Mahashivratri is one of the most important among the 12 Shivratri in a year. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Lord Shiva has many names. Some call him Mahadev, Shankar others call him Bhole Nath, Shivay, baba and so on. Rudra is one of the popular names of Lord Shiva.
The word Rudra is mentioned in the Vedas and is believed to be focused on the scary, aggressive and destructive side of the nature of Lord Shiva.
Rudra Tandav dance is an example of Lord Shiva’s merciless side of his nature. There are many stories on why Shiva is called Rudra.
On Mahashivratri, Rudra Abhishek is one of the important rituals to perform. Devotees must perform Rudra Abhishek in a correct manner and with pure devotion towards Lord Shiva.
Masik Shivratri January 2022: Puja time, Tithi and Rituals for the day
What is Rudrabhishek puja:
Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of the Shivling (Shiva Lingam), which is found in temples and at home in pula altars Revered by devotees all over the world, Lord Shiva has many names and Rudra is one of them.
The Rudra manifestation of Lord Shiva is fierce and that of the destroyer, worshiping him is done by performing Abhishekam and is the way of worshiping which is the favorite of the Lord.
Rudra Abhishek meaning is the holy bath of the Shivling which is done with offerings of a sacred mixture of liquids like Milk, Gangajal (water of River Ganga Honey Curd (Yogurt), Sugarcane juice, Sandalwood paste, Beipatra or Bawa Patra (Wood Apple tree leaves Aromatic Oils, Flowers (Datura, Akand/Ruljete.
Chanting of Mantras/hymns is an integral part of performing the Shiv Rudrabhishek Rudravishek is considered highly significant amongst Hindus.
The vibrations created during this puja are filled with positive energy.
Things that are to be avoided strictly during Rudrabhishek are Haid, Kumkum, Tuis leaves Coconut water and Kewda/Champa (white flowers)
Ingredients Needed for Rudrabhishek Puja:
Abhisheka liquids – Water mixed with Gangajal and Gulab Jal (Rosewater), unboiled Cow’s Milk, Sugarcane juice/ Fruit juices
Panchamrit which is mix of Cow’s milk(unboiled), Curd (Yogurt), Honey (Shahad), Sugar and Ghee(clarified butter)
Water mixed with Ganges water in an Achamani pot with Kusha grass for sprinkling and a spoon
Dhoop, Incense sticks, Camphor, Ghee lamp
Sandal paste, Aromatic oils, Perfume for offering
Unbroken rice grains (Akshat)
Offerings-Sweets, Clothes, Flowers, Fruits, Bel Patra (Wood Apple tree leaves), Datura, Paan(Betel leaves), Betel Nut, Bel fruit. Coconut
