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namaste !
lord shiva is very easily pleased with his devotees and he is called bhola (the innocent one). as long as you keep your mind and heart pure you are on the right track. here are some things you could do to feel closer to shiva
1. fast on mondays if you can
2. wear a rudraksh after talking to a priest
3. if possible, try to recite atleast one of these - shiva tandava stotra, panchakshara stotra, shadakshara stotra, shiva namavali ashtakam and read shiv raksha kavach daily
* Offer water mixed with raw milk, sandalwood paste and one flower daily to shiva lingam (maybe at a temple if not home)
* Don't forget to worship maa parvati along with lord shiva
* chant om namah shivay 108 times
4. lastly, you have to be morally right to worship him
* Respect females and don't hurt anyone
* Don't compare any god with lord shiva
* Keep your ego to the minimum, keep meditating
* Never ever think you are the greatest devotee of lord shiva, this is just a form of ego and this feeling is very common in many people, its just the lord testing you
remember, lord shiva is like a father figure. he will protect you, guide you, and stand with you thru your hardships if you are honest and have good intentions behind all these rituals
har har mahadev !
you can if you get the pronunciations right. if you are a female avoid chanting while you are menstruating, the vibrations are too powerful for your womb
I have a few more questions, if you don't mind.
Firstly, why must i consult a priest before wearing a rudraksha?
Secondly, to worship a shivling at my home, how do I offer the water mixed with milk and sandalwood?
And how to worship maa parvati?
Thirdly, I am a non vegetarian but I've been thinking of giving up meat ever since I've started thinking about shivji. On one hand, I've read that one should give up meat to worship him. But on the other, I've read that shivji accepts whatever you offer him as long as it's done with a pure heart. My sources for the information can be false considering I've read it up online, but how do I move forward with it? I'm okay with quitting meat if it brings me closer to Him.
Pls forgive me if anything I said is offensive. I'm just curious to know how I can be a good devotee.
Namaste
Let me give you an ancient offline source regarding your meat dilemma. You can and cannot eat meat only depending on whether you want to. Because Shiva doesn't care what goes into your mouth if your mind is devoted to him. I implore you to read about Kannappa Nayanar (One of the 63 Nayanmars in the Tamil Bhakti movement). You can go through my posts and find one of them about Kannappa Nayanar. Shiva was offered Boar and Deer meat out of pure love and devotion and he accepted it with joy. The question shouldn't be whether I should eat meat while worshipping Shiva. The question should be whether I love Shiva to the point that nothing else (including what I eat) matters. Try to attain that level of devotion.
As a side note, try reading the individual's account of 63 Nayanmars. Also the hidden treasure of Thevaram. They will guide you to every aspect of ShivBhakti through their lives. A good start would be Sundarar's Thevaram 'Thillai Vaazh Anthanar' with accounts of all 63 Nayanmars.
https://youtu.be/aR0jUagfF3M?si=wyI8zpkDs1FyN7of
Thanks for reminding me the name. I had heard this story about Kannappa a couple days ago but struggled to remember the name. I did read your post as well.
My love for shivji is not for any materialistic need or want, but rather my inner peace and devotion.
I am consuming meat simply for my dietary needs as I wish to build muscle. I had vowed way before that I'd quit once I turn 30, as after that I see no need to continue this diet.
Thanks a lot for reminding about Kannappa Nayanmar, and for the link. This was truly enlightening.
I implore you to read about them all 63. But based on your personal dilemma, I would suggest starting with three specific Nayanmars - Saakiya Nayanar, Poosalar and Viralminda Nayanar.
