requires special purity, adherence to rules, and proper rituals. This article presents in detail the important methods, regulations, and key facts related to Shiva worship.
1. Importance of Purity in Shiva Worship
Before performing Shiva Puja, one must purify themselves by bathing. If possible, avoid wearing stitched clothes during the ritual.
The worship area should be clean, and one should sit facing either the east or north direction. Taking a vow (sankalp) before starting the puja is essential.
2. Worship Materials and Their Significance
The following materials hold special importance in Shiva worship:
Bhasma, Tripundra, and Rudraksha mala – The devotee should wear these.
Bilva leaves –
Dear to Lord Shiva, but they should be free from holes and damage.
Aak, Dhatura, and Blue Lotus – Among these, the blue lotus is considered the most sacred.
Durva and Tulsi leaves – Worship with Tulsi flowers is considered highly auspicious.
Bhang (Vijaya) – A special offering loved by Lord Shiva.
3. Prohibited Elements in Shiva Worship
Clapping Hands (Kartal Bajana) – It is prohibited during Shiva worship.
Complete Circumambulation (Pradakshina) – One should not complete a full circumambulation of the Shiva Linga but should stop halfway without crossing the water-offering area.
Prohibited Flowers – Flowers such as Kutaj, Nagkesar, Champa, Chameli, Maulsiri, and Kevda should not be offered.
Restrictions on Idols – Worshiping two Shankh (conch shells), two Chakrashilas, two Shiva Lingas, two Ganesh idols, two Surya idols, or three Durga idols together brings misfortune.
4. Rules for Offering Bilva Leaves
Not Considered Stale –
Unlike other leaves, Bilva and Tulsi leaves are not considered stale and can be used the next day.
Restricted Days – One should not pluck Bilva leaves on Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, Amavasya, Sankranti, and Monday.
Cleaning Before Offering –
If fresh Bilva leaves are unavailable, previously offered leaves can be washed and reused.
Sandalwood Application – Before offering, Bilva leaves should be smeared with sandalwood paste and placed upside down.
5. Flowers Dear to Lord Shiva and Their Importance
Dhatura, Madar, Bhang (Vijaya), and Ahifen –
These are particularly loved by Lord Shiva.
Spiritual Significance of Flowers:
One Aak flower is equal to the merit of donating ten gold coins.
1,000 Aak flowers equal one Kaner flower, and so on, with increasing merit leading up to the Datura flower, which is the highest offering.
Method of Offering Flowers –
The flower should face upward and be offered using the middle and ring fingers along with the thumb of the right hand.
6. Lord Shiva – The Supreme God of Gods
Lord Shiva does not desire a royal throne, a crown, or grand temples. He is pleased even with mental devotion. He is the bestower of boons, the universal form, eternal, the embodiment of Brahman, and the supreme lord of all deities.
7. Eight Objects Dear to Lord Shiva
Bhasma (Ash from cremation)
Bhujang (Serpents)
Garal (Halahala poison) – Which turned Him into Neelkanth
Ganga – Residing in His matted locks
Ardhachandra (Crescent Moon) – On His forehead
Rundamala (Garland of bones)
Trishul (Trident) – His divine weapon
Chanting of Lord Rama’s Name – His supreme meditation.
8. The Special Significance of Monday
Observing a fast and worshiping Lord Shiva on Mondays ensures marital bliss, prosperity, and family happiness, particularly for women.
9. Significance and Structure of the Shiva Linga
The Shiva Linga consists of three parts:
Brahma Part – The square base at the bottom
Vishnu Part – The octagonal middle section
Rudra Part – The cylindrical top, which is worshiped
Types of Shiva Lingas
Chal-Pindi – Temporary, created for specific worship and later immersed in water.
Permanent Shiva Lingas – Installed by devotees, sages, or kings.
Swayambhu Shiva Lingas – Naturally occurring and highly powerful.
10. Jyotirlingas – The Divine Manifestations of Shiva
The twelve Jyotirlingas represent the infinite power of Lord Shiva. South-facing Jyotirlingas are considered the most potent.
11. Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is regarded as the crown of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great spiritual significance.
12. Shiva Linga and Shaligram – Representations of the Formless God
Both Shiva Linga and Shaligram symbolize the **nirguna (formless )
Conclusion- truth is shiv, shiv is truth .
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