Here is a collection of how different faiths and regions around the world have prayed for rain for centuries. Each one sees rain as more than water — as mercy, blessing, and life itself.
1. Hindu Dharma – India
Prayers to Varuna, Indra, and Parjanya – guardians of water and rain.
Mantra:
Om Parjanyaya Namaha / Om Varunaya Namaha
Vrishti Me Dehi Varuna
From Rig Veda – Parjanya Sukta (5.83):
Abhi krandaya stanaya garbham aa dhaa, udanvata pari diya rathena
Roar, thunder, deposit your embryo of water, fly around with your water-laden chariot.
Villages still perform Varuna Japam, Jal Abhishek on Shivlinga, and Yagnas for rain.
2. Buddhism – India, Tibet, Southeast Asia
Not a prayer to a rain-god, but a prayer for balance of nature.
May the Naga kings who hold the waters be pleased.
May timely rain fall, may crops grow, may all beings be free from famine.
Om Vajra Nagas, Varsha Siddhi Hum
In Thailand and Myanmar, monks chant the Vassavalāhaka Sutta for gentle rains.
3. Jainism
Khamemi Savve Jiva, may all beings be happy. If our actions have disturbed the elements, we ask forgiveness. May the clouds pour in balance, may life be sustained.
4. Sikhism – Punjab
Included in Ardas:
Sarbat da bhala. Akaal Purakh, mehar karo, lod anusaar meeh bakhsho.
O Eternal One, have mercy, grant us rain as needed, for the welfare of all.
5. Islam – Worldwide
Salat al-Istisqa – The Prayer for Rain prayed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Done in open fields.
Allahumma asqina ghaythan mughithan, mari’an mari’a, nafi’an ghaira darrin, ‘ajilan ghaira ajilin.
O Allah, give us rain that rescues us, pleasant, wholesome, beneficial not harmful, quickly not delayed.
Also: Allahumma aghithna – O Allah, shower us.
6. Christianity
Catholic / Orthodox:
O God, who makest the clouds to rise and the rain to descend, grant us abundant rains for our necessities and preserve the fruits of the earth.
Protestant – Book of Common Prayer:
O gracious Father, who openest Thy hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness; Send us rain in due season.
In many parts of Africa and Latin America, processions with the cross are taken to fields.
7. Judaism – Israel / Worldwide
From the Amidah prayer, added from Sukkot to Passover:
Mashiv ha-ruach u-morid ha-gashem
You cause the wind to blow and the rain to fall.
Veten tal u-matar livracha
Grant dew and rain for a blessing upon the face of the earth.
8. Zoroastrianism – Persia / India (Parsi)
Prayer to Tishtrya, the star deity of rain:
We honor Tishtrya, the bright and glorious star, who brings the waters from the sea to parched lands. May waters flow, may plants grow.
9. Shinto – Japan
Prayer to Ryu-jin, the dragon kami of rain:
Ryu-jin-sama, kami of sea and cloud, we humbly ask you to let the blessed rain fall upon our rice fields. Kome no megumi wo.
Farmers offer rice and sake at shrines during Amagoi rituals.
10. Taoism / Chinese Folk Religion
Prayer to the Dragon Kings:
Long Wang, Lord of Rain, hear our voices. Open the heavens, let the gentle rain nourish the ten thousand things.
11. Native American
Hopi and Zuni (Southwest US) – Rain Dance Prayer:
Our Father Sky, our Mother Earth, hear the footsteps of our dance. Let the clouds come from the four directions, let the corn grow tall.
Lakota:
Wakan Tanka, Grandfather, you who make the thunder, send your waters to us.
12. African Traditional Religions
Yoruba (Nigeria) – to Oshun and Oya:
Oya, mother of winds, bring the clouds. Oshun, mother of sweet waters, let the earth drink.
Maasai (Kenya/Tanzania):
Enkai Narok, God who is Black like the rain clouds, bring your black clouds over us.
13. Australian Aboriginal
No fixed text, but a prayer to the Rainbow Serpent: Great Rainbow Serpent, you who sleep in the waterholes, wake and travel through the sky, bringing the rain song to the land.
14. Indigenous South America – Andes
Prayer to Pachamama and Illapa (thunder god): Pachamama, Illapa, we give you chicha and coca. Send us your rain, that our potatoes and quinoa may live.
A universal way to pray if you want to include all:
Whatever name You are called – Varuna, Allah, God, Waheguru, Enkai, Ryu-jin – You know the thirst of this land. Let the heavens open not in anger but in mercy. Give us rain enough to drink, to grow, and to share.
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