The Importance of Daily Prayers
Prayer is the heart’s natural expression of gratitude and devotion. In Vedic tradition, morning and evening prayers hold a very special place. They are not just rituals, but powerful practices that bring peace, discipline, and spiritual strength to our lives.
Why Morning & Evening Prayers Are Important
- Spiritual Energy for the Day – Morning prayers purify the mind and fill the heart with divine strength, setting a positive tone for the entire day.
- Protection & Purity – By remembering the Lord at the start and end of the day, we remain safe from negative influences.
- Discipline & Devotion – Regular prayers cultivate focus, humility, and sincerity in our daily lives.
- Inner Peace & Gratitude – Evening prayers help us end the day with peace, reflection, and thankfulness.
Our Daily Prayer Schedule
Morning Prayers (5:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
Mangala Aarti
bhāle gorā-gadādharer ārati nehāri
nadīyā-pūraba-bhāve jāu bolihāri
(2)
kalpataru-tale ratna-siṁhāsanopari
sabu sakhī-beṣṭita kiśora-kiśorī
(3)
puraṭa-jaḍita kota maṇi-gajamati
jhamaki’ jhamaki’ labhe prati-ańga-jyotiḥ
(4)
nīla nīrada lāgi’ vidyut-mālā
duhuń ańga mili’ śobhā bhuvana-ujālā
(5)
śańkha bāje, ghanṭā bāje, bāje karatāla
madhura mṛdańga bāje parama rasāla
(6)
viśākhādi sakhī-vṛnda duhuń guna gāowe
priya-narma-sakhī-gaṇa cāmara dhulāowe
(7)
anańga mashjarī cuyā-candana deowe
mālatīra mālā rūpa mashjarī lāgāowe
(8)
pashca-pradīpe dhori’ karpūra-bāti
lalitā-sundarī kore jugala-ārati
(9)
devī-lakṣmī-śruti-gaṇa dharaṇī loṭāowe
gopī-jana-adhikāra raowata gāowe
(10)
bhakativinoda rohi’ surabhīki kushje
ārati-daraśane prema-sukha bhushje
TRANSLATION:
1) As I behold the wondrous arati of my Lords Gaura and Gadadhara, I enter into the mood of
Their existence previous to appearing in Nadiya (Their Vrndavana lila as Sri Sri Radha and Krsna). It
is simply indescribable.
2) Underneath a desire-tree, seated upon a jeweled throne, the ever-youthful couple named Kisora
and Kisori are surrounded by all of Their gopi friends.
3) Sri Radhika and Lord Govindaji are decorated with many shining jewels and pearls inlaid with
gold artwork, enhancing the sparkling splendor of each and every limb of Their transcendental forms.
4) The meeting of Their two bodily forms has generated a luster that brightens all the worlds, and may
be compared to a garland of lightning (Radha) fixed upon a dark blue raincloud (Krsna).
5) On the occasion of Their meeting there is a concert produced by the sounding of conchshells,
bells, karatalas and mrdangas. Such kirtana is supremely sweet and relishable to hear.
6) The cowherd damsels of Vrndavana led by Visakha Devi sing the glories of the Divine Couple while
the priya-narma-sakhis cool Their Lordships by waving camara fans.
7) Ananga Manjari offers Them sandalwood pulp scented with cuya while Rupa Manjari places a garland
of jasmine flowers about Their necks.
8) The beautiful Lalita Sundari holds a lamp of five flames scented with camphor and waves it
aloft, offering arati to the Divine Couple.
9) Parvati, Laksmi, and the personified Vedas cry in great happiness while rolling on the ground and
singing of the fortunate position of the damsels of Vraja-bhumi.
10) Bhaktivinoda resides at Surabhi Kunja in the land of Godruma-dwipa, relishing the joy of divine love
at the sight of this beautiful arati.
Know more about the Importance of daily prayers
Scientific Benefits of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Practices (like Ārati, Kīrtan, Japa, Seva)
Sound & Vibrations (Mantra, Kīrtan, Bells, Conch)
- The sound of Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahāmantra, bells, and conch creates specific sound frequencies that calm the nervous system.
- Chanting reduces stress, balances brain waves, and increases concentration.
- Modern neuroscience shows repetitive mantra chanting increases grey matter in the brain and enhances memory.
Fire & Light (Ārati Lamp, Dīya)
- The flame of ghee lamps produces negative ions which purify the air.
- Watching a flame stabilizes the mind (like tratak meditation) and improves focus.
- The fragrance of camphor or ghee also kills harmful bacteria in the environment.
Incense & Flowers
- Natural incense (chandan, agarbatti) has antibacterial properties.
- Fragrance therapy reduces anxiety and uplifts mood.
- Fresh flowers emit positive bio-energy that calms the environment.
Conch Blowing (Śaṅkha)
- Blowing the conch strengthens the lungs and diaphragm.
- Its vibration kills germs in the air and energizes the surroundings.
- Scientifically, conch sound is a natural sonic cleanser for the atmosphere.
Prasāda (Sanctified Food)
- Food offered to Kṛṣṇa is prepared with devotion, without greed or anger, making it satvik (pure energy food).
- Eating prasāda brings calmness, gratitude, and healthier digestion because it’s cooked mindfully.
- Scientific research shows mindful eating improves physical health and emotional stability.
Spiritual Benefits
Purification of Consciousness
- Ārati, Kīrtan, and Japa remove material desires and fill the heart with devotion.
Connection with Divine
- Every ārati is like inviting God personally into your life three times a day.
- This keeps the devotee’s mind always absorbed in Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
Protection from Negativity
- Scriptures say ārati’s light and sound drive away demonic or negative influences.
Sevā-bhāva (Service Mood)
- Offering lamp, water, incense, and flowers cultivates humility and selfless service.
Liberation
- Śāstra says: “Even if one attends ārati once with devotion, he gains spiritual merit equal to performing many yajñas (sacrifices).”
- Leads the soul towards eternal service in the spiritual world (Goloka Vṛndāvana).
✨ So, Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava practices are a blend of spiritual wisdom and subtle science.
- Science purifies the body and environment.
Bhakti purifies the soul and consciousness.