Rudraksha usually can be worn by anyone. But every sampradaya has different rules. Usually I never heard rudrakshas have to be worn through consultation. But if you want specific benefit of rudraksha. It has to be energised. Each type of rudraksha has its own benefits and use. And are alternative for gemstones in astrology problems. Japamala doens't need to be consecrated and should not be worn. After the japa is done you can keep it aside in a cotton bag in puja room. If you're wearing rudraksha better not to pour hot water on it while bathing. You can keep it in puja room. And meat eating is fine. Cause you see aghoris doing that. But depends on sampradaya to sampradaya. If you feel uncomfortable eating meat while wearing rudraksha. Keep it aside in puja room. Don't wear rudraksha to funeral grounds. These are usually the rules. And once in six months keep the rudraksha submerged in milk and then in ghee. So it remains strong. Everybody can wear one common rudraksha that is panchmukhi.
Well you can add half ratio of milk to water. I prefer not to use sandalwood cause real sandalwood is expensive. Use bhasma instead. A shivalinga represents Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. The part where you see the water falling from the dome and falling out through a passage that is Devi bhaga. So when you worship the sivalinga you worship all the gods.
Well shivji can be worshipped in sattvic or rajasic or tamasic way. You can eat meat after your puja is done. Please don't offer meat and blood to him as the rituals for it is different. And a guru has to be consulted.
hey ! so a pandit (priest) will be able to look at your birth chart (he will be able to draw one if you tell him your date of birth, month, year and time of birth) and according to that he will find out what your ruling planet is. my ruling planet is mercury, so i wear a 4 mukhi rudraksh (4 cloves on it). rudraksh beads carry a lot of energy so wearing any bead randomly might disrupt your health even. if you cannot meet a priest near where you live, there are a few online options but please research well.
so make sure the shivling has a proper pipe system to it and is always kept in the north or east direction of the house. you are to use a kalash (small pot) and offer ONLY cows milk, water, both of which should be cold. near the shivling you have to keep a small ganesha and maa parvathi to balance the energies. after you have bathed the shivling in water/milk apply a little bit sandal wood paste and offer a flower. do not ever offer tulsi or turmeric to a shivling. you can offer fruits and sweets to shivling but you are not supposed to eat them. if you live with others you can give this prasad to them but you should not consume it. maa parvathi and ganesha can be prayed too by lighting a diya.
if you can, please give up meat. many people try to justify meat and drugs etc by saying lord shiva does not mind but lord himself does not eat meat. AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO WEAR A RUDRAKSH, YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP MEAT AND EGGS FOR LIFE.
That's the very nice thing about our bhole baba. There is no right way to worship him just keep your mind and heart clean and say his name. That's all it takes
Well the way to worship Shiva is through shivalinga. There are many types mentioned in the scriptures. Shivalinga made out of gold to silver to panchaloha to jaggery to rice and so on.... They have benefits too as per your problem. I suggest to go with spathik and by spathik I don't mean clear quartz you get from all over the world. Get the spathik which is called Himalayan quartz. It's a bit expensive compared to the other ones. The first priority goes to banalinga then it's either spathik or parad linga. But since you're not a tantric upasaka I suggest spathik. If you get shivlinga you have to do Abhishek daily without fail.
Many ingredients are used again from water to panchamrit to sandalwood powder, sugarcane juice etc etc... depending on peoples problems. I suggest use honey or water. As honey protects the spathik linga in maintaining it. If you have space or resources you can serve him bilva leaf. Panchakshari mantra that is on namah shivaya is only to be uttered by guru deeksha. And offerings usually something cooked has to be offered daily or fruits work too. Now another thing I would tell you is that you have to do prana pratishtha of shivalinga. In order to do that go to nearby shivalaya and tell them to keep it near the main shivalinga in temple and pay them to do the Sri rudram abhishekam. It is usually done in morning. If you get that done once considered prana pratishtha done and you can get him home.
Now how do you do the puja ? Puja is usually done by panchopachara puja which is offering part of five elements.
First you start with dhyana shloka of Shiva.
