20 Essential Slokas for Kids: A Journey of Learning and Values

In a world that often feels chaotic and demanding, instilling a sense of calm, focus, and moral integrity in children is essential. Slokas, the sacred verses of Sanskrit literature, offer a way to connect with one's roots while imparting valuable life lessons. These verses not only enhance concentration and memory but also serve as a foundation for developing core values such as respect, devotion, and self-discipline. In this blog, we will explore over 20 slokas that children can learn and recite.

सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।

विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥

[Sarasvati Namastubhyam Varade Kaama-Ruupinni |

Vidya arambham Karissyaami Siddhir-Bhavatu Me Sadaa ||]

Translation: O Goddess Saraswati, my humble prostrations to you, who fulfill all desires. As I begin my studies, please grant me success always.

This sloka teaches children the importance of seeking knowledge with humility and dedication. It's perfect for reciting before starting studies or any new learning endeavor.

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।

गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ॥

[Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu 

Guru Devo Maheshwaraha

Guru Saakshat Para Brahma

Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha]

Translation: The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The Guru is the Supreme Being itself. I bow to such a Guru.

This verse instills respect for teachers and the learning process, helping children understand the sacred relationship between student and teacher.

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति ।

करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥

[Karagre Vasate Lakshmi

Kara Madhye Saraswati

Kara Moole Tu Govinda

Prabhate Kara Darshanam]

Translation: Goddess Lakshmi resides at the fingertips, Goddess Saraswati in the middle of the palm, and Lord Govinda at the base of the palm - this is why we look at our palms in the morning.

This beautiful sloka teaches children to start their day with positivity and divine blessings.

सत्यं वद। घर्मं चर। स्वाध्यायान्‌ मा प्रमदः।

[Satyam Vada 

Dharmam Chara 

Swadhyayan Maa Pramadaha]

Translation: Speak the truth, follow righteousness, never neglect your studies.

This simple yet profound verse teaches three fundamental values: honesty, righteousness, and dedication to learning.

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु

मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

[Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah

Sarve Santu Niraamayaah 

Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu

Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih]

Translation: May all beings be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see what is auspicious, may none suffer. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

This beautiful prayer cultivates compassion and teaches children to wish well for everyone, not just themselves.

ॐ सर्वेषां स्वस्तिर्भवतु ।

सर्वेषां शान्तिर्भवतु ।

सर्वेषां पूर्णंभवतु ।

सर्वेषां मङ्गलंभवतु ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

[Om Sarveshaam Svastir-Bhavatu 

Sarveshaam Shaantir-Bhavatu 

Sarveshaam Puurnnam-Bhavatu 

Sarveshaam Manggalam-Bhavatu 

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih]

Translation: May there be well-being in all; may there be peace in all; may there be completeness in all; may there be auspiciousness in all. Peace, peace, peace.

This verse teaches children to formulate a sense of positivity and harmony around them, encouraging them to seek peace and well-being in their lives and the lives of others, effectively protecting themselves from negative energies.

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् |

ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ||

[Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir

Brahmaagnau Brahmanaa Hutam

Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam

Brahma Karma Samaadhinaa]

Translation: The act of offering is Brahman, the offering itself is Brahman, offered by Brahman in the sacred fire which is Brahman.

This sloka teaches gratitude for food and the importance of selflessness and mindfulness in actions.

करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा ।

श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं ।

विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व ।

जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥

[Kara-Caranna Krtam Vaak-Kaaya-Jam Karma-Jam Vaa

Shravanna-Nayana-Jam Vaa Maanasam Va-Aparaadham

Vihitam-Avihitam Vaa Sarvam-Etat-Kssamasva

Jaya Jaya Karunna-Abdhe Shrii-Mahaadeva Shambho]

Translation: Whatever wrongs I have committed through my hands, feet, body, actions, ears, eyes, or mind, whether permitted or forbidden, please forgive them all, O Ocean of Compassion.

This beautiful prayer teaches self-reflection and the importance of acknowledging mistakes.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

[Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya 

Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva 

Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa]

Translation: O Lord Ganesha with the curved trunk and massive body, radiating light like millions of suns, please make all my work free from obstacles, always.

This popular Ganesha sloka helps children focus and overcome learning challenges.

अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि

तत् त्वम् असि

अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म

प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म
[Aham Brahmasmi
Tattvamasi
Ayam Atma Brahman
Prajnanam Brahma]

Translation: I am the cosmic power. That thou art. This self is divine. Consciousness is divine.

This powerful verse helps build self-confidence and self-awareness in children.

यद् भावं तद् भवति

[Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati]

Translation: What you believe, you become.

This simple yet profound sloka teaches children about the power of positive thinking and self-belief.

समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तनमण्डले ।

विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्वमे ॥

[Samudra Vasane Devi

Parvata Stana Mandale

Vishnu Patni Namastubhyam

Pada Sparsham Kshamasva Me]

Translation: O Mother Earth, who has the ocean as her clothes and mountains as her bosom, who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, I bow to you. Please forgive me for touching you with my feet.

This beautiful verse teaches children to respect and care for the environment.

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

[Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya]

Translation: Salutations to Lord Krishna, the source of all health and well-being.

This sloka instills the importance of good health and wellness in children by invoking divine blessings for physical and mental strength, reminding them to value their health as a precious gift.

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।

तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।

मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

[Asato Maa Sad Gamaya

Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya

Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi]

Translation: Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

This profound verse teaches children to seek truth and light in their lives, encouraging mental clarity and spiritual growth.

गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।

नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् संनिधिं कुरु ॥

[Om Gange Ch Yamune Chaiva

Godavari Saraswati

Narmade Sindhu Kaveri

Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru]

Translation: O sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri, may you be present.

This sloka invokes the blessings of holy rivers, symbolizing purity and clarity.

मातृ देवो भव।

पितृ देवो भव।

आचार्य देवो भव।

अतिथि देवो भव॥

[Maathru Devo Bhava

Pithru Devo Bhava

Aacharya Devo Bhava

Athidhi Devo Bhava.]

Translation: Treat your mother as God; treat your father as God; treat your teacher as God; treat your guest as God.

This sloka teaches children to honor those who nurture and guide them, fostering gratitude and humility in their hearts.

एकम सत विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति

[Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti]

Translation: Truth is one, but wise men call it by different names.

This beautiful sloka helps children understand and respect different beliefs and perspectives.

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पूर्णमुदच्यते ।

पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

[Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam Puurnnaat-Puurnnam-Udacyate

Puurnnasya Puurnnam-Aadaaya Puurnnam-Eva-Avashissyate

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih]

Translation: That is whole, this is whole. From wholeness comes wholeness. Taking wholeness from wholeness, wholeness remains. Om, Peace, Peace, Peace

This profound verse helps children understand completeness and contentment.

लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

[Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi]

Translation: May all beings everywhere be happy and free. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

This universal prayer teaches children to wish for everyone's happiness and well-being.

ॐ अज्ञानतिमिरान्धस्य ज्ञानाञ्जनशलाकया ।

चक्षुरुन्मीलितं येन तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥

[Ajnaana Timirandhasya

Jnaananjana Shalaakyaa

Chakshurunmilitam Yena

Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha]

Translation: I bow to the Guru who, with the torchlight of knowledge, opens the eyes of one blinded by the darkness of ignorance.

This empowering verse helps children overcome fears and face challenges with courage.

Introducing children to these slokas, along with their meanings, nurtures not only their minds but also their spirits. Encourage your child to learn these slokas with love and patience—this practice can become a cherished part of their personal journey toward wisdom and inner tranquility.