Chanting of mantras are an integral part of Hindu Dharma, which considers every act to be performed under spiritual purview. The power of negative energies increases during the night, and hence, they can easily attack an individual while he/she is asleep. In true sense, reciting related sleep mantras before sleeping gives us immense protection from attacks of negative energies. This article gives list of sleep mantras we can recite, prayers we should offer and chanting to be done in order to get a peaceful sleep.
1. Sleep mantras : Ratrisukta
Just as there is ‘Sourasukta’ (A group of mantras in the Vedas [The most sacred Hindu scriptures, revealed directly by God] pertaining to the Sun Deity), there is a ‘Ratrisukta’ too (A group of mantras in Vedas pertaining to the Goddess of night). Nidra is referred to as ‘Nidradevi’ (Goddess of sleep). Of the various forms of Devi (Goddess), nidra (sleep) too is one form. As you lie down on the bed, recite the Ratrisukta two to three times.
2. Sleep mantras to be recited before sleeping
A. यादेवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमोनमः ।।
– Shridurgasaptashati, Adhyaya 5, Shloka 16
Meaning : I pay obeisance thrice to the Devi, who is present in all living beings in the form of nidra.
Keep reciting this shloka. Gradually, the thought process will stop, a rhythm will set in and we will fall asleep in ten to fifteen minutes.
B. Recite the following mantra to avoid nightmares.
रामं स्कन्दं हनूमन्तं वैनतेयं वृकोदरम् ।
शयने यः स्मरेन्नित्यं दुःस्वप्नस्तस्य नश्यति ।।
Meaning : Remembering Shriram, Kartikeya, Hanuman, Garuda and Bhima while going to sleep eliminates nightmares.
3. While going to sleep, earnestly sing
the following abhang (A Hymn in Marathi)
‘हेचि दान देगा देवा । तुझा विसर न व्हावा ।।’
Meaning : ‘O God, bestow me with only one gift, that I may never forget You’.
4. Pray unto Nidradevi or the Deity of worship
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Offer unto Supreme God all the auspicious and inauspicious karmas (Actions which give rise to destiny), as well as karmas that bestow merits-demerits, so also those performed knowingly-unknowingly. Ask for forgiveness from Him for all the sins committed during day.
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Pray unto the Deity of worship – ‘May my chanting continue in the subconscious mind even during sleep, and may I get a peaceful sleep’.
Go to sleep while chanting the Name of Deity of Worship
Reference: Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy Text ‘How to sleep peacefully ?’
