As parents, we give our children the best of everything. We want them to get the best of education, the best of food and the best of life, in general. But all of this is really not permanent.
The only permanent is the cultural legacy that you will pass on to your child.
So in this age of 'Pokemon Go' how about introducing some culture into their lives with basics of
pauranic teachings? And the best way to begin is by teaching them meaningful
pauranic mantras.
Why teach them pauranic mantras?
The increased use of Internet has perhaps created 'cultural orphans.' And while your child maybe able to rattle off the names of all his favourite 'Pokemon' characters, can he recite more than two mantras?
It's not the worst thing if he doesn't know a few thing about your culture, but isn't it always better to know something!?
You never know, your kid may actually enjoy listening to bhajans or shlokas. Plus, he will always cherish these moments spent with you- lighting the diya, or burning of incense, or even decorating your mandir.
So we curated a list of 5 simple and most meaningful pauranic mantras that your child can learn easily.
5 easy pauranic mantras for kids
#1 Ganesh Mantra
Vakratund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha
Nirvhignam Kurumedeya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada
Meaning: O Lord with the large body, curved trunk, and the brilliance of crore (10 million) suns, please free my work from all obstacles, forever.
#2 Gayatri mantra
Aum Bhur Bhuva Svaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat,
Meaning: Oh god, the protector, the basis of all life, who is self-existent, who is free from all pains and whose contact frees the soul from all troubles, Who pervades the universe and sustains all, the creator and energiser of the whole universe, the giver of happiness.
Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent, who is pure and the purifier of all, let us embrace that very god, so that he may direct our mental faculties in the right direction.
Continue reading to see three more extremely melodious and meaningful mantras you should tech your kids.
#3 Hare Krishna maha mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Meaning: The mantra is a simple yet profound reference to Rama and Krishna, who are regarded as the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu. The word 'Hare' here is another name for Lord Krishna, and also means the 'energy of God.'
So basically, this mantra is to invoke Lord Vishnu and ask for his blessings.
#4 Guru mantra
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara
Guru Sakshath Parambrahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha
Meaning: This beautiful mantra means the guru is the creator, the guru is the preserver, and the guru is the destroyer. The guru is the absolute. As your disciple, I bow before you.
#5 Shanti mantra
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
Asatoma sad gamaya
Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya
Mrityor ma amritam gamaya
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
Om poornamadah poornamidam
Poornaat poornamudachyate
Poornasya poornamaadaya
Poornamevaavashishyate
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
Om sahanaa vavatu sahanau bhunaktu
Saha veeryam karavaavahai
Tejasvi naavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahai
Meaning: Oh Lord, lead me from untruth to truth; lead me from darkness to the light; lead me from mortality to immortality. That is Absolute (God). This is Absolute. Absolute arises out of Absolute. The Absolute is taken from the Absolute, yet the Absolute remains.
May He protect us. May He nourish us. May we work together. May our study be enlightening! May we never hate each other!