A Prayer for Strength and Wisdom
A Hindi prayer from the 1986 film Ankush, written by Abhilash, asking God for strength, wisdom and a selfless heart; widely sung in schools.
Verses
Grant us such strength, O Giver, that the faith in our hearts may never waver; may we walk the path of righteousness, and even by mistake, never commit any error.
Verse 1
Drive away the darkness of ignorance, and bestow upon us the light of knowledge; keep us safe from every evil, and give us as good a life as You can grant. Let there be no enmity between anyone, and may no thought of revenge arise in our hearts.
Verse 2
May we not dwell on what we have received, but reflect on what we have offered; may we share the flowers of joy with all, so that everyone’s life becomes a garden of delight. Pour forth the water of Your compassion, and purify every corner of every heart.
Verse 3
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This prayer was written by the lyricist Abhilash for the 1986 Hindi film Ankush, with music by Kuldeep Singh. Though it began as a film song rather than a traditional bhajan, it has become a widely loved prayer in schools, spiritual gatherings and daily devotions. It addresses only an unnamed giver (data), so people of many faiths adopt it. Its plea for light against ignorance echoes the Upanishadic prayer 'from darkness lead me to light' (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28), and its themes are moral courage, inner purity, forgiveness, selflessness and gratitude.
About this Text
Composed by: Abhilash
Did You Know?
Film Origin
This prayer is from the 1986 Hindi film Ankush, with lyrics by Abhilash and music by Kuldeep Singh. It outgrew the film and became a standard school and community prayer.
Themes of Selflessness
The third verse emphasizes gratitude and giving, asking the listener to focus on what they have offered rather than received, and to share happiness so that everyone's life becomes a "garden of honey" (madhuban).
Structure of Prayer
Three six-line stanzas, each moving from personal request to shared wish, and using the plural 'we' throughout. Phrases ending in 'ho na' ('may it not be') repeat the plea in a form that is easy to memorize and sing in groups.
Cultural Impact
This prayer is widely recited in Indian schools, morning assemblies, and spiritual gatherings, reflecting a universal appeal for moral strength, wisdom, and compassion. Its message transcends religious boundaries.
Metaphor of Light and Darkness
In the second verse, the poet uses the metaphor of light (gyan ki roshni) to dispel the darkness of ignorance (ajnan ke andhere), a theme that echoes the Upanishadic prayer 'tamaso ma jyotir gamaya' (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28).
Devi
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