Sanskrit Shlokas for Every Situation
Ancient verses for modern life — study, emotions, daily routines & more
Before Exams
Study & Learningया कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
Transliteration
Ya Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastraavrita
Meaning
O Goddess Saraswati, who is white as a jasmine flower and the moon, bless me with knowledge and wisdom.
When to Use
Recite before starting an exam or study session.
Try This!
Write this shloka on the first page of your new notebook to invite the blessing of knowledge.
Before Eating
Daily Routinesब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्
Transliteration
Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir Brahmaagnau Brahmana Hutam
Meaning
The act of offering is divine, the offering itself is divine. By offering into the divine fire, one reaches the divine.
When to Use
Recite before every meal as a gratitude prayer.
Try This!
Say this shloka with your family before lunch and notice how it changes the pace of eating.
Waking Up
Daily Routinesकराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती
Transliteration
Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi Karamadhye Saraswati
Meaning
At the tip of the fingers resides Lakshmi, in the center Saraswati, and at the base Govinda. Look at your palms every morning.
When to Use
Recite upon waking, before your feet touch the ground.
Try This!
Look at your palms for 10 seconds every morning while reciting this to start the day with gratitude.
Before Sleeping
Prayer & Devotionॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Transliteration
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Meaning
Om, peace in body, peace in mind, peace in spirit. The three repetitions address physical, mental, and spiritual disturbances.
When to Use
Recite three times before closing your eyes at bedtime.
Try This!
Lie down, close your eyes, and chant this slowly three times while breathing deeply to calm your mind.
Feeling Scared
Managing Emotionsअतुलितबलधामं हेमशैलाभदेहम्
Transliteration
Atulita Bala Dhamam Hema Shailaabha Deham
Meaning
Hanuman, whose strength is immeasurable and whose body shines like a golden mountain, destroys all fear and illness.
When to Use
Recite when you feel afraid of the dark, a test, or any unknown situation.
Try This!
Write this verse on a small card and keep it in your pocket as a courage reminder.
Feeling Angry
Managing Emotionsक्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः
Transliteration
Krodhaad Bhavati Sammohah Sammohat Smriti Vibhramah
Meaning
From anger comes delusion, from delusion loss of memory, from that loss of intellect, and then one is destroyed.
When to Use
Recall this when anger rises to understand its destructive chain reaction.
Try This!
Draw the anger chain (anger > confusion > memory loss > destruction) as a poster for your room.
Feeling Lazy
Managing Emotionsनियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः
Transliteration
Niyatam Kuru Karma Tvam Karma Jyayo Hyakarmanah
Meaning
Perform your prescribed duty, for action is superior to inaction. Even the body cannot be maintained without work.
When to Use
Read this when you feel like skipping homework or chores.
Try This!
Set this as your phone wallpaper for one week and see if it nudges you into action.
Feeling Jealous
Managing Emotionsअद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च
Transliteration
Adveshta Sarva Bhutanam Maitrah Karuna Eva Cha
Meaning
One who has no hatred toward any being, who is friendly and compassionate, is dear to the divine.
When to Use
Reflect on this when you envy a friend's success or possessions.
Try This!
Write three things you are grateful for about the person you feel jealous of.
Starting Something New
Prayer & Devotionवक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ
Transliteration
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Meaning
O Ganesha with the curved trunk, massive form, and brilliance of a million suns, remove all obstacles from my path.
When to Use
Chant before starting any new project, school year, or journey.
Try This!
Draw a small Ganesha symbol on the first page of every new notebook or project folder.
Thanking Teachers
Values & Characterगुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः
Transliteration
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah
Meaning
The teacher is Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the transformer. The guru is the supreme divine.
When to Use
Recite on Guru Purnima or whenever you want to honor a teacher.
Try This!
Write a thank-you note to one teacher this week including this shloka's meaning.
Respecting Parents
Values & Characterमातृदेवो भव पितृदेवो भव
Transliteration
Matru Devo Bhava Pitru Devo Bhava
Meaning
Treat your mother as God, treat your father as God. Parents are the first and most important teachers in life.
When to Use
Remember this when you feel frustrated with your parents.
Try This!
Do one unexpected act of service for your parents today without being asked.
True Friendship
Values & Characterसमं सर्वेषु भूतेषु तिष्ठन्तं परमेश्वरम्
Transliteration
Samam Sarveshu Bhuteshu Tishtantam Parameshwaram
Meaning
One who sees the divine equally in all beings — treating friends and foes alike — has true vision.
When to Use
Reflect on this when choosing friends or when friend groups clash.
Try This!
Sit with someone new at lunch this week and practice seeing everyone as equal.
When Bullied
Values & Characterअहिंसा परमो धर्मः धर्म हिंसा तथैव च
Transliteration
Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha
Meaning
Non-violence is the highest duty, but standing up for righteousness is equally important.
When to Use
Remember this when facing a bully — be peaceful but never accept injustice.
Try This!
Discuss with a trusted adult what 'standing up without violence' looks like in your school.
Environment Care
Values & Characterमाता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः
Transliteration
Mata Bhumih Putro'ham Prithivyah
Meaning
The Earth is my mother and I am her child. We must protect and care for her as she cares for us.
When to Use
Recite this before a nature cleanup or tree-planting activity.
Try This!
Plant a seed this week and recite this shloka as you water it every day.
When Confused
Study & Learningकार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः
Transliteration
Karpanya Doshopahata Svabhavah Pricchami Tvam Dharma Sammudha Chetah
Meaning
Overcome by weakness, confused about my duty, I ask you — please tell me clearly what is best for me.