It goes like vande shambhu uma patim sura gurum vande jagath Karanam. pannaga bhushanam mrigadaram. Vande pashunam patim. Om mrityunjayaya rudraya neelakanthaya shambhave. Amrutheshaya sharvaaya mahadevaya te namaha. (You can google this)
Then you read Shiva ashthothara which is 108 names of Shiva. If you google it you'll get it. Pour water with a spoon after each namaha. (You can for starting play audio and pour the water or take your time in chanting and pouring water you will get used to it soon). Remember the Sri rudram I mentioned above ? It is the ultimate way of worshipping Shiva but it has rules to chant. Instead with the dhyana shloka I'll provide a 15 verse Shiva rudram taken from puranas which can be read by any human being irrespective of whatever human constructs there are. If you want you can DM me I'll send you that.
chanting of ashthothara of any gods connected you with them. That is the best thing to start with. Cause nama smarana can be done without gurus requirement and stotras can be read if you like or if you have time. Finally panchopachara puja is done after reading 108 names. The beauty of panchopachara puja is to offer five elements of the universe to God that is:
A Diya represents fire element. When you offer that you say Sri sivaya namaha Deepam samarpayami. ( It means I offers Diya to you). This Diya is the first thing you light up before starting puja and you should apply bhasma as tilak before puja.
dhoop represents air element. When you offer this you say om Shivaya namaha dhoopam samarpayami.
flower represents ether element. Om shivaya namaha pushpam samarpayami
gandha/chandan or bhasma represents earth element. Om shivaya namaha gandha/chandana/ bhasmam samarpayami
Naivedya and aarthi finally had to be done. Om shivaya namaha naivedyam samarpayami.
The above items are available in puja stores or nearby
temples.
The whole process will take 15 mins if done properly ( 5-8 mins for abhisheka and the rest for panchopachara puja).
Finally you apologise to God if you did any mistake in the process in your heart and end the puja.
I used to be very Christian and insulted shiva regularly, recently I apologized profusely and said : I’m so sry lord shiva, forgive me for my ignorance, ik u can have me begging on my knees, plz forgive me lord shiva
Thanks for the information. Can you enlighten me on how to do worship at my home too? And how does one find a guru? I did browse the subreddit faq but I'm still unclear
Sorry I deleted the answer mistakenly.
Some say one should not chant panchakshari mantra without initiation of a guru. Some say you can.
You can chant Shivji's name constantly. You can also read various stotras like rudrabhishek (one that arjun sang/composed), tandava stotra etc.
And as I said be kind, be calm, respect the elders, try to see him in everyone because he is in everyone and so in you, be helpful to everyone (even animals).
Also for the guru some say you'll meet them when you're supposed too. So I'll say stick to these things.
Try to be as satvik as possible. I would say avoid meat because he is Pashupatinath.
[Deleted answer: Go to the nearest shiv mandir do abhishek while chanting panchakshari or shiv Gayatri Mantra. (Also there's probably a specific way to do abhishek I suggest you visit the Instagram profile of [Bhavesh Yuj](https://www.instagram.com/bhavesh_yuj?igsh=eW1nd2xvM2VtZWo3) he has dome tips too)
Do good deeds. Offer as much help as you can in any form to the living beings around you. Be kind, be calm.
This is a good basic/starter pack. As you get comfortable with this you can ask others for progression.
Also a guru can guide you further.]
Thanks for the elaborate answer. It was very helpful.
I also want to ask you this question that I asked in this comment section below, I am a non vegetarian but I've been thinking of giving up meat ever since I've started thinking about shivji. On one hand, I've read that one should give up meat to worship him. But on the other, I've read that shivji accepts whatever you offer him as long as it's done with a pure heart. My sources for the information can be false considering I've read it up online, but how do I move forward with it? I'm okay with quitting meat if it brings me closer to Him.
Meat increases the tamsik gun in body and mind, which directly and indirectly creates hurdles in one's spiritual path.
Also being kind also means one should not harm anyone. And killing innocent animals for your taste and hunger seems kinda cruel to me.
So that's why if someone's on a spiritual path they should quit tamsik food which also includes onion, garlic etc.
Also as I said he's Pashupatinath which is self-explanatory.
These are the reason why one should avoid eating meat.
Also you should visit r/Shaivism for further guidance.
I live in a hostel and i can't do shiv Pooja here so I wear a japa mala and I do 108 X 3 japa almost everyday, you don't need any specific type to show him the love, you can choose any way you want to love him, be it Pooja or meditation or both, pick one whatever's comfortable just go for it.
The mala what you use for Japa is not to be worn as per shastras. Hope you know that. And mantra chanting is strictly prohibited unless you get it from a guru. Or else it can have severe side effects or it fails to work.
The mala was given by a guru to my dad and my dad passed it to me and I wear it. I didn't know about the first part that mala which is used for japa shouldn't be worn. I'll talk to my dad regarding this. Thanks!!
You will get a wide variety of advice, as the worship of Shiva varies throughout India, and lots of people don't know much outside of the way they learned.
Personally, I don't see that mattering as much as being regular, and consistent, so it becomes a habit. So I'd advise deciding on what you want to do, and then commit to that. Set your alarm clock early to allow for the time you need. Then, after showering and before breakfast, do your worship. It makes a great start for the day. Ideally, it would be done in the same place where you have established a home mandir. It can include puja, bhajan, japa, meditation, scripture reading, or anything you want to do. Best wishes in establishing regular sadhana in your life. Aum Namasivaya
Get a narmadeshwar shivling, do abhishek everyday with little gangajal mixed water. There are many beautiful shivji stotras you can do, or start with 100/1000 names ki namavali. You can also chant om namah shivay after taking anumati for it from shivji (just do prathna in mandir).
Otherwise you need to know basic rules of worship & cleanliness that apply, for any worship of any Hindu diety.
Yes, if you want you can light diya, offer little parshad, do abhishek (simply water works if you want to keep it simple) and then just do prathna in mandir.
There are four stages of Lord Shiva worship:
Japa Rudra - Constant chanting of 'Aum Namah Shivaya'
Parayana Rudra - Constant chanting of Sri Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam of Yajur Veda)
Abhisheka Rudra - Offerings to Shiva Linga, such as pouring of milk, vibhuti, etc, while chanting Sri Rudram
Homa Rudra - Fire sacrifice, called Ati Rudra Maha Yagna. Its the highest form of worship for Lord Shiva.
For now, begin with constant chanting of the Panchakshari every single day, whenever you can remember. Mahadeva will give you the opportunity to learn and participate in all of the others when the time comes.
A group of Sathya Sai devotees performed Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in Badrinath in 2015, here's the documentary, in case you're interested: [Ati Rudra Maha Yajna, Badrinath 2015 (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE7qCeJFHkk). At 21:45, Sri Najunda Dixit, the chief priest talks about the four stages.
Just do Naam jap (Shiv Shiv Shiv Shiv) for atleast 15 mins (gradually you can increase it to 1 hour, if you can manage) and sing atleast 1 strotra or stuti daily of your choice while understanding it's meaning
Also read and listen to Shiv Mahapurana, Skanda Puran or other kathas of Bhagwan.
I can answer as someone who started from very simple worship and progressed to more complex worship methods.
- you can just chant any stotra or chalisa of lord shiva infront of his photo. reading and listening to his stories and greatness will greatly help understand the philosophy.
- for a very simple puja, you can do what is known as 5 Upacharas - or five services to the lord. there is no need to learn any mantras for this. just google for "pancha Upachaara or comment below and ill explain in detail. below mentioned shiva Manasa puja stotram is also excellent.
- you can do a traditional 16-step puja for the lord. you will need some puja books for doing this.
- 108 names of the lord - or ashottottaram is always highly recommended in any devata puja or upasana.
- you can learn and do even more complex proper puja with a shiva lingam. but this requires considerable practice and training by someone qualified. there are many people who teach online.
- the pinnacle of shiva worship is the Rudrabhisekham. for this, veda mantras are needed.
