Importance and Significance of reading scriptual texts on a regular basis :
As a part of every day routine, the study of religious texts was prescribed. The idea of Brahma Yajnya was precisely the recital of Vedas and other related texts on a daily basis.
With the passage of time, the concept of Paaraayana (daily recital) took over. Every day, devout Hindus make it a point to read a part of a sacred text. Usually the Puraanic texts such as Bhaagavata, Devi Bhaagavata, Shiva Puraana etc. have a specific number of chapters to be recited, with the recital to be completed in a specific number of days.
Srimad Bhaagavata for instance is called Saptaaha Paaraayana i.e. recital in for seven days. Tradition holds that since the Puraana was narrated by Sri Shuka Maharishi to King Parikshit in seven days before the King’s stipulated death, even now the recital is completed in seven days.
Similarly, Srimad Vaalmeeki Raamaayana is recited in nine days (Navaaha) as the recital usually starts on the first day after the Chaitra Amaavaasya and the Pattaabhisheka Sarga (Raama’s coronation) is completed on the Raama Navami day, nine days from new moon. This order of recital stipulated for the nine days is followed whenever Raamaayana is ceremoniously recited. Likewise Durgaa Saptashati can be recited in seven days, though many recite it in a single day itself.
(Rudra Prashna of Yajur Veda glorifies the omnipresence of Lord Shiva, while Chamaka prays for all beneficial attainments. Purusha Sookta speaks of the greatness of Creation)
- Sahasranaama
(Chanting the 1000 names of Vishnu, Lalita, Shiva, Ganesha and others)
- Geeta
(at least one chapter from Bhagavat Geeta)
- Raamaayana / Bhaagavata / other texts
Apart from these, there are many other stotras which are recited for general well being as well to attain specific gains. Some of which are enlisted below :
1.Saundarya Lahari : This is a treasure – house of mantra shaastra.
Each verse has a specific benefit, when recited
as a mantra. The procedure must be learned
from one’s preceptor. Any one of these 100
verses in praise of Goddess, when recited a
specific number of times as prescribed gives
special benefits spoken of.
2. Shivaananda Lahari : Bestows peace of mind.
3. Subrahmanya Bhujanga : Relieves oneself of stomach related ailments.
4. Kanakadhaaraa Stotra : Ensures prosperity.
5. Maargabandhu Stotra : Eradicates any obstacles and ensures safe travel.
6. Raama – Rakshaa Stotra : Protects the devotee in all situations.
7. Durgaa Chandrakalaa Stuti : Bestows fearlessness in all times, from all sources
8. Runamochana Nrisimha Stotra : Freedom from debts.
9. Hanumad – Laangoola – Stava : Protection from enemies and ensures the defeat of their intentions.
10. Kaartaveeryaarjuna Stotra : Ensures safe return of lost things.
11. Varaaha Kavacha : Bestows progeny.
12. Shyaamalaa Dandaka : Bestows good memory and education.
13. Hanumaan Chaaleesa (in Avadhi - language) : Overall benefit
14. Durgaa Sapta Shloki : Helps in overcoming inferiority complex.
15. Aaditya Hrudaya Stotra : Ensures victory in all endeavors.
This article is a snippet from the Book Hinduism For All, Authored by TS Srinivasan and Edited By Dr Ramchandrashekar. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in & across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture & Tradition.
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