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1-Shiv Poojaa-1

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1-Shiv Poojaa-1
See also Shiv Mantra     Shiv Poojaa-2

Shiv Poojaa is the name of the action by which one worships Shiv through traditional and ancient rites with the use of Mantra, Tantra, Kriyaa (actions), Mudraa (postures), and Abhishek (offerings). Shiv is said to be an Abhishek Priya (Abhishek means cleansing with holy water and Priya means beloved) Devtaa. Tantra are not given here. Kriyaa means Abhishek,

Shiv Abhishek (Rudra Abhhishek)
Shiv Abhishekam is usually performed to a Lingam representing his manifestation as a creator of good (by destroying evil). In many temples, one finds a vessel hung over the Lingam, that continuously drips water or other offerings onto the Lingam in deference to Shiv's desire for continuous Abhishek. Some of the common items used for Shiv Abhishek are :----

1. Yogurt (Curd)
2. Milk
3. Honey
4. Tender Coconut Water
5. Vibhuti (holy ash)
6. Panchaamrit (Curd based delicacy consisting of Panch (5) items: Milk, Sugar, Ghee (clarified butter), Honey, curd)
7. Banana
8. Sandalwood Paste
9. Ghee (Clarified butter)
10. Pure water or Holy water

Since Lord Shiv is said to wear Naageshwar (Snake God) as an ornament around his neck, it is said that the fragrance of Aloe (which attracts snakes) is also a very holy item to be used for the worship of Shiv.

In contrast, it said that Lord Vishnu is Alankaar Priya (Desirous of ornamentation), hence Vishnu Sthal (places of worship of Lord Vishnu) have elaborately carved idols of Vishnu with the Alankaar (decoration) ceremony, being a very elaborate ritual.

In any discussion of Hinduism, it is important to remember that these rituals are an offshoot of the interpretation of Ved, the holy text of Hindu. These texts by themselves do not outline the deities or rituals for their worship thereof.

Shiv Abhishek According to Krishn Yajur Ved
according to Krishan Yajur Ved, the following 11 items for Abhishek, each item for each Anuvaak, to Sadaa Shiv Mahadev should be offered in this order ---

(1) Cow Milk – All-round happiness;
(2) Cow yogurt – health;
(3) Cow ghee – financial prosperity;
(4) Sugarcane juice (or candy) – destruction of sorrow;
(5) Honey – Tejo Vriddhi;
(6) Coconut water – Sarv Sampadaa Vriddhi;
(7) Bhasm – Destruction of great sins;
(8) Sandal wood water – Sons' prosperity;
(9) Pushpodak – Bhoo Laabh;
(10) Bilvajalam – Bhog and Bhagya;
(11) Doorvodakam – Nasht Dravya Praapti;
(12) Sesame Oil – Apa Mrityu Haram;
(13) Rudraakshodak – Mahaa Aishwaryam;
(14) Gold water – Destruction of Daridra;
(15) Rice – Raajya Praapti;
(16) Grape Juice- Sakal Kaarya Jayam;
(17) Dates (Khajoor) juice – destruction of both internal and external enemies;
(18) Black Apples – Renunciation;
(19) Kastooree Water – Kingdom;
(20) Nav Ratan Jal – Dhaanya, Griha development;
(21) Mango Juice – Destruction of long ailments;
(22) Turmeric water – Mangalprad

and this is the order.

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God.  "Mantra is sacred word. Heard by ancient seers in the depths of theirs meditations, Mantra or holy word is Divine presence in the form of sound. Chanting Mantra stills the mind, uncovers the light of the soul, and infuses the heart with Divine intelligence.

Shat Rudreeya Chant

Shraavan Maas Poojaa
The whole Shraavan Maas is said to be the Maas for Shiv Poojaa. The main Shraavan Poojaa is the worship of Shiv Ling with Gangaa Jal and worship material which includes :- water, milk, yogurt, sugar, ghee, honey, clothes, Janeoo (Yagyopaveet), Rolee, rice, flowers, Bel leaves, Bhang, Dhatooraa, lotus flowers, Prasaad, betel leaves, nuts, cloves, cardamom, dry fruits etc. Many Shiv devotees observe strict fast for the whole month of Shraavan and many observe only on Mondays. People abide by different vows during the month like having only vegetarian food, reading a particular Holy Scripture on all days of the month. Worshipping Lord Shiv on every Monday of this month fulfills all wishes of a person as Lord Shiv can be easily pleased. The person who observe the Monday fast of Shraavan month, one Pradosh fast and Shiv Raatri fast attains the virtues received by visiting 12 Jyotirling.

