Maha Shivratri 2025: Follow these 7 rituals while performing Shivling abhishekam on February 26, 2025

Maha Shivratri 2025: Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 26, 2025. It is a holy night dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most respected gods in Hinduism. This festival marks the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and represents spiritual growth and wisdom.

Devotees celebrate this special day by performing rituals like Shivling Abhishekam to feel closer to God. Always sit while offering water. Standing is believed to reduce the ritual¡¯s effectiveness. Sitting shows humility and helps in deepening your connection with Lord Shiva.

Here are seven important rituals to follow while performing Shivling Abhishekam on Maha Shivratri 2025.

1. Preparation and Sankalp

To begin the Maha Shivratri celebrations, devotees wake up early in the morning to take a holy bath. This act symbolises purification of both body and soul, preparing oneself for spiritual practices throughout the day. After bathing, devotees often wear clean clothes, traditionally white or light-colored garments. They then set up a puja altar at home or visit Shiva temples to offer prayers.

• Sankalp: Before starting any rituals, it is a common practice to take a Sankalp (promise) to dedicate oneself to spiritual practices during Maha Shivratri. This includes staying away from worldly desires and focusing on devotion.

2. Abhishekam with Milk

Milk is one of the most sacred substances used in Abhishekam rituals during Maha Shivratri. It represents purity and nourishment for spiritual growth. Pouring milk symbolizes cleansing and renewal, helping devotees purify their souls.

• Significance: In Hindu mythology, milk is associated with abundance and prosperity. Offering milk during Abhishekam is believed to bring blessings from Lord Shiva for well-being and prosperity.

Did you know? Always face north when offering Milk to the Shivling. This direction is linked to Goddess Parvati, who resides on Lord Shiva¡¯s left side. Facing north brings blessings from both.

3. Abhishekam with Honey

Honey is another important substance used in Abhishekam rituals as it symbolises sweetness and devotion. It represents the nectar that flows from divine sources, offering spiritual bliss.

• Benefits: Honey has healing properties valued in Ayurveda. In the same way, its use in rituals symbolizes adding sweetness to life through devotion.

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4. Abhishekam with Water

Water holds immense significance as it cleanses both physically and spiritually before other substances are applied during Abhishekam. It symbolises purification from past sins or negative energies accumulated over time.

• Ritual Significance: Water baths are often performed first because they cleanse the Shivlinga before more offering substances like milk or honey are applied.
• Rule: Always use clean water. Do not mix flowers, herbs, or any other materials, as this affects the water¡¯s purity. Pure water helps in forming a stronger spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.

Did you know? Never use a conch shell to offer water. As per legends, Lord Shiva killed the demon Shankhchud, and people believe conch shells are made from his bones. Using a conch shell can cancel the benefits of your offering.

5. Offering Bilva Leaves

Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) hold great significance in Shiva worship due to their association with Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar¡ªthree aspects of cosmic existence represented by Lord Shiva himself

• Mythological Significance: According to mythology, Bilva leaves were dearer than thousands of other offerings combined because they represent all three aspects (creation-preservation-destruction) embodied by Lord Shiva.

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6. Lighting Diyas & Incense Sticks

Creating an auspicious atmosphere involves lighting Diyas (earthen lamps) around your puja area while performing or after completing Abhishekam rituals

• Spiritual Significance: Lighting Diyas symbolises dispelling darkness within oneself through enlightenment gained by worshipping Lord Shiva.

Incense sticks add fragrance that purifies both body and mind further enhancing devotional ambiance:

• Incense sticks clear negative energies and create a peaceful atmosphere for meditation or prayer, helping devotees connect with Lord Shiva's divine presence.

7. Chanting Mantras During Puja

Reciting powerful mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya" repeatedly throughout your puja session connects you spiritually with Lord Shiva¡¯s energies.

Other powerful mantras include "Shiv Panchakshari" ("Namah Shivaya"), which brings protection from evil forces; "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra," believed to guard against untimely death; and "Shiv Rudrashtak Stotram," which deeply honors Lord Shiva¡¯s cosmic dance, Tandava.

The best time to perform Abhishekam is between 5 AM and 11 AM. Avoid offering water in the evening, as it reduces the ritual¡¯s effectiveness.

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