Bedtime is not just about switching off the lights; it is also when the mind replays the entire day. To set the mind at peace, many elderly in Indian families follow a simple practice: chanting shlokas. While we have often seen grandparents follow this tradition, it is an effective way that can even help children wrap up the day peacefully. For children, chanting simple shlokas before bedtime can become a powerful ritual. Parenting coach Vidhi (@old.school.parenting) recently shared some of these shlokas for children. Here are 5 bedtime shlokas parents can teach children to help them end the day with positive thoughts and sleep peacefully.
1. Prayer to Lord Krishna
Shloka: Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane Pranata: Kleshanashaya Govindaya Namo Nama:
This is a prayer to Lord Krishna, asking the divinity to remove all worries, difficulties, and fears from life. Benefits: This shloka can help children who feel anxious. It encourages a feeling of trust, surrender, and inner security.
2. Om Namo Narayanaya
Shloka: Om Namo Narayanaya
This shloka is a prayer to Lord Narayana. It is easy for children to remember. For children who feel anxious at night, chanting this shloka can help them feel calm and composed. When practiced daily, this shloka can create a soothing and repetitive bedtime rhythm.
3. Om Namah Shivaya
Shloka: Om Namah Shivaya
“I bow to Lord Shiva,” this shloka says. Often associated with strength and balance, this mantra can give kids the power to fight all worries. Parents can also participate along with children in chanting shlokas, because a peaceful atmosphere provides a better space for children.
4. Shloka for Protection
Shloka: Rama Skandam Hanumantam Vainateyam Vrukodaram Shayane yah smaren nityam Duhswapnam tasya nashyati
Reciting this shloka before sleep can provide a sense of protection because it remembers Lord Rama and Hanuman. Since many children feel fear before bedtime due to darkness and silence, chanting this shloka can help them feel secure and overcome fears.
5. Shloka for Gratitude and Well-being
Shloka: Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayah Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu Ma Kashchid Duhkha Bhag Bhavet.
The meaning of this shloka is: “May everyone be happy, may everyone be healthy, may everyone see goodness, and may no one experience sorrow.” This shloka teaches children gratitude. If children chant this regularly, they understand that wishing happiness for everyone nurtures their own happiness too.
Making Bedtime More Meaningful
A bedtime ritual does not need to be complicated. A few minutes every night can bring about a special moment for both parents and children. Over time, these simple practices can become lifelong memories, carrying the warmth of family traditions wherever they go.
