The Price of Progress: The Impact of Pollution on Kids' Development
Nov 07, 2024By Nisha Baheti
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.
Morning Prayers for a Positive Start
1. Saraswati Vandana
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.
2. Guru Pranam
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.
3. Morning Protection Prayer
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.
Slokas for Character-Building
4. The Value of Truth
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.
5. Universal Peace
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.
6. Protection From Negative Energy
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.
Slokas for Daily Discipline
7. Before Meals
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.
8. Before Sleep
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.
Slokas for Academic Success
9. For Sharp Memory
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.
Slokas for Building Confidence
10. Self-Empowerment
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.
11. For Inner Strength
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.
Slokas for Environmental Awareness
12. Earth Prayer
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.
Slokas for Health and Wellness
13. For Good Health
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.
Slokas for Mental Clarity
14. For Clear Thinking
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.
15. For Clarity
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.
Slokas for Social Values
16. Respect for Parents
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.
17. Unity in Diversity
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.
Slokas for Emotional Balance
18. For Inner Peace
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.
19. For Happiness
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.
20. For Courage
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.
Conclusion
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.
