Rudrabhishek
How the abhishek is performed, stage by stage
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the Rudrabhishek: from the opening sankalpa, through the bathing of the Shivling with the panchamrit while the Rudra hymns are chanted, to the aarti and prasad.
Preparation & Sankalpa
The Shivling (or an image of Lord Shiva) is placed on the altar with a lit lamp and the kalash. The family takes a sankalpa, a short vow stating their name, the day, and the purpose of the worship.
Ganesh Puja
Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove any obstacles, with offerings of roli, rice, flowers and a sweet.
Kalash Sthapana
The kalash, a pot of water topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is established as the seat of the divine, and the holy waters are invoked into it.
Invocation of Lord Shiva as Rudra
Lord Shiva is invoked upon the Shivling in his form as Rudra, and welcomed with the traditional honours: sandalwood, flowers, incense and a lamp.
The Abhishek
The heart of the ritual: the Shivling is bathed, in turn, with each substance of the panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar), followed by Ganga jal, while the Rudra hymns of the Yajurveda are chanted continuously.
Offerings to Lord Shiva
After the bath, Lord Shiva's most beloved offerings are made: bilva (bael) leaves, offered whole and unbroken in odd numbers, along with dhatura, flowers and abeer.
Aarti
The worship is completed with the aarti: circling a lit lamp before the Shivling while the family sings in praise of Lord Shiva.
Prasad
The prasad is offered to Lord Shiva and then shared with everyone present, carrying his blessings of peace and well-being.
