Worship and Serve Lord Shri Hari Vishnu: Daily Devotional Practices
Welcome to our guide on how to serve Lord Shri Hari Vishnu daily. In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Shankaracharya advises, 'Namami Bhagavatpada Shankaram Lokashankaram' [I bow to Bhagawan Shankara, the destroyer of ills of the world]. In Kaliyuga, the foremost service one can offer is to chant the name of Sri Hari.
Chanting Sri Hari’s Name
Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama and reciting the Bhagavad Gita are fundamental practices that help keep Shri Hari ever present in your mind and heart. Aquarian Deva, a spiritual leader, writes, 'Bhaja Govindam [Serve Govinda, serve the Lord]'. It is through these acts of devotion that one can offer the most sincere service to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. Regular recitation of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and other divine mantras can purify the heart and awareness.
Living with Devotion
To truly serve Shri Hari, one must cultivate an elevated and unwavering level of devotion. Think of Him as your beloved Lord, and let your devotion be as heartfelt and dedicated as that of Gopi Radha or Meera. Recollecting Lord Vishnu should free your mind of any worldly attachments and be a time of deep and wholesome remembrance. Though chanting and other forms of worship can offer peace and strength, the ultimate service lies in the dedication to the life around you, recognizing that all beings are manifestations of Lord Vishnu himself.
Practical Acts of Service
There are tangible ways to serve Lord Vishnu in your daily routine. Planting and tending to a tree, providing food to animals, and making offerings of water and birdseed are thoughtful acts that promote harmony and care. Furthermore, placing any offering or reverence in a place where it can be bestowed upon all beings, such as on the roof or in sanctuaries, can serve to acknowledge the omnipresence of Lord Vishnu.
Reasons for Service
Some may wonder why Lord Vishnu, as a universal entity, requires human service. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhishma declares, Lord Vishnu 'does not need your help ... living beings are he himself'. The primary purpose of offering service is to contribute to the well-being of others and the world, reflecting the same divine love and order that Lord Vishnu brings into creation. As Lord Vishnu is the creator, destroyer, and savior of the world, it is only through adherence to his principles and the integrity of our own lives that we can truly show our gratitude and serve him.
Guidelines for Serve Lord Vishnu
1. Chant Divine Mantras: Regularly recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, the 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' mantra, and other devotional mantras at least thrice a week.
2. Adhere to Vegetarianism: Lord Vishnu, being a strict deity, blesses only those who follow a vegetarian diet. Embrace this lifestyle to align with His principles as much as possible.
3. Visit Divine Temples: Make pilgrimages to significant temples such as the Thirupathi Venkatesh, Srirangam Ranganatha, and Kerala Padmanabha once a year to pay homage and seek blessings.
4. Control Desires: Master your senses and overcome lust, anger, and other passions. Lord Vishnu only blesses those with good conduct.
5. Respect Family: Show reverence to your father and mother, as exemplified by Prahalada’s respect towards his demonic father, which led to his salvation. Good behavior is essential for receiving blessings from Lord Vishnu.
6. Express Love Through Music: Sing the kritis or spiritual hymns of Purandara Dasa, Thyagaraja, or Annamacharya, as Lord Vishnu has a particular fondness for these songs.
By following these guidelines and integrating these practices into your daily life, you can ensure that you are serving Lord Shri Hari Vishnu with sincerity and devotion. May this guide serve as a stepping stone for your spiritual journey. Jai Sri Krishna Paramatma!