Hindu devotional practice includes mantras, Vedic prayers, scriptural verses and later devotional compositions. These are not all technically the same, although people often group them together in daily conversation. The selection below offers ten widely recited prayers and verses with simple meanings for personal or family practice.
1. Vakratunda Mahakaya
Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada
Simple meaning: O Lord Ganesha, radiant and mighty, please remove obstacles from my worthy actions.
2. Gurur Brahma
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwarah
Guruh Sakshat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah
Simple meaning: The guru guides creation, preservation and transformation, and is honoured as a doorway to the highest truth.
3. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchid Dukhabhag Bhavet
Simple meaning: May everyone be happy, healthy and protected from suffering.
4. Asato Ma Sadgamaya
Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Simple meaning: Lead me from untruth to truth, darkness to light and mortality towards the immortal.
5. Sahana Vavatu
Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavavahai, Tejasvinavadhitamastu, Ma Vidvishavahai
Simple meaning: May teacher and student be protected, nourished and strengthened together; may learning be bright and free from hostility.
6. Gayatri Mantra
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Simple meaning: We meditate upon the divine radiance that may guide and illuminate our understanding.
7. Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan, Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Simple meaning: We worship the three-eyed Lord and pray for freedom from fear, bondage and mortality.
8. Hanuman Prayer
Manojavam Marutatulyavegam, Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham
Vatatmajam Vanarayuthamukhyam, Shri Ramadutam Sharanam Prapadye
Simple meaning: I seek refuge in Hanuman, swift, disciplined, wise and devoted as Shri Rama’s messenger.
9. Tvameva Mata
Tvameva Mata Cha Pita Tvameva, Tvameva Bandhushcha Sakha Tvameva
Tvameva Vidya Dravinam Tvameva, Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva
Simple meaning: O Divine, you are my parent, companion, knowledge, support and everything to me.
10. Bhagavad Gita 2.47
Karmanyevadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana
Ma Karmaphalahetur Bhur Ma Te Sango’stvakarmani
Simple meaning: Give yourself sincerely to right action without becoming controlled by its reward, and do not use uncertainty as an excuse for inaction.
How to build a family recitation habit
- Choose one prayer for the week.
- Read it slowly and learn the meaning.
- Recite together at a fixed time.
- Discuss one value connected with it.
- Add another prayer only after the first becomes familiar.
For illustrated devotional reading with accessible meaning, explore the Hindi Ganesh Chalisa, Gujarati Ganesh Chalisa, Hindi Hanuman Chalisa and Gujarati Hanuman Chalisa.
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