Why do we do Abhishek?

Shiva Abhishek is a way of offering respect to Shiva; by pouring water or milk over the lingam or the shivling. You can also use items like ghee, curd, honey, sandalwood, etc to perform Shiva Abhishek; each of them have their own benefits.

Why do we do Abhishek of Shiva?

Shiva Abhishekam is usually performed to a Lingam representing his manifestation as a creator of good (by destroying evil). In many temples, there is a vessel hung over the Lingam called thaara paathra, that continuously drips water or other offerings onto the Lingam in deference to Shiva’s desire for Abhisheka.

When should we do Abhishekam?

Lord Shiva was said to have swallowed poison emanating from the churning of the ocean, after which he put the Moon on his head to cool it, so it is auspicious to do this ritual on Moon-ruled Mondays. You can also do Abhishekam on Pradosham days.

Can we do Abhishekam at home?

To perform the Abhishekam at home, you would need a Shiva Linga made of Pancha Dhatu or Ashta Dhatu or Brass. Respectfully place the Shiva Linga on a brass or copper plate on the altar in your house. You may also place the idol of Nandi in front of the Linga. Begin the abhishekam by offering water.

Why milk is used in abhishekam?

The toxic level of the poison was enormous, hence to calm down its impact, the Devtas performed Ganga Abhishek on Lord Shiva. The Milk Abhishekam done by Shiva devotees is believed to be a symbolic representation of the epic episode helmed by the Devtas to express their gratitude to the mighty Lord Shiva.

What is the meaning of Abhishekam?

Abhishekam is a Sanskrit word meaning “sprinkling” or “wetting,” and refers to the Hindu ritual of pouring water or other sacred substances on a statue of a deity while also chanting mantras.

Why milk is used for abhishekam?

As part of Maha Shivaratri’s Abhishekam, the Shiva linga, a signifier of Shiva’s abundant power is given a ritualistic bath. While the objective of pouring milk on the linga is an act of purification of one’s soul, other legends indicate that it is offered for its soothing effects on the hot-tempered deity.

How do Rudra Abhishekam?

Light the dhoop, followed by a lamp or Diya and shower Bhasma, Bel Patra, Durva, flowers while ringing the bell. Then cleanse your hand and offer fruits, paan, supari, laung and elaichi, dakshina etc. Keep chanting OM Namah Shivaya during the rudrabhishek. You can also chant the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra.