Bhagvan can be saarthi, but battle is for our own to fight. Because, however capable be our idea of God, Karma is individualistic, nobody can own it for us. 3) it doesn’t ask for one time gratification, but seeks equipment that will come handy in all our endeavours. I love this one for multiple reasons 1) though very simple, when you chant it, you can feel it (experience for yourself) 2) the very idea God in vedic philosophy – as an all pervading passive excellence – that can rub off on us if meditated upon. Word meaning: असि -> You are, मयि -> in me, धेहि -> put, imbue, तेजस् – radiance, force, वीर्यम् – Valour, बलम् – strength, ओजस् – vitality, मन्यु – zeal, सह -will/persistence. Put these together and you can translate it yourself very easily (or refer the image). Sample this one – this shloka addressed to Indra in Shukla Yajurveda, in very simple sanskrit. Gayatri is intelligence, hence intelligence she can grant.
The Gayatri Mantra most of us already know, where in the request is made to Gayatri – the radiant one, the giver of Life – to illuminate the pleader’s intellect.
The “Chamakam” of Sri Rudram is one the best examples of this. Well being of self and society is pivotal for upholding Dharma. Mahabharat Draupadi MahabharathamMahabharat Title Song with SubtitlesLyrics : Hain Katha Sangram ki viswa ke Kalyan kiDharm adharm adhi AnantSatya asatya. They were people of many desires and weren’t shy of putting it out there. Our ancestors were exemplary in this art of “Prarthana”. What can one request for? End or Means? While one can “ask for” ends, can someone really “grant” it? Hence, prarthna also reflects our idea of that to whom the request is being made To whom should an entreaty be made? Going to a sabji wala to buy shaadi ka lehenga is futile, as is seeking fairness and objectivity from elite MSM journalists… ah well! One can only grant what it is or has. Across, cultures, since times immemorial, Man has prayed to the concept of God (or his understanding of it), for the fulfilment of his desires or abatement of his fears.