When to Use
When you feel lost or cannot decide, it is okay to ask for guidance.
Try This!
Write down your confusion clearly on paper, then ask a mentor or parent for advice.
Seeking Truth
Prayer & Devotionअसतो मा सद्गमय तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय
Transliteration
Asato Ma Sadgamaya Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya
Meaning
Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.
When to Use
Chant during evening prayer or when you want clarity in life.
Try This!
Light a diya and recite this three times, focusing on one truth you learned today.
Before Sports
Study & Learningकर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
Transliteration
Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana
Meaning
You have the right to perform your duty, but never to its results. Do not let the fruit of action be your motive.
When to Use
Recite before a match or competition to focus on effort, not outcome.
Try This!
Before your next game, say this shloka and set one personal effort goal instead of a score goal.
Feeling Proud
Managing Emotionsअभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः
Transliteration
Abhayam Sattva Samshuddhih Jnana Yoga Vyavasthitih
Meaning
Fearlessness, purity of heart, and steadfastness in knowledge — these are the divine qualities, not pride or arrogance.
When to Use
Reflect on this when a win or achievement makes you look down on others.
Try This!
After every achievement, write one thing someone else helped you with to stay humble.
Missing Someone
Managing Emotionsन जायते म्रियते वा कदाचित्
Transliteration
Na Jayate Mriyate Va Kadachit
Meaning
The soul is never born and never dies. It is eternal, unchanging, and beyond destruction.
When to Use
Find comfort in this when missing a loved one who has passed away.
Try This!
Write a letter to the person you miss, sharing a happy memory, and keep it in a special box.
Before Travel
Daily Routinesॐ गं गणपतये नमः सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये
Transliteration
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah Sarva Vighnopa Shantaye
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, may all obstacles in my journey be removed.
When to Use
Recite before starting any journey or trip.
Try This!
Say this mantra three times before leaving home and touch the doorstep with respect.
Seeking Wisdom
Study & Learningतद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया
Transliteration
Tad Viddhi Pranipatena Pariprashnena Sevaya
Meaning
Learn the truth by approaching a wise teacher with humility, inquiry, and service.
When to Use
Remember this when seeking knowledge — approach teachers with respect and curiosity.
Try This!
Ask one genuine, thoughtful question to your teacher after class today.
Feeling Hopeless
Managing Emotionsसर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज
Transliteration
Sarva Dharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja
Meaning
Abandon all worries and surrender to the divine. I shall liberate you from all suffering — do not grieve.
When to Use
When everything feels overwhelming, surrender your worries and trust the process.
Try This!
Write your biggest worry on a paper, fold it, place it before a deity or in nature, and let it go.
Gratitude
Prayer & Devotionसर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः
Transliteration
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayah
Meaning
May all be happy, may all be free from illness. May all see goodness and may no one suffer.
When to Use
Recite as a closing prayer after puja or before bed to send good wishes to all.
Try This!
Teach this shloka to a friend or sibling and recite it together at dinner tonight.
Self-Confidence
Managing Emotionsउद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्
Transliteration
Uddhared Atmanatmanam Natmanam Avasadayet
Meaning
Elevate yourself by your own effort. Do not degrade yourself — you are your own best friend and your own worst enemy.
When to Use
Recite when self-doubt creeps in or when you compare yourself to others.
Try This!
Stand in front of a mirror, recite this shloka, and name three strengths you are proud of.
Forgiveness
Values & Characterक्षमा वीरस्य भूषणम्
Transliteration
Kshama Veerasya Bhushanam
Meaning
Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave. Only the truly strong can forgive.
When to Use
Remember this when holding a grudge feels easier than forgiving.
Try This!
Think of one person you are upset with and mentally say 'I forgive you' three times.
Discipline
Study & Learningनात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः
Transliteration
Natyashnatastu Yogo'sti Na Chaikantam Anashnatah
Meaning
Yoga (success) is not for one who eats too much or too little, sleeps too much or too little. Balance is key.
When to Use
Use this as a reminder when your routine goes out of balance.
Try This!
Create a daily schedule that balances study, play, food, and sleep, and follow it for 3 days.
Before Puja
Prayer & Devotionॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Transliteration
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. We invoke him first before any sacred ritual.
When to Use
Chant at the very beginning of any puja or havan.
Try This!
Ring a bell and chant this mantra 3 times to signal the start of your home puja.
Compassion
Values & Characterदया धर्म का मूल है पाप मूल अभिमान
Transliteration
Daya Dharm Ka Mool Hai Paap Mool Abhimaan
Meaning
Compassion is the root of dharma (righteousness), and pride is the root of sin.
When to Use
Recall this when you see someone in need or when ego takes over.
Try This!
Do one act of kindness today for someone who cannot repay you.
Courage
Managing Emotionsतस्मात्त्वमुत्तिष्ठ यशो लभस्व
Transliteration
Tasmat Tvam Uttishtha Yasho Labhasva
Meaning
Therefore arise, O Arjuna, and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a prosperous kingdom.
When to Use
Read this when you need the courage to face a challenge head-on.
Try This!
Before a tough challenge, stand tall, take three deep breaths, and say 'Uttishtha' (Arise!).
Evening Prayer
Daily Routinesदीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म दीपज्योतिर्जनार्दनः
Transliteration
Deepajyotih Parabrahma Deepajyotir Janardanah
Meaning
The light of the lamp is the supreme Brahman, the light of the lamp is Lord Vishnu. I bow to this sacred light.
When to Use
Recite while lighting the evening lamp at your home altar.
Try This!
Light a diya at sunset, recite this shloka, and sit quietly for one minute watching the flame.