How to Perform Shiva Worship

Shaivism is the Hindu tradition devoted to Lord Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is unchanging consciousness and Shakti appears as matter and mind, the changing aspects of consciousness. Shiva worship is performed on festival days such as the day of Shivaraatri. Devotees also worship Shiva daily. Monday is considered to be particularly meaningful to Shaivites.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shaivite teacher
• Linga symbol for home worship
• Sandalwood paste
• Water
• Betel leaves
• Flowers

Salutations to the Graceful Feet of Lord Shiva!

1. 
    

   Worship Shiva's holy symbol, the linga, Shivalinga, by bathing with water and earth. Simply rub the paste on the linga. Chant, "Om Umaamaheshwaraabhyaam Namah Karodwartnaarthem Chandanam Samarpayaami."

2. 
    

   Rub sandalwood paste on the Shivalinga. Bathing the linga and rubbing sandalwood paste is believed to soothe the hot-tempered Shiva.

3. 
    

   Offer fragrant flower petals and betel leaves. Arrange the flowers and leaves around the linga. Recite the chant for this act of worship. (Chants are linked in Additional Resources)

4. 
    

   Place sweets or fruit on a special plate as offering to Shiva. Set plate at the base of the Shivalinga. Chant the appropriate prayer.

5. 
    

   Bathe the Shivalinga with water and milk, Panchagavya. Pour a thin stream on the Shivaling chanting Om Namah Shivaay for 15 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform Shiva worship on Mondays, considered an auspicious day

Resources

• Shivalinga
• Shiva Worship Chants
• Lord Shiva and His Worship Sri Swami Sivananda
• Shiva Worship Information