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How To Pray for Loved Ones In Hinduism?

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 Praying for loved ones in Hinduism is a heartfelt way to express love, compassion, and care for their well-being, prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. Hindu prayers (or "mantras") and rituals (or "pujas") for loved ones can be simple yet powerful. Let’s look at how you can create a meaningful prayer practice, the gods and goddesses ideal for different intentions, mantras to chant, practical steps, and special insights for a modern approach.

Key Hindu Gods and Goddesses for Prayers for Loved Ones

Each deity in Hinduism represents certain aspects of life, making them ideal for specific types of prayers:

  • Annapurna: Goddess of nourishment, ideal for prayers for abundance and prosperity.
  • Saraswati: Goddess of wisdom and arts, prayed to for the knowledge and academic success of loved ones.
  • Dhanvantari: The deity of healing and Ayurveda, invoked for health and healing.
  • Durga: Mother Goddess of strength and protection, ideal for safety and courage.
  • Shiva: Lord of transformation, remover of obstacles and negativity.
  • Vishnu: The protector and preserver of the universe, prayed to for overall harmony and peace.
  • Hanuman: The epitome of strength, courage, and devotion, prayed to for strength, protection, and success.
  • Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, invoked at the start of new ventures for smoothness and success.
  • Bhairava: An aspect of Shiva, representing fierce protection and courage in difficult times.

Suggested Simple Prayers and Mantras

Here are short, powerful mantras and prayers you can chant based on the intention of the prayer:

  • For Health (Dhanvantari):
    "Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha"
    This mantra invokes Lord Dhanvantari’s blessing for health and healing. Chant this with a pure heart to aid loved ones in healing from illness.

  • For Knowledge and Wisdom (Saraswati):
    "Om Aim Saraswati Namaha"
    Chant this to invoke Goddess Saraswati for clarity, wisdom, and learning for your loved ones, particularly those in studies or creative pursuits.

  • For Protection (Durga):
    "Om Dum Durgayei Namaha"
    This mantra calls upon Goddess Durga’s strength and protective energy. It is a powerful way to ask for courage and safety for loved ones.

  • For Nourishment and Prosperity (Annapurna):
    "Om Annapurnaye Namaha"
    To bless loved ones with abundance, especially in food and daily needs, invoke Goddess Annapurna.

  • For Removing Obstacles (Ganesha):
    "Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha"
    Chant this mantra to ask Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and bring ease and success to loved ones’ endeavors.

  • For Strength and Devotion (Hanuman):
    "Om Han Hanumate Namaha"
    This mantra calls upon Lord Hanuman’s unmatched strength and devotion, ideal for loved ones facing challenges.

  • For Peace and Harmony (Vishnu):
    "Om Namo Narayanaya"
    Chant this to invoke peace, harmony, and positive energy, helping loved ones feel balanced and at ease.

  • For Transformation and Positivity (Shiva):
    "Om Namah Shivaya"
    This mantra invokes Lord Shiva’s transformative powers, asking for positive changes and spiritual growth in loved ones' lives.

Simple Steps for a Home Puja (Prayer Ritual)

  1. Prepare the Space: Set up a clean, quiet space with a small altar or platform. Place pictures or statues of the deity you are worshipping.
  2. Dress Appropriately: White or yellow is often worn for Saraswati, green or red for Durga, yellow for Vishnu, and white for Shiva. Choose comfortable, simple clothes in these colors if possible.
  3. Offerings: Place flowers (marigolds, jasmine, roses), fruits, and a small dish of rice or grains on the altar. Each deity has specific preferred offerings:
    • Annapurna: Grains, milk, cooked food
    • Saraswati: White flowers, sweets
    • Dhanvantari: Turmeric, honey
    • Durga: Red flowers, sweets
    • Vishnu: Tulsi leaves, fruits
    • Shiva: Bilva leaves, raw milk
  4. Lighting a Diya or Lamp: Light a small oil or ghee lamp and some incense to purify the environment and create a serene atmosphere.
  5. Chant the Mantra: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and recite the chosen mantra slowly and mindfully. Ideally, chant it 11, 21, or 108 times.
  6. Conclude with a Prayer: Offer heartfelt prayers for the health, prosperity, and well-being of your loved ones, expressing your wishes and intentions to the deity.

Practical Tips and Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Digital Prayer Practice: If loved ones live far away, you can record a prayer and send it to them or even set up a video call for shared prayer time. Praying with loved ones, even virtually, adds a personal touch.
  2. Daily Mantra Practice: Consider maintaining a daily habit of chanting specific mantras (like "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha") for the overall well-being of loved ones. Even 5 minutes a day can create a powerful impact.
  3. Customized Care Package: Assemble a small care package with symbols of the deities (like a small Saraswati or Ganesh idol) along with written mantras. This can serve as a gentle reminder of the divine support around them.
  4. Affirmations and Prayers in Your Routine: Include short prayers for loved ones during morning or evening routines, such as while lighting a diya, or before meals as a blessing for nourishment and strength.

Rare Facts About Hindu Prayers and Traditions

  1. Mantra Chanting Vibration: Hindu mantras are considered to have specific vibrations that align with the universe’s energy frequencies. Chanting these mantras aloud or even silently is said to send positive vibrations to the people we pray for.
  2. 108 Repetitions: The number 108 is significant in Hinduism due to its spiritual meaning. Repeating a mantra 108 times is thought to bring maximum efficacy to the prayer.
  3. Deities for Family Well-Being: Many families worship the "Kuldevi" or "Kuldevta" (family deity), a specific form of the divine believed to protect the lineage and bring prosperity.
  4. Sacred Timing: Certain times, like early morning (Brahma Muhurta, around 4-5 am) or sunset, are considered auspicious for prayer, as they amplify the power of the mantras.


The practice of praying for loved ones in Hinduism can be as traditional or as adaptable as needed in modern times. At its heart, the intention is to focus on the well-being and happiness of loved ones, creating a ripple effect of positivity and blessings. Remember, the power of these rituals lies not only in the specifics of the steps but in the sincerity of your heart and intentions.