In times of illness, whether our own or that of a loved one, it’s natural to look for comfort and strength beyond medicine. Prayer has always been one of those places where people turn for hope, clarity, and peace. In Hinduism, prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a deeply personal practice that connects us with something greater than ourselves, helping us feel supported during life’s toughest moments.
Many of the traditional Hindu mantras are known for their calming and healing qualities. Passed down through generations, these prayers are more than just words, they’re tools to help quiet the mind, soothe the heart, and even bring strength to the body. Whether you’re caring for someone who is sick, or simply going through a difficult time emotionally, these prayers can offer a moment of stillness, comfort, and inner balance.
This blog brings together seven powerful Hindu prayers that are commonly used for healing. You can use them in your daily practice, share them with someone who is unwell, or even incorporate them into your meditation routine to find your own sense of peace and grounding. No matter where you are on your spiritual path, these prayers are here to support you, with simplicity, sincerity, and a quiet reminder that healing can come in many forms.
Introduction
At the heart of Hindu prayer lie the mantras, ancient and sacred sound formulas that have been revered for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, the word ‘mantra’ combines ‘manas’ (mind) and ‘tra’ (instrument or tool), essentially meaning “a tool for the mind”, but in the Hindu tradition, it’s more than a mental aid, it’s a vibrational force believed to influence our inner state and connect us with divine energies.
Unlike spoken prayers that often involve asking or expressing, mantras are typically recited for their sound, rhythm, and energy, rather than their literal meaning. Some are short and powerful seed sounds, like ‘Om’, while others are longer invocations dedicated to deities like Dhanvantari (the god of healing), Shiva, or Durga. What unites them is their purpose: to shift consciousness, bring clarity, and open the heart to grace.
When used with intention and repetition, what’s known as ‘japa’, a mantra becomes a spiritual companion. It grounds the mind during moments of stress, infuses the breath with purpose, and invites peace even in the face of pain. In the context of healing, mantras offer a gentle but profound reminder: that within each of us is a capacity for calm, resilience, and sacred connection.
In the following section, we will explore seven such mantras, each carrying its own healing resonance, and each offering a pathway to inner stillness and strength. Now, without any further delays, we are going to cover several hindu prayers for healing the sick which you can use in your daily lives for either your own, or someone else’s benefit.
7 Powerful Hindu Prayers for Healing the Sick
The following prayers and mantras have been cherished in Hindu tradition for their healing energy, both physical and emotional. Each one can be recited for yourself or a loved one, either silently or aloud, during moments of meditation, care, or reflection. Whether you’re looking to bring peace to a hospital room, comfort to a family member, or strength to your own heart, these mantras can serve as steady companions through it all.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
This mantra is super effective for overcoming physical and mental illness. Dedicated to worshipping lord Shiva and also known as the death-conquering mantra, this prayer is one of the most powerful and ancient Vedic chants for health and longevity.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra in Sanskrit:-
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ||
Transliteration:-
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
Translation:-
We worship the three-eyed one (Trinetra, Lord Shiva), who is fragrant (smells good) and nourishes us. May we be freed from death and impermanence just as the fruit is freed from the bondage of the branch.
Healing Benefits:-
This mantra is often chanted for those suffering from serious illness or mental distress. It’s believed to help overcome fear, rejuvenate the body, and strengthen the life force.
Dhanvantari Mantra
Dhanvantari is revered in Hinduism as the divine physician, the god of Ayurveda, and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is considered the celestial healer who emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), carrying a pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality. Dhanvantari is worshipped for health, wellness, and protection against disease. Many Ayurvedic practitioners and healers offer prayers to him before beginning their work.
Doing a basic “naam mantra” (name mantra, one of the most basic mantras associated with a deity/god/lord) of lord Dhanvantari is said to be super effective for invoking divine support in the healing process.
Dhanvantari Mantra in Sanskrit:-
ॐ श्री धन्वंतरये नमः॥
Transliteration:-
Om Shri Dhanvantariye Namah.
Translation:-
Salutations to Lord Dhanvantari.
Healing Benefits:-
Chanting this mantra is said to promote physical rejuvenation and well-being. It’s often used in Ayurvedic practices and healing rituals to invite harmony into the body and mind.
Gayatri Mantra
Associated with Lord Saraswati, the Gayatri Mantra is one of the most sacred mantras in Hinduism, it’s known for purifying the mind and invoking higher wisdom. Improper pronunciation while chanting this mantra can result in serious negative consequences, and thus, proper pronunciation should be carefully practiced and ensured before beginning the chanting of this mantra, or any other mantra for that matter.
Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit:-
ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
Transliteration:-
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.
Translation:-
We meditate on the glory of the Creator; Who has created the Universe; Who is worthy of Worship; Who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light; Who is the remover of all Sin and Ignorance; May he enlighten our intellect.
Healing Benefits:-
This mantra is ideal for those facing mental stress or emotional turmoil. It brings clarity, peace, and protection from negative influences.
Hanuman Chalisa (Opening Verse)
The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most famous devotional hymns of Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for his boundless strength and unwavering devotion, the opening verse of the Hanuman Chalisa focuses on cleansing oneself, and remembrance of Lord Rama’s greatest servant (Lord Hanuman), respecting both Lord Hanuman, and Lord Rama, whom Lord Hanuman regards as the greatest.
Hanuman Chalisa’s Opening Verse in Awadhi:-
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुर सुधारि।
बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि॥
Transliteration:-
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukura Sudhari
Barnaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.
Translation:-
With the dust of the Guru’s lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my mind.
I narrate the pure glory of Lord Ram’s greatest servant, which bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).
Healing Benefits:-
Reciting or listening to the Hanuman Chalisa brings courage, dissolves fear, and strengthens the will—especially helpful when facing health-related challenges.