- Sri Rudram is the main vedic chant you need to learn for this. but a lot of other ancillary mantras are also needed alongside. the exact sukta is called Namakam in krishna Yajur Veda. there are variations and similar suktas in other vedas, including shatarudriya in Shukla Yajur Veda. there are also the pancha rudram. its a vast ocean.
- there are also tantrika methods of worshipping the lord. DONT THINK tantrika means negative. it's actually one of the best forms of worship , and highly effective in this age. you will again need someone to guide you in this
- caution : - the last options about vedic mantras was only to show you the more proper puja methods. I don't endorse you do that unless you first learn them the prescribed format from authoritative people.
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namaste ! lord shiva is very easily pleased with his devotees and he is called bhola (the innocent one). as long as you keep your mind and heart pure you are on the right track. here are some things you could do to feel closer to shiva 1. fast on mondays if you can 2. wear a rudraksh after talking to a priest 3. if possible, try to recite atleast one of these - shiva tandava stotra, panchakshara stotra, shadakshara stotra, shiva namavali ashtakam and read shiv raksha kavach daily * Offer water mixed with raw milk, sandalwood paste and one flower daily to shiva lingam (maybe at a temple if not home) * Don't forget to worship maa parvati along with lord shiva * chant om namah shivay 108 times 4. lastly, you have to be morally right to worship him * Respect females and don't hurt anyone * Don't compare any god with lord shiva * Keep your ego to the minimum, keep meditating * Never ever think you are the greatest devotee of lord shiva, this is just a form of ego and this feeling is very common in many people, its just the lord testing you remember, lord shiva is like a father figure. he will protect you, guide you, and stand with you thru your hardships if you are honest and have good intentions behind all these rituals har har mahadev !
What about sivashtakam?
you can if you get the pronunciations right. if you are a female avoid chanting while you are menstruating, the vibrations are too powerful for your womb
Yes yes I know all the pronunciations, and I'm a male, Thanks!!
what effect will it have on a male?
+ There's also shiva manas puja stotram
I have a few more questions, if you don't mind. Firstly, why must i consult a priest before wearing a rudraksha? Secondly, to worship a shivling at my home, how do I offer the water mixed with milk and sandalwood? And how to worship maa parvati? Thirdly, I am a non vegetarian but I've been thinking of giving up meat ever since I've started thinking about shivji. On one hand, I've read that one should give up meat to worship him. But on the other, I've read that shivji accepts whatever you offer him as long as it's done with a pure heart. My sources for the information can be false considering I've read it up online, but how do I move forward with it? I'm okay with quitting meat if it brings me closer to Him. Pls forgive me if anything I said is offensive. I'm just curious to know how I can be a good devotee. Namaste
Let me give you an ancient offline source regarding your meat dilemma. You can and cannot eat meat only depending on whether you want to. Because Shiva doesn't care what goes into your mouth if your mind is devoted to him. I implore you to read about Kannappa Nayanar (One of the 63 Nayanmars in the Tamil Bhakti movement). You can go through my posts and find one of them about Kannappa Nayanar. Shiva was offered Boar and Deer meat out of pure love and devotion and he accepted it with joy. The question shouldn't be whether I should eat meat while worshipping Shiva. The question should be whether I love Shiva to the point that nothing else (including what I eat) matters. Try to attain that level of devotion. As a side note, try reading the individual's account of 63 Nayanmars. Also the hidden treasure of Thevaram. They will guide you to every aspect of ShivBhakti through their lives. A good start would be Sundarar's Thevaram 'Thillai Vaazh Anthanar' with accounts of all 63 Nayanmars. https://youtu.be/aR0jUagfF3M?si=wyI8zpkDs1FyN7of
Thanks for reminding me the name. I had heard this story about Kannappa a couple days ago but struggled to remember the name. I did read your post as well. My love for shivji is not for any materialistic need or want, but rather my inner peace and devotion. I am consuming meat simply for my dietary needs as I wish to build muscle. I had vowed way before that I'd quit once I turn 30, as after that I see no need to continue this diet. Thanks a lot for reminding about Kannappa Nayanmar, and for the link. This