Rudra Abhishek Puja of Lord Shiva - Sadhgathi

This ritual puja is one of the most common in all Shiva temples. It is also of particular importance at the sites of the great Shiva lingas.

Rudrabhishek is one of the most popular Vedic Hindu rituals to appease the God of Gods, Lord Shiva. This pooja is performed to worship Lord Shiva in one of his most popular Rudra forms. Nevertheless, 108 names of Lord Shiva are chanted during the Rudrabhishek Puja.

Rudrabhishek Mantra

Reciting the Rudrabhishek mantra is used to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. This mantra is also called Rudra Mantra.

ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय । (Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraya)

Who should perform Rudrabhishek?

Here is who should perform Rudrabhishek Puja:

One must perform Rudrabhishek if one wants to get rid of the evil forces in life or the possible dangers in life.

Moreover, one can also perform this puja to attain prosperity and general happiness.

Also, one can perform Rudrabhishek with the motive of having success in business and harmony in personal relationships.

This pooja proves useful for the person who wants to get rid of all health problems.

Moreover, someone who wants to have peace at home can perform this pooja.

Nevertheless, this ritual Abhishek is also a part of Graha Shanti Pooja.

When should I perform the Rudrabhishek Puja?

It is very auspicious to perform Rudrabhishek on a Monday, as this day of the week is for Lord Shiva.

Moreover, Shiva Ratri is also virtuous to perform Rudrabhishek as devotees worship Lord Shiva everywhere during this time.

However, the belief says that one can perform Abhishek at any time after considering the auspicious Muhurat on that day.

Performing Rudrabhishek on important occasions like Graha Pravesh, anniversaries or birthdays is also good.

The month of Shravan is of special importance if one wishes to perform Rudrabhishek.

Shivratri is a festival in honor of Lord Shiva. Therefore, this occasion is very auspicious for Rudrabhishek pooja.

What materials are needed for this pooja?

The main 11 ingredients of the ritual are:

Materials needed -

Ash/Bhasma powder/Vivudhi

Milk

Bhang

Oil

Butter

Sandalwood powder

Fruit juices

Sugar

Honey

Water

Yogurt

These ingredients are usually poured over the Shiva Linga and are said to appease the hot and fiery Lord Shiva.

This helps in invoking the blessings of the Lord. Therefore, this Abhishek is not completed until the said offerings are made to Lord Shiva.

Also, people use many ingredients for the pooja, including a variety of fruits, flowers and all the other things dear to Lord Shiva.

What are the benefits of Rudrabhishek Puja?

Here is the list of benefits of performing this pooja:

It is believed that performing this pooja protects one from all sorts of evils.

It saves one from health and financial dangers that surround a person's life.

The Rudrabhishek ritual is helpful in achieving prosperity in one's career and profession as well.

It helps to remove any evil forces or effects of bad deeds.

The recitation of Sri Rudram during the ritual identifies the 346 desires of people. And one can fulfill them to lead a peaceful daily life.

Moreover, this pooja serves as the ultimate remedy for many planetary doshas.

Rudrabhishek Procedure

Time required: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Here is described how to do Rudrabhishek Puja:

Bathing the Shiv Linga

The Abhishek begins with bathing the Linga with all the ingredients of the ritual, including milk, yogurt, butter and honey.

Decoration of the Shiv Linga

Then the Shiva Linga is decorated with Bel leaves, flowers and Rudraksha.

Recitation of Laghunyasa

The priests perform the Rudrabhishek with the Rudraksha beads by reciting the Laghunyasa (chant for health and healing).

Recitation of Shivopasana Mantra

Next, the Shivopasana mantra for protection from all evils is chanted.

Recitation of the 108 Names of Lord Shiva

Then the recitation of the 108 names of Lord Shiva is performed. It is also known as Ashtottara Shatanamavali.

Recitation of Sri Rudram

Then Sri Rudram is recited, which is a part of chapters 16 and 18 of the Yajur Veda. During the pooja, everyone must be silent and listen to the shlokas and mantras.

Also, chanting Sri Rudram, especially in rhythm, purifies the entire atmosphere and wipes out all sins.