Women observe the fast of 16 Monday’s (Solah Somvaar), for the longevity of their married life and happiness of child. Unmarried girls observe this fast to get husband of their choice. Elders of family observe this fast for getting wealth, happiness, wellbeing of their children.

Use of Bel Leaves During Shiv Poojan :
Lord Shiv fulfills the wishes of his devotees, if worshipped with Bel leaves. It is believed, that Shiv resides in the roots of Bel tree. A person who gives water or Gangaa Jal to the Bel tree, he achieves the virtues of visiting all pilgrimages. He receives happiness in this Lok and goes to Shiv Lok after death. If Devotees perform Poojaa and Abhishek of Shiv by offering Bel leaf, sins of three births are removed.

Benefits of Rudraabhishek Performed in Shraavan Month
Mahaa Rudraabhishek along with Yagya is performed during the eve of Shraavan. Shiv is worshiped in his Rudra form, is hailed by all Vaidik scriptures as one of the greatest Poojaa to remove all evils, to attain all desires and for all round prosperity. Rudrabhishek is a form of ritual worship in which a Shiv Ling is bathed with water which is continuously poured over it, to the accompaniment of the chanting of the Vaidik Mantra called the Rudra Sookt. Abhishek is the worshipping ritual of the God in which substances like Cow's milk, Ghee (clarified butter), yogurt (curd), honey, finely ground sugar, sugar cane juice, coconut water, water, rice and similar items, which are believed to be dearer to Shiv are poured on the Shiv Ling.

More than 101 Vaidik Braahman Pandit (priests) assemble and perform the Abhishek of Shiv Ling. The Abhishek starts with the Ganesh Lakshmee Poojan in the morning. Through out the day the Abhishek of Shiv Ling is done with various substances as mentioned above. Thereafter the Bhavya Shringaar of Shiv Ling is done with the lotus flowers and Bilva Patra. At the end of the Yagya 108 Divya Aaartee is performed. This Yagya gives a miracle result to bestow prosperity, fulfillment, and removal of negativities, purify the negative Karm and give the protection in life. The whole event is concluded by Pandit and devotees taking Prasaad.

The Mahaa Rudrabhishk is particularly performed for the sake of washing away ones sins and afflictions, for bringing peace, prosperity and happiness, along with family togetherness. Rudraabhishek protects devotees from evil forces and possible dangers.

Mahamrityunjaya Poojaa
This great Mantra dedicated to Rudra as Mrityunjaya is found in the Rig Ved. It is called the Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra, the Great Death-Conquering Mantra. It is a Mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra Mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiv; the Tryambakam Mantra, alluding to Shiv's three eyes; and it is sometimes known as the Mrit-Sanjeevanee Mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukra after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. The Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Ved. Along with the Gayatri Mantra it holds the highest place among the many Mantra used for contemplation and meditation. The Mahaa Mrityunjay Poojaa is performed for Shiv to protect the person suffering from the illness or to avoid untimely death. Special emphasis is attached to Shiv worship during this Jaap Yagya. This is a long process and a group of Priests/Pandit perform this Mantra's 125,000 Jaap for 11 days to complete and then Havan or Homam take place on the last day. Mahaa Mrityunjaya Poojaa done in the month of Shraavan has special significance and gives best results.

Saadhaaran (Simple) Shraavan Sahayog Poojaa
Remittance for Saadhaaran Shraavan Sahayog Poojaa is Rs 7500; which includes Shree Shiv, Nandee and Naag Poojan, Praan Pratishthaa, Panchopachaar Poojan, naamaavalee, Laghu Mantra Jap, Poorn Aahuti and Hom.
extra charge of Rs 11,000 if performed along with Rudraabhishek
extra charge of Rs 51,000 if performed along with Mahaa Mrityunjaya

Brihad Shraavan Poojaa
Remittances for Brihad Shraavan Poojaa is Rs 11,000 which includes Shri Shiv, Nandee and Naag Poojan, Praan Pratishthaa, Shadopachaar Poojan, Naamaavalee, Brihad Mantra Jap, Poorn Aahuti, Hom and Visarjan.
Extra charge of Rs 5,000  if Poojaa is performed at 12 Jyotir Ling.
extra charge of Rs 25,000 if performed along with Brihad Rudraabhishek
extra charge of Rs 75,000 if performed along with Brihad Mahaa Mrityunjaya

Vishisht Shraavan Poojaa
Remittance for Vishisht Shraavan Poojaa is Rs 15,000 which includes Shri Shiv, Nandee and Naag Poojan, Praan Pratishthaa, Shodashopachaar Poojan, Naamaavalee, Brihad Mantra Jap, Poorn Aahuti, Hom and Visarjan.

