Simple Hindu Prayers

It is good to carve out some time every day for some simple Hindu prayers. The idea is to find ways to reduce the amount of time the mind spends on mundane thoughts. Prayers are mentioned as a good first step towards self realization in the Upadesa Saram by Sri. Ramana Maharishi. He goes on to say that japas and meditation are even better; but prayers are a good first step.

In this post I have selected nine simple Hindu prayers that everyone can say every day. The first three prayers are for Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma; the trinity in Hinduism. The next three are for their consorts Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. These are followed by a prayer for Ganesha and Hanuman and finally capped off with a Shanti Mantra.

Shiva Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat	Vishnu Shuklambaradaram Vishnum Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam Prasanna vadanam Dhyaayeth Sarva vighno pashantaye	Brahma Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwara Gurur Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Shree Guruvey Namaha
Parvati Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute	Lakshmi Karaagre Vasate Lakssmih Karamadhye Sarasvati Karamuule Tu Govindah Prabhaate Karadarshanam	Saraswati Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kaama Roopini Vidyaa Rambham Karishyaami siddhir Bhavatu Me Sadaa
Ganesha Ekadantam Mahaakaayam Taptakaajnchana sannibham LambodaraM VishaalaaxaM Vande Ham GaNanaayakam	Hanuman Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nir Bhayatvam Arogata Ajatyam Vak Patutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranat Bhavet	Peace Om Saha Nau-Avatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Nau-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih