Chalisas, Aartis, Paths and Mantras

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn in praise of Hanumanji, composed by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas. It is one of the most widely recited prayers in Hindu homes, often on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The Durga Chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty verses in praise of Goddess Durga. It is widely recited during Navratri and on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Shiv Chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty verses in praise of Lord Shiva. Families recite it on Mondays, through the month of Shravan and on Mahashivratri.

Sunderkand is the fifth book of the Ramcharitmanas. It tells of Hanumanji's journey to Lanka and his search for Mata Sita, and it is the part of the epic that families recite most often as a path.

The Hanuman Aarti is the traditional song of praise sung to Hanumanji while a lit lamp is waved before his murti or picture. It closes a Hanuman puja, a Hanuman Chalisa recitation or a Sunderkand Path.

The Ganesh Aarti is sung to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped first in nearly every puja. It is sung on Ganesh Chaturthi, on Wednesdays and at the start or close of many family ceremonies.

The Lakshmi Aarti is sung to Goddess Lakshmi at the close of her puja. It is heard on Fridays, on Dhanteras and above all on Diwali evening.

The Shiv Aarti, often known by its opening words "Om Jai Shiv Omkara", is the traditional song of praise sung to Lord Shiva at the close of his puja.

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered mantras of the Vedic tradition. It is a prayer to the divine light of the sun for clarity of mind.

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a Vedic prayer to Lord Shiva, chanted for good health, protection and peace. It is often chanted when someone in the family is unwell or facing a difficult time.