Sanctification, or purifying oneself to align with the divine, is a central aspect of Hindu spirituality. It involves cleansing the body, mind, and soul through rituals, prayers, and mindful practices. Here’s a detailed guide to help you pray for sanctification.
Steps for Sanctification through Prayer and Puja
Preparation
- Clothing: Wear clean and modest attire. Preferably choose white (symbolizing purity), saffron (associated with spirituality), or yellow (symbolizing knowledge and positivity).
- Purification: Bathe to cleanse yourself physically. Sprinkle water around the puja area and on yourself while chanting purification mantras like:
- Mantra: Apavitrah pavitro va sarvavastham gato’pi va, yah smaret pundarikaksham sa bahyabhyantarah shuchih.
(Whether pure or impure, whoever remembers the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu becomes internally and externally purified.)
- Mantra: Apavitrah pavitro va sarvavastham gato’pi va, yah smaret pundarikaksham sa bahyabhyantarah shuchih.
Setting Up the Altar
- Choose a clean and peaceful spot.
- Place idols or pictures of the deities you wish to worship.
- Arrange offerings like flowers, incense, lamps (diya), fruits, and sweets.
Invocation of Deities
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles:
- Mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.
(Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.)
- Mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.
- Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles:
Sanctification Ritual
- Light a diya and incense to create a sacred atmosphere.
- Offer flowers while meditating on the deity’s form and attributes.
- Recite specific mantras for purification and sanctification:
- For Lord Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya.
(I bow to Lord Shiva, the embodiment of purity and destruction of negativity.) - For Vishnu: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
(I bow to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and sanctifier.) - For Lakshmi: Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.
(I bow to Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of prosperity and purity.) - For Saraswati: Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah.
(I bow to Goddess Saraswati, the bestower of wisdom and clarity.)
- For Lord Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya.
Simple Prayers for Sanctification
To Ganesha
- Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.
(O Ganesha, with a curved trunk and massive form, radiant like a million suns, remove all obstacles in my endeavors.)
- Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.
To Hanuman
- Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogata, Ajadyam Vak Patutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranad Bhavet.
(By remembering Hanuman, one gains intelligence, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, health, and eloquence.)
- Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogata, Ajadyam Vak Patutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranad Bhavet.
To Saraswati
- Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastravritha, Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara Ya Shweta Padmasana.
(Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, adorned with white garments, sitting on a white lotus, and playing the veena.)
- Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastravritha, Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara Ya Shweta Padmasana.
To Annapurna
- Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Pranavallabhe, Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati.
(O Annapurna, beloved of Shiva, grant me the wisdom and detachment that lead to sanctification.)
- Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Pranavallabhe, Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati.
Mantras and Practical Steps for Modern Times
Chanting and Meditation
- Dedicate a few minutes daily to chant your chosen mantra. For example:
- Om Namah Shivaya for purification.
- Om Shree Dhanvantare Namah to cleanse negative energy and heal.
- Meditate on light and visualize it purifying your body and surroundings.
- Dedicate a few minutes daily to chant your chosen mantra. For example:
Modern Adaptations
- Use digital tools like mantra apps to keep track of chanting.
- Maintain a small sacred space at home for regular prayers.
- Incorporate yoga and pranayama to harmonize the body and mind.
Rare Facts
- Tulsi Plant: Keeping a tulsi plant at home and watering it while reciting Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is said to purify the household.
- Rudraksha Beads: Wearing rudraksha sanctifies the aura and strengthens your spiritual energy.
- Mantra Science: Sanskrit mantras are considered vibrational tools that resonate with cosmic energies, enhancing sanctification.
Ideal Deities for Sanctification
- Ganesha: Removes internal and external obstacles.
- Shiva: Represents transformation and purification.
- Vishnu: Balances and sanctifies all aspects of life.
- Lakshmi: Purifies wealth and relationships.
- Saraswati: Cleanses ignorance, promoting wisdom.
- Dhanvantari: Heals physical and spiritual ailments.
- Annapurna: Sanctifies the act of nourishment and sustenance.
Simple Puja Steps
Morning Ritual:
- Light a lamp and offer water to the Sun while chanting Om Surya Namah.
- Perform a brief prayer at your altar, offering flowers and fruits.
Weekly Devotion:
- Choose a specific day for more elaborate puja, such as Mondays for Shiva or Fridays for Lakshmi.
- Perform abhishekam (bathing of the idol) with milk, water, or sandalwood paste.
Gratitude Offering:
- Distribute the prasad (sacred offering) to family or donate food to the needy.
Praying for sanctification in Hinduism is about creating a harmonious connection with the divine. By combining rituals, mantras, and mindfulness, you can purify your body, mind, and surroundings. Embrace simplicity and intention, as these are the true pathways to spiritual elevation.