Apart from these Maha Mrityunjaya Yantra Poojan and any other specific Taantrik Poojaa as per the requirement.
extra charge of Rs 5,000 (five thousand only) if Poojaa are performed at 12 Jyotir Ling.
extra charge of Rs 51,000 if performed along with Vishisht Rudraabhishek
extra charge of Rs 125,000 if performed along with Vishisht Mahaa Mrityunjaya
-----Just for information for the price trend in India - as on July 2011-----

Special Shraavan Poojaa
--Rudraabhishek
--Mahaa Mrityunjaya - This is believed to be one of the most powerful Yagya, mentioned in Rig Ved and Shiv Puraan, which has the power to bring life back even in a person close to death.

All the above Poojaa also gives benefit in the following:
--To minimize the malefic effect of afflicted Moon.
--To minimize the malefic effect of Shravan Nakshatra and make it powerful and beneficial.
--To have a healthy mind and good spirit.
--People born under Shravan Nakshatra get immense benefit from above Poojaa.

Rudraabhishek
According to Shiv Puraan, Shukla Yajur Ved and Krishn Yajur Ved during Rudraabhishekam 11 items are offered to Param Shiv. These items can be offered during each Anuvaak. Every Bhakt can offer below listed items - milk, yogurt, Ghee, Honey, sugar, lemon juice, coconut juice, mango juice, sugarcane juice and sandalwood water.

The Panch Bhoot are a manifestation of Lord Shiv. They are each represented by the Panch Bhoot Ling.

(1) Earth - Prithvi Lingam (Shree Kaancheepuram)
(2) Air - Vaayu Lingam (Shree Kaalaahastee)
(3) Space - Aakaash Lingam (Chidaambaram)
(4) Fire - Jwaalaa Lingam (Arunaachalam)
(5) Water - Jal Lingam (Jambookeshwaram)

During Rudraabhishekam, we offer items that have significance in each and everyone's life. Listed are the items and their significance. Panchaamrit - Gives Health, wealth & happiness
Cow Milk - All round happiness
Cow Curd (Yogurt) - Health
Cow ghee (Clarified butter) - Financial Prosperity
Sugar- Removes enmity
Honey - Tejo Vriddhi
Coconut water - Sarv Sampadaa Vriddhi, gives enjoyment (increase of your prosperity)
Sandalwood - Children's Prosperity; Lakshmi's Grace
Turmeric water - Mangal Pradam (Auspicious)
Gold water - Destruction of Poverty
Kastooree water - Kingdom
Navratan Jal - Dhaanya, Griha development
Doorvodak (water with fragrant materials) - Nasht Dravya Praapti (finding of lost property)
Rudraakshodak (water with Rudraaksh) - Mahaa Eeshwaryam
Pushpodak (water with flowers) - Bhoo-labh
Bilva Jal (water with Bilva leaves) - Bhaagya Praapti
Grape Juice- Sakal Kaarya Jayam (victory in every aspect of life)
Mango Juice - Destruction of long ailments
Sugarcane Juice - Destruction of Sorrows, Good health
Lemon - Removes fear of death
Rice (cooked) - Raajya Praapti, to be free from debts
Dates - Destruction of both internal and external enemies
Rice Powder - Frees from all kind of debts
Bhasma - Destruction of great sins
Sesame oil - Apa Mrityu Haram (Saves from 5 types of unwanted death)

Some more tips to Shiv Abhishekam
1. Using water poured in Shankh (conch shell) for Abhishek will reduce quarrels between family members and will bring down hysteria.
2. Mustard oil for Abhishek will keep enemies at bay.
3. Using honey will clear throat related problems.
4. Using buttermilk made from cow milk will reduce all health problems and excess heat in body.
5. Using milk + gingelly seeds will clear obstacles and is usually used as a remedy for ill effects of Saturn
6. Using sugarcane juice will give more wealth
7. Mixing milk and honey is the remedy for mental disturbance and love related problems.

 

 

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Created and Maintained by Sushma Gupta
Created on March 15, 2003 and Updated on February 12, 2013
Contact: sushmajee@yahoo.com