Before learning about the mystical Shiva Lingam, if you are curious about who Lord Shiva is, In Hinduism, Shiva is one of the supreme deities, playing a key role alongside Brahma and Vishnu known as "Tridev". Together, they represent the cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and destruction within the universe to maintain balance in the world. Lord Shiva is often called ‘the destroyer,’ and his role surrounds much more than destruction. Shiva’s destruction is constructive, symbolizing the removal of old habits and attachments and leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
Deep Significance of Worshipping Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is also known as a Yogi, who meditates for the happiness of the universe on Kailash Parvat and lives with his consort Goddess Parvati, and their children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Regular worship brings peace and prosperity in your life, removing hurdles in your personal and work life. It strengthens mental stability and gives relief from anxiety and stress. Chanting Lord Shiva's mantra works as a healer, promotes health and healing, curing physical and mental illness. Apart from this, the Shiva Lingam offers protection from negative energies, evil, and black magic, and brings peace to your place. If you are planning to buy shiva lingam stone, check it at Cottage9.
What is the Meaning of Shiva Lingam?
What Should We Offer in Shiva Puja?
Bel (Bilva) leaves: People who offer bel leaves are believed to please Lord Shiva immensely.
Abhishekam with water & milk: It’s a ritual of bathing the Shiva Lingam with water & milk which symbolizes purification.
Fruits, flowers & sweets: Many devotees offer fresh fruits, vibrant flowers, and sweets in Shiv puja to show respect and devotion.
Lightening agarbatti or diya: Lighting Agarbatti and lamps (Diyas) is part of the Shiva puja to create a blessed and serene environment.
Where to Keep Shivling at Home?
- Avoid keeping Lord Shiva’s idol or picture under stairs
- Never keep the Shivling near the end of the bed
- Do not keep the dancing shiva of Nataraja form of him in your home
- Restrict from keeping more than one photo of Shiva in your house
- You should keep the sitting Shiva photo in your home as it is his calmest form
- You can also keep Shiv Parivar photo in your house
How to Make Puja Ghar at Home?
If you are planning to set up a Shiva temple at home, it's important to keep it correctly. Follow these steps:- Choose a clean place: Choose a pure, quiet, and peaceful spot in your home and place should be free from disturbances and ideally face east or north.
- Placing the Idol or Picture: Place a statue or image of Lord Shiva or a Shiva Lingam at the center of the altar. But make sure it is at a respectful height, usually eye level when seated.
- Arranging Puja Items: Bring all necessary puja items like a bell, water vessel, plate for puja, and a lamp to do prayer.
How to Perform the Puja?
Before starting the puja, personal hygiene is really important. Every devotee needs to take a bath to cleanse yourself physically. Wear clean clothes and prefer white or light-colored clothes, highly recommended.
- Lighting the Lamp and Incense Sticks: Begin by lighting a lamp (diya) and incense sticks. The light symbolizes knowledge, and the incense purifies the air and mind.
- Abhishekam: Perform Abhishekam by pouring water and then milk over the Shiva Lingam. This act of bathing is symbolic of purification and reverence. You can also use other substances like honey, yogurt, and ghee.
- Offering Bel Leaves: Place three-leafed Bel leaves on the Shiva Lingam. Each leaf represents the three eyes of Shiva, and this offering is said to bring his blessings.
- Offering Fruits, Flowers, and Sweets: Arrange fresh fruits, flowers, and sweets on a plate and offer them to Lord Shiva. Each offering is made with devotion and respect.
- Performing aarti: Light the camphor or aarti lamp and perform the aarti by circling it in front of the Shiva idol or Lingam while singing the aarti song. This signifies the culmination of the puja.
- Offering Prasad: Conclude the puja by offering prasad to Lord Shiva and then distributing it among family members. Prasad symbolizes the divine blessing shared with the devotees.
Why Should We Do Lord Shiva Puja?
- To destroy negativity: Shiva is known for his power to destroy evil forces and negative energies. By performing Shiva Puja, devotees seek to cleanse their minds and surroundings of negativity.
- For blessings: Devotees believe that worshiping Shiva brings blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity.
- To improve spiritual growth: Shiva is also a symbol of supreme consciousness. Regular worship is said to help in spiritual development and attaining Moksha (liberation).
- Special festivals: Shiva Puja is particularly significant during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, a major Hindu festival that celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati.
Benefits of Lord Shiva Puja
Lord Shiva is worshipped in the month of Shravan. Devotees engage in meditation and yoga as it has a positive impact on the mind, body, and soul. Shiva Puja at home also benefits one to gain salvation or moksha after their death.
Devotees can greatly benefit by worshipping Lord Shiva as it brings wealth and prosperity to the family. One can perform the Rudrabhishek with panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, powder, and ghee).
Solution for Graha Dosha
Worshipping god shiva lingam protects one from the negative effects of Graha Dosha such as Shani Dosha. One should perform “Rudrabhishek Puja” during “Shravan Somwar” for physical and spiritual welfare.
Marriage
As per Hindu beliefs, single women who worship Lord Shiva during the Shravan month get the desired life partner or a partner like Lord Shiva. Single women should observe the “Solah Somvar Vrat” (Fasting for 16 Mondays) to please Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Whether it’s spiritual growth, personal wellness, or familial harmony, the regular practice of Shiva Puja at home can be a source of immense positivity and strength.