Narayana Mantra
This mantra is a simple yet profound invocation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of life and protector of the universe. Also known as the Ashtakshara mantra (eight-syllable mantra), it’s widely used for invoking divine support, especially during times of emotional pain or uncertainty.
Narayana Mantra in Sanskrit:-
ॐ नमो नारायणाय॥
Transliteration:-
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Translation:-
Salutations to Lord Narayana (Vishnu), the divine protector and preserver.
Healing Benefits:-
This mantra is calming and centering, often used to ease anxiety, emotional distress, or insomnia. Its vibrations are said to align the heart with divine peace, offering a sense of surrender and trust in life’s process. It can be repeated during meditation or silently throughout the day for emotional healing and spiritual strength.
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra
Considered one of the most universal and widely known mantras in Hinduism, the Shiva Panchakshara (five-syllable) mantra is a call to Lord Shiva, the god of transformation and inner stillness.
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra in Sanskrit:
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥
Transliteration:-
Om Namah Shivaay.
Translation:-
I bow to Lord Shiva. (Salutations to Lord Shiva)
Healing Benefits:-
This mantra brings about a deep sense of peace and detachment from suffering. Often recited for healing, it helps calm the nervous system, balance emotions, and instill a quiet strength. Regular chanting is believed to purify the body and mind, and awaken the healing potential within.
Bhagavad Gita Shlokas on Healing and Surrender
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom for dealing with life’s challenges, including illness. Certain verses serve as powerful reminders of inner strength, divine support, and the importance of surrender.
Example Shloka (Chapter 2, Verse 47):–
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration:-
Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani.
Translation:-
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.
Healing Benefits:-
This shloka encourages us to let go of the anxiety of outcomes and focus on present effort. In the context of healing, it can be deeply reassuring—for both caregivers and those unwell—to trust the process and find peace in the now. Reciting such verses can bring perspective, strength, and mental resilience.
How to Use These Prayers for Healing
Mantras and prayers hold immense power, but their effectiveness depends not only on the intent with which they are recited but also on the care taken to pronounce them correctly. Here are a few tips to help you use these prayers effectively and safely:
- Set an Intention Before Chanting – Before reciting any mantra, take a moment to reflect on the purpose of your prayer. Whether you’re seeking healing for yourself, a loved one, or simply striving for inner peace, grounding your intention will help focus your energy and amplify the prayer’s impact.
- Start with a Calm Mind and Environment – The power of mantras is amplified in a calm and quiet space. Try to find a peaceful environment where you can sit or stand comfortably without distractions. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind before starting your chanting.
- Recite with Reverence and Devotion – The energy of a mantra is most potent when it is recited with respect and devotion. Chant the mantras with a sincere heart, focusing on the vibrations they create. Whether you chant aloud or silently, ensure that your heart is in tune with the words, as it is your intent that connects you to the divine energy.
- Correct Pronunciation is Crucial – It’s important to note that the precise pronunciation of mantras can greatly affect their effectiveness. Incorrect pronunciation or misplacement of syllables can lead to unintended effects or negative consequences. Mantras are vibrational, and each syllable carries its own frequency—getting the sound right ensures the prayer reaches its full potential.
If you’re unsure about your pronunciation, consider listening to authentic recitations from experienced practitioners or using resources like apps or videos that provide guidance. Many temples and spiritual leaders also offer classes or teachings on proper pronunciation, which can be helpful in ensuring you’re reciting mantras correctly. - Chant Regularly for Maximum Benefit For best results, repeat the mantras regularly—ideally every day. The more consistent you are with chanting, the stronger the connection you’ll build to the prayer’s energy. You can incorporate them into your meditation practice, recite them in the morning or evening, or simply whisper them as you go about your day.
- Use Mala Beads for Repetition If you find it difficult to count the number of times you’ve recited a mantra, consider using a mala (a string of 108 beads) to keep track. Traditionally, 108 repetitions of a mantra are believed to have a powerful spiritual effect, and the mala serves as a physical tool to help you focus your energy and thoughts.
- Stay Open to the Healing Process Healing is not always immediate. It’s important to remain patient and trust the process. Prayer and mantra chanting can help restore balance and bring peace to the body and mind, but the outcome may unfold gradually. Trust that healing is happening on a deeper, sometimes unseen, level.
By following these simple steps and being mindful of your pronunciation, you’ll ensure that you’re using these prayers to their fullest potential, attracting healing and peace to your life.
Conclusion
We have provided you with the best mantras that came to our mind for helping you along your spiritual journey, and assisting you with providing relief to yourself, or to your loved ones with this article. We hope that you found this article informative. If not, you can consider checking out other articles related to mantras on our website.
Always remember, healing, whether physical or emotional, is a journey—a path that sometimes requires patience, faith, and persistence. These prayers offer not only solace but a reminder that you are supported by a greater force, and that within you lies the strength to navigate any challenges life brings. May these mantras guide you towards peace, health, and well-being, and may you find comfort in knowing that the power of prayer is always within reach.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I chant these prayers on behalf of someone else?
Yes, chanting with pure intention on someone’s behalf is a powerful form of spiritual service.
How many times should I chant a mantra for healing?
Traditionally, 108 times is ideal (or multiples of 108), but sincerity matters more than number. Even a few repetitions with devotion can be powerful.
Do I need to be a Hindu to recite these prayers?
No. These prayers are universal in essence and can be recited by anyone who approaches them with respect and openness.
Should I understand the meaning of the prayer before chanting?
Understanding helps deepen the experience, but sound vibrations alone are considered beneficial.
Can I play recordings of these mantras instead of chanting?
Yes. Listening mindfully can also have a calming and healing effect.