Shraavan Shiva Pooja : Importance of Rudrabhishek

Rudrabishek is one of the most sacred and powerful forms of Shiva worship. Devotees perform it to invoke the blessings of Rudra, who is a fierce form of Shiva, for self-purification.

 Rudrabhishek is an essential part of Shraavan Shiva Pooja. The Pooja takes place during Shraavan month (July-August), which is special for Shiva.

 Rudra means the God of the roaring storm or hurricane. He is a destructive god. The Rig Veda contains many references to him and says that he has 2 natures, one wild and cruel (Rudra) and the other calm and benign (Shiva). There is a popular hymn dedicated to Rudra in the 4th Kanda of the Taittiriya Samhita in the Yajurveda. It celebrates Shiva as the God of dissolution and is chanted daily in Shiva temples all over India.

 Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, and Bhagavad Gita use the word Rudra to describe the eleven forms of Shiva (Ekadasha-Rudras), who were born to end the cruelty and tyranny of the demons on earth and heaven.

 A Puranic story talks about this incident. Brahma wanted Rudra to create some beings as he found it boring to create ordinary mortals. So Shiva created 11 immortal beings who had the names, Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksa, Vilohita, Ajesha, Shasana, Shasta, Shambhu, Chanda, and Dhruva. Together, they formed the 11 Rudras. As the chief of these immortal beings, Shiva is called Rudra.

 The Origin of Rudra

 The ruler of the Devas, or gods in heaven, was Indra, the god of thunder. He ruled the city of Amaravati Puri. The gods and demons were constantly fighting each other. During one of these battles, the demons defeated Indra and his army. The gods had to flee Amaravati. They approached Sage Kashyap, the father of Indra.

 When Indra narrated the fate that had befallen the gods, Kashyap became very angry. The sage had immense knowledge and powers. Thus, He consoled Indra and assured him that he would find a solution.

 Maharishi went to Kashipuri to meditate and get the darshan of Shiva. He made a Shivalinga and began meditating while chanting his name. After a long time, Shiva gave him darshan and told the sage to ask him for a boon.

 Kashyap told Shiva that the demons had chased the gods from their abode in heaven. He wanted Shiva to be born as his son and bring justice to the gods and become their protector. Shiva replied, “Tathastu!” (So be it). Kashyap was very happy and grateful and returned to his ashram.

 On his return, he explained what transpired to the gods, who were also delighted. After a while, Kashyap’s wife, Surabhi, gave birth to 11 sons. These were the Rudras.

 Rudrabishek Vidhi

 Rudrabhishek begins with the process of purification, which is both physical and mental. It is essential for establishing a connection with divine energies. The devotee then worships Ganesha to remove all obstacles to the ritual.

 The main ritual starts with the worship of the Shivalinga, which is bathed with various holy substances while the devotee chants Vedic Mantras praising Shiva. This ritual is Abishek.

 How to Perform Rudrabishek Pooja?

 The first step is to bathe the Shivalinga ritually using Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water).

 The second step is to adorn the Shivalinga with Rudraksha beads, flowers, and Bel leaves.

 Next, the devotee and the priests recite the Laghunyasam. One can chant along with a mala (prayer beads) or merely listen to the chants attentively.

 In the 4th step, priests recite the Shivopasana Mantra for protection from negativity. One can chant along with the mala or just focus on the chants.

 Next, the priests chant the 108 names of Shiva, called Ashtottara Shatanamavali.

 During the Pooja, the priests recite portions from chapter 16 and chapter 18 of the Yajur Veda. This is called Sri Rudram. Pay attention to the Mantras and Slokas when the priests chant them.

 Pooja Samagri

 The sacred ingredients needed for the Rudrabhishek are given below. Each has its own spiritual significance:

 Belpatra, or the leaves of the bilva tree

 These are very important in Shiva worship. The trifoliate leaves represent the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who are responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction, respectively. Offering Belpatra to Shiva balances the 3 doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which leads to spiritual and physical well-being.

 Raw milk and water

 Milk, symbolizing purity, and water, essential for sustenance, are poured over the Shivlinga. These two elements have a soothing effect on the nervous system and facilitate spiritual cleansing.

 Panchamrit

 This is a mixture of 5 sacred things – milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Each element represents an essential aspect of our being and collectively represents the essence of life. Offering Panchamrit has a reinvigorating effect on our physical and spiritual selves.

 Gangajal

 Gangajal is water from the holy Ganges river. This is poured over the Shivalinga to symbolize purification. Ganga’s descent from Shiva's matted locks represents the redeeming powers of penance and the purification of sins.

 Bhasma/ash

 Bhasma has an important role in the worship of Shiva. Applying Bhasma on the body during the ritual is a reminder of our non-permanence. We are born from dust and return to it. Bhasma signifies the dissolution of the ego, which is essential for spiritual enlightenment.

 Datura

 Both the fruit and flowers of this plant are dear to Shiva. Offering Datura symbolically represents the devotee seeking the blissful state of meditation and communion with the deity.

 Where Should One Perform Rudrabishek?

 Rudrabhishek can be performed in a temple with a Shivalinga or in your home. When performing the ritual at a temple, one should perform it before a consecrated Shivalinga. If you perform it at home, you can create a sacred space and place a Shivalinga there.

 The placement of the Linga is important. The Yoni, or base of the Linga, must face North. This has spiritual significance and can enhance the divine energy and vibrations.

 The one who performs the ritual must face East, as this is an auspicious direction for connecting with divine energies.

 During the ritual, sit on an Asana (a seat or mat) of Kusha grass. This facilitates a deeper state of meditation and spiritual connection. Kusha grass is sacred and has been used in Vedic rituals since ancient times.

 Significance of Rudrabishek

 Rudrabhishek helps one to connect deeply with Shiva. It removes negative energies and obstacles in one’s life and leads to inner peace.

 It is a powerful ritual that helps invoke the blessings of Shiva. It can transform one’s life positively and fulfill one’s desires.

 Benefits of Rudrabishek

•  Rudrabhishek bestows physical and mental well-being. Its spiritual vibrations can heal ailments, rejuvenate the body, and reduce stress.
•  Rudrabhishek can remove barriers to personal growth and prosperity.
•  Rudrabhishek enables spiritual growth, leading to self-realization and liberation (Moksha).
•  It can eradicate negative energies, cleanse our aura and bestow positivity and tranquillity.
•  It bestows positive energy and boosts morale.
•  It has the power to fulfill the wishes and desires of the devotees.
•  It encourages us to seek a higher purpose in life.
•  Rudrabhishek helps break the cycle of birth and death by bestowing Moksha.
•  It helps resolve conflicts, overcome challenges, and achieve success.

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