited with a focused mind. Chanting these with a sincere heart, even in silence, is believed to bring comfort.

  1. Prayer to Lord Shiva for Peace and Healing:

    • Mantra:
      “Om Namah Shivaya”
    • Meaning: "I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one."
    • Method: Repeat this mantra 108 times with closed eyes, focusing on the energy of Shiva as a force that heals and liberates suffering.

  2. Prayer to Dhanvantari (God of Healing):

    • Mantra:
      “Om Shri Dhanvantre Namaha”
    • Meaning: "I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, the celestial healer."
    • Method: Visualize a healing light surrounding the person and chant the mantra for their well-being and relief from pain.

  3. Ashwini Kumaras Mantra for Healing:

    • Mantra:
      “Om Ashwini Kumara Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi Tanno Ashwinah Prachodayat”
    • Meaning: "We meditate on the Ashwini Kumara, born of Vayu (wind), may they guide us towards healing."
    • Method: This mantra can be chanted seven times daily, ideally near the patient, to invite health and longevity.

  4. Durga Mantra for Strength and Endurance:

    • Mantra:
      “Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”
    • Meaning: "I bow to Goddess Durga, who embodies strength and protection."
    • Method: Durga represents resilience. Chanting this mantra while visualizing her protective form surrounding the ill person can bring comfort and endurance.

  5. Hanuman Chalisa for Strength and Relief from Fear:

    • The Hanuman Chalisa (40 verses dedicated to Hanuman) is recited for courage, fearlessness, and healing energy. It’s ideal to play this on low volume near the patient or to recite it if they find comfort in Hanuman's energy.

  6. Saraswati Mantra for Peace of Mind:

    • Mantra:
      “Om Aim Saraswatyei Namaha”
    • Meaning: "I bow to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of peace and knowledge."
    • Method: This mantra is intended to soothe mental anguish and promote inner peace, which is beneficial for both the patient and the caregiver.

Puja Steps for Healing

  1. Ganesh Invocation: Start by chanting “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” to remove obstacles. Offer a flower or a leaf of the Bilva tree if available.

  2. Main Prayer: Choose a mantra from the list above that resonates most with the intent of the prayer. Chant it 11, 21, or 108 times, depending on your time and capacity. Use a mala (prayer beads) if desired.

  3. Offering Light (Aarti): Perform a simple aarti by circling the lit diya around the deity’s image in a clockwise motion. Visualize this light spreading to the ill person, removing their suffering.

  4. End with Peace Prayer:

    • “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”, meaning “Let there be peace, peace, peace.”
    • Close your eyes, sending thoughts of peace and comfort to the patient.

Practical Steps and Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Virtual Prayers: If family members or friends are far away, organize a virtual prayer gathering where each person lights a candle and chants together for collective strength and healing.

  2. Playing Sacred Music or Chants: Softly play mantras or chants in the background to create a peaceful environment. This can uplift the spirits and create a healing ambiance around the patient.

  3. Positive Visualizations: Visualize a gentle, healing light enveloping the person who is ill. Imagine this light as a blessing from the deities, nurturing them and reducing their suffering.

  4. Encouraging Forgiveness and Peace: Encourage the patient to mentally forgive anyone they might hold grudges against, or to make peace with any unresolved aspects of life. This can be a deeply healing process.

  5. Incorporating Aromatherapy: Use mild essential oils like sandalwood, lavender, or jasmine. These are believed to have calming properties, which can bring comfort to the person and create a soothing environment.

Rare Facts and Insights

  • Chanting the Mrityunjaya Mantra: Known as the "death-conquering" mantra, “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat” is particularly powerful for healing and liberation. It invokes Shiva to bring peace, release suffering, and prepare the soul for the next journey if it is time.

  • Ashwini Kumaras: These deities are twin healers and represent balance in health and vitality. They are less commonly worshipped but are known for their rapid healing powers in ancient scriptures.

  • Dhanvantari Puja: Dhanvantari, the divine healer, is worshipped for physical and mental well-being. Even keeping an image of Dhanvantari near the patient’s bed is believed to promote a healing energy flow.

In Hinduism, prayers and rituals are not only about invoking divine blessings but also about creating a peaceful environment where the mind, body, and soul can find comfort. By adapting these practices with sincerity and compassion, one can bring solace and strength to someone who is terminally ill.