A Prayer GET to a Safe and Successful Travel - Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana
- Hanuman prayed to the sun god, the king of gods, the wind god, the creator god, and the five great elements before crossing the ocean.
- He did this to seek their blessings for a safe and successful journey.
- This prayer can also be chanted before starting new endeavors.
With stirring devotion, Hanuman, the mighty vanara, stood poised for a monumental feat – crossing the vast ocean to Lanka in search of Sita. Before embarking on this epic journey, he offered a powerful prayer, seeking blessings from various deities. This verse, enshrined in Sundara Khanda of the Ramayana, transcends its context to become a timeless mantra for anyone seeking safe and successful travel, or embarking on new endeavors.
The Chant:
स सूर्याय महेन्द्राय पवनाय स्वयंभुवे।
sa - suryaya - mahendraya - pavanaya - swayambhuve
भूतेभ्यश्चाञ्जलिं कृत्वा चकार गमने मतिम्।।5.1.8।।
bhootheschanjaleem - krutwa - chakaar - gamane - mathitham
Offering salutations with folded palms to the Sungod, to Mahendra, lord of the gods, to the windgod, to the Creator Brahma and to all the attendants of lord Siva, made up his mind to proceed (to Lanka).
Decoding the Devotion:
Surya, the Sun God: Impels wisdom and guides righteous decisions. He travels with us throughout the day, offering light and protection.
Mahendra, the King of Gods: Bestows strength and leadership qualities, essential for tackling unexpected challenges and navigating new surroundings.
Pavana, the Wind God: Grants speed and agility, ensuring a swift and smooth journey. He also signifies internal and external purity, crucial for navigating diverse situations.
Svayambhuva, the Creator: Represents the cosmic power present everywhere. By seeking his blessings, we ensure all creations become favorable, not obstacles.
Bhutas, the Five Elements and Beings: The world is built on these elements, and by offering our respect, we seek their favorable alignment. Additionally, acknowledging the divinity within all beings fosters harmony and positive encounters.
The Power of Hanuman's Example:
Hanuman's prayer wasn't merely a ritual; it was an expression of deep devotion and surrender. He saw the divine in all entities, seeking their support with humility and respect. This teaches us to approach our journeys with a positive mindset, trusting in both our own efforts and the blessings of higher powers.
Beyond Travel:
While this verse is traditionally chanted before travel, its essence extends to starting any new venture. Just as Hanuman faced the unknown with unwavering faith, this prayer can empower us to approach new challenges with confidence and a positive outlook.
Chanting for Blessings:
Whether you're embarking on a physical journey or a new endeavor, reciting this powerful mantra can invoke the blessings of Hanuman and the divine forces he represents. Remember, the true essence lies in the devotion and intention behind the words.
May your journeys be safe, successful, and filled with the spirit of Hanuman's unwavering faith!
Additional Notes:
- The original text included detailed explanations for each deity and their significance. This version condenses those explanations while preserving the core message.
- The ending has been rewritten to provide a more impactful conclusion and practical application of the chant.
Sloka & Translation | Valmiki Ramayanam (iitk.ac.in)
