Why do we pour milk on Lingam?

As part of Maha Shivaratri’s Abhishekam, the Shiva linga, a signifier of Shiva’s abundant power is given a ritualistic bath. According to Shiva Purana on the eve of Maha Shivaratri, the devotees bathe the linga with milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sandalwood paste while chanting ‘Om Namaha Shivay’.

Why we Abhishek milk on shivling?

In order to calm Shiva, he is offered soothing ingredients like milk and honey. To soothe his throat, ingredients like honey, milk and curd are offered on the shivling. There is also a reason why people stay awake on Shivratri. After Lord Shiva drank the venom, gods were advised to keep him awake during the night.

What can I do with abhishekam milk?

Chant Om Namah Shivaya or the 108 names of Lord Shiva while performing the abhishekam. Then offer a small bowl of raw milk. Follow this step by offering some water again. And this is done to cleanse the Shiva Linga.

Can we put milk on shivling?

Abhishekam performed on Shivalingam made of mercury gives good results according to sanathana dharma. However, milk or any other substance that was poured on mercury surface is poisnous. Hence one should not consume Milk /any substance offered to mercury shivalingam.

Why do we pour water on Shivling?

Wherever the Shivalinga is worshipped, it is known to purify and clean the atmosphere there. Even the bad energy in that atmosphere is destroyed. Now, since these hot energies are constantly passing through Shivalinga, it becomes very hot and hence, constant pouring of water or milk is needed for keeping it cool.

Where should shivling face?

The Shiva Linga should always be placed facing the North direction . That means the out- let of any liquid poured on Shiva Linga should be in North direction. Worshipping the Shiva linga facing East or North direction is consider auspicious .

What is Shiva Abhishek and how to do it?

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.

How to do ablution in a linga?

Keeping the well-ground flour of rice and other grains, black mustard and salt in one or five shallow earthen plates or in the vajra-like plate made of cow-dung or in such other vessels, the Guru should besmear these over the Linga and then perform the ablution with warm water, perfumed water and unguents.

Why do we pour water over Shiva Lingam?

It is believed that Lord Shiva is the happiest around water. This is one of the reasons why a vessel is hung over the lingam in temples from which water keeps dripping out. You can offer your respect to Shiva by pouring water or milk over the lingam or Shivling, especially on Monday.

What are the ingredients used in Abhishek mantra?

Shiv Ling Abhishek is done with the prescribed 11 ingredients: Gingely oil. Panchgavya (mixture of five ingredients ie milk, yogurt or yoghurt, ghee and cow’s urine) Panchaamrit (mixture of five ingredients – milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar candy)