In Hinduism, praying for purity is about cultivating purity in thoughts, actions, and the heart. Purity (or "Shuddhi") is not just physical cleanliness but also mental, emotional, and spiritual refinement. Here is a guide on how to approach this prayer with devotion, including steps for simple puja, prayers, clothing, and mantras for various deities associated with purity and spiritual growth.
Simple Puja Steps for Praying for Purity
Preparation:
- Bathe and wear clean clothes, ideally choosing colors like white, yellow, or light green, which symbolize purity, knowledge, and balance.
- Find a clean and quiet space for your puja. Light an oil lamp or a ghee lamp to symbolize light overcoming darkness.
Arrange the Altar:
- Place pictures or idols of the deities associated with purity, such as Dhanvantari (for health), Parvati (for motherhood and protection), Santana Gopala Krishna (for purity in relationships), Yogamaya (for cosmic energy), Saraswati (for wisdom), Annapurna (for nourishment), and Sheetala Mata (for health and well-being).
- Offer fresh flowers, incense, fruits, and water as symbols of your devotion.
Invoke the Deities:
- Begin by invoking Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to seek his blessings for a smooth and focused prayer.
Pray for Purity:
- Hold your palms together in Anjali Mudra and close your eyes. Speak your intention for purity of mind, heart, and body.
- You may wish to say a simple prayer like:
- "O Divine, grant me the strength to purify my thoughts, my actions, and my soul. Let my heart be clean and my intentions pure."
Chanting Mantras:
- Chant mantras dedicated to each deity (examples below) or select one deity you feel especially drawn to for purity.
Offerings and Aarti:
- Offer food, flowers, and incense to the deities, rotating the incense or lamp in a clockwise manner while singing a simple Aarti or Bhajan.
- End the puja by silently sitting in meditation, focusing on the intention of purity and feeling the blessings of the deities in your heart.
Prayers and Mantras for Purity
Dhanvantari Mantra (for Health and Purity):
- Dhanvantari, the divine physician, is invoked for physical and mental purity.
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrutha Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Trayambakaya Namaha.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Lord Vasudeva Dhanvantari, who holds the nectar of immortality, who removes all fears and diseases."
Parvati Mantra (for Inner Purity and Motherhood):
- Goddess Parvati represents purity in relationships and the heart.
- Om Hreem Shreem Parvatyai Namaha.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Parvati, who bestows spiritual grace and purity."
Santana Gopala Krishna Mantra (for Pure Relationships and Family Well-being):
- For maintaining purity and harmony in family life, pray to Krishna as Santana Gopala.
- Om Devaki Suta Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate, Dehi Me Tanayam Krishna Twam-aham Sharanam Gatah.
- Meaning: "O Lord Krishna, son of Devaki, giver of life, grant me purity and protect my family."
Yogamaya Mantra (for Cosmic and Spiritual Purity):
- Yogamaya is the divine energy that helps transcend worldly impurities.
- Om Hreem Yogamaya Namah.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Yogamaya, who grants liberation and spiritual purity."
Saraswati Mantra (for Purity of Knowledge and Wisdom):
- Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, bestows purity in thoughts and learning.
- Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and purity of mind."
Annapurna Mantra (for Purity in Food and Nourishment):
- Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment, is invoked for pure and sattvic (balanced) food and sustenance.
- Om Annapurnayai Namaha.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Goddess Annapurna, who nourishes and provides pure food."
Sheetala Mata Mantra (for Health and Cleanliness):
- Sheetala Mata is worshipped for health, especially in preventing and healing ailments.
- Om Sheetalayai Namah.
- Meaning: "Salutations to Sheetala Devi, the bringer of health and wellness."
Rare Facts and Spiritual Insights on Purity in Hinduism
- Purification Rites (Shuddhi Kriyas): Hinduism offers various purification techniques like fasting, holy baths in rivers like the Ganga, and chanting for spiritual and mental cleansing.
- Sattvic Lifestyle: Living a “sattvic” or balanced life, including a vegetarian diet, peaceful thoughts, and selfless actions, is considered essential for maintaining purity.
- Prasadam (Blessed Food): Offering food to deities before eating is a way to purify the food and bring positive energies into our body and mind.
Practical Steps for Cultivating Purity in Modern Times
Daily Meditation and Pranayama (Breathwork):
- Practice mindfulness and simple breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom to clear the mind of impurities and stress. This is considered a form of inner purification.
Digital Cleanse:
- Minimize digital distractions that clutter the mind. Limit exposure to negative content on social media and cultivate a clean digital environment.
Practice Ahimsa (Non-violence):
- Embrace kindness and avoid violent speech or actions, as these can cloud the mind with impurities.
Adopt Sattvic Eating:
- Choose foods that are fresh, natural, and simple. Sattvic foods are believed to keep the mind clear and the heart pure.
Practice Gratitude Daily:
- Keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to express thanks helps purify the heart and aligns you with positive energy.
Perform Seva (Service):
- Volunteering or helping others selflessly is seen as one of the most potent ways to purify the ego and mind in Hinduism.
Regular Decluttering:
- Keeping your physical space clean and organized reflects and encourages mental clarity.
Colors and Dress Codes for Purity Prayers
- Clothing Colors: White, yellow, light green, or even saffron robes are considered ideal for purity puja. White symbolizes peace and purity, yellow represents wisdom and energy, and green is for balance.
- Dress Comfortably: Cotton or natural fibers are preferred as they allow energy flow and are considered clean and sattvic by nature.
Additional Ideas for Deepening the Purity Prayer
Visualization Techniques:
- During meditation, visualize a white or golden light surrounding and purifying your body, cleansing it of any negativity or impurities.
Prayer Journaling:
- Keep a journal where you write your intentions for purity, any obstacles you encounter, and your reflections on purity in thought, word, and action.
Regular Fasting (Upavasa):
- Practicing fasting on auspicious days, like Ekadashi or Mondays for Shiva, purifies the body and brings clarity to the mind.
Mantra Repetition (Japa):
- Choose a purity-related mantra and chant it daily, ideally on a set of 108 beads (mala), to reinforce the energy of purification within.
By incorporating these simple rituals and devotions into daily life, you can deepen your connection to the divine energy of purity and transform both inner and outer aspects of life.