Praying for parents in Hinduism is a cherished way to express love, gratitude, and seek divine blessings for their well-being. This act of devotion is seen as a duty (dharma) and a form of spiritual practice (sadhana) that can be conducted with simplicity or traditional rituals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to praying for parents, incorporating mantras, puja steps, and modern adaptations.
Choosing the Right Deities
For prayers aimed at the health, prosperity, and longevity of parents, certain deities are particularly revered. Here are some ideal choices:
- Lord Ganesha - Remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom.
- Lord Shiva - Known as a compassionate father and protector.
- Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi - Representing wealth, health, and harmony.
- Dhanvantari - God of medicine, invoked for health.
- Annapurna and Shakumbhari Devi - Goddesses of nourishment.
- Goddess Parvati - Nurturing and protective mother figure.
- Maa Durga - Symbolizes strength, protection, and courage.
- Hanuman - Known for his strength, devotion, and healing power.
Simple Prayers and Mantras
Ganesha Mantra
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
Meaning: A request to Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles in the lives of one’s parents and bless them with happiness and peace.Shiva Mantra
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Meaning: A prayer to Lord Shiva to bless parents with health, longevity, and peace.Lakshmi Narayana Mantra
“Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
Meaning: A prayer to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and blessings for parents.Dhanvantari Mantra for Health
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrutha Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Rogan Nivaranaya Te Namaha”
Meaning: A healing mantra to invoke Dhanvantari for the health of one’s parents.Hanuman Mantra for Strength and Protection
“Om Hanumate Namah”
Meaning: A mantra seeking Hanuman's strength and protection over one’s parents.Durga Mantra for Protection
“Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”
Meaning: Invokes Maa Durga for divine protection over one's parents.
Simple Puja Steps
Preparation
- Choose a clean, quiet space for the prayer.
- Wear clean clothes; for men, dhoti or traditional kurta-pajama in light colors (white or yellow) are ideal. For women, saree or salwar-kameez in yellow, red, or green can be suitable.
Cleanse the Space
- Light a diya (lamp) with ghee or oil. Place it in the puja area as a symbol of divine light and positivity.
- Burn incense (agarbatti) for purification and invoking a sacred atmosphere.
Invocation of Deities
- Place pictures or idols of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, or the chosen deity in front of you.
- Offer a small plate with flowers, rice, turmeric, kumkum, and fruits.
Prayer
- Begin by chanting “Om” three times to center the mind.
- Recite the chosen mantras slowly, visualizing blessings flowing towards your parents.
- Offer flowers while chanting the mantras, symbolizing your offerings and gratitude.
Offerings
- Place fruits, sweets, or food as offerings before the deity.
- If possible, offer tulsi leaves (for Vishnu), bilva leaves (for Shiva), or red hibiscus flowers (for Durga).
Aarti
- Conclude with an aarti, waving the diya in front of the deity while chanting prayers.
- Offer the light to your parents by circling the diya around them, symbolizing divine blessings.
Color of Clothes and Their Significance
- White - Represents peace and purity, suitable for worshipping all deities.
- Yellow - Associated with prosperity and knowledge, ideal for invoking Ganesha and Vishnu.
- Red - Represents energy and devotion, often worn while praying to goddesses like Durga and Lakshmi.
- Green - Symbolizes health and harmony, good for prayers to Dhanvantari and Shakumbhari.
Rare Facts and Beliefs
- Dhanvantari Jayanti - Celebrating Dhanvantari Jayanti (during Diwali) with prayers and offerings can bring good health and longevity.
- Ganesha’s Role in Family Harmony - Regular prayers to Lord Ganesha are believed to strengthen family unity and bring peace within the household.
- Chanting Annapurna and Shakumbhari Mantras - Invoking these goddesses can enhance the abundance of resources and sustenance in a family, honoring the idea of “Anna” (food) as divine.
Practical Ideas for Modern Times
Digital Mantras and Audio - Create a playlist of healing and protective mantras for parents. Listening together can create a spiritually bonding experience.
Virtual Puja and Prayer Time - In cases where parents live far away, set up a virtual puja session where you can pray and chant together over a video call.
Health Check-up as Ritual - Treating routine health check-ups as a form of seva or care for parents, combined with a Dhanvantari mantra, connects modern health awareness with spiritual protection.
Weekly or Monthly Gratitude Rituals - Set a regular schedule to spend time with your parents, performing a small puja or gratitude ritual that can include cooking together, sharing blessings, or reading scriptures.
Family Mantra Recitation - If the family can gather, reciting mantras together or dedicating a few minutes of silence for parents can amplify positive energy and familial unity.
Additional Simple Mantras for Daily Use
Universal Prayer for Parents' Well-being “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”
Meaning: May all beings, especially our loved ones, be happy and healthy.Peace Invocation “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”
Meaning: Invokes peace for all—mind, body, and spirit—for parents and the family.Short Prayer to Lakshmi for Family Prosperity “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah”
This can be chanted regularly to invoke continuous blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for the family’s welfare.
By regularly following these steps, and integrating simple, heartful acts of gratitude and prayer, you can create a meaningful, spiritually uplifting practice to bless and care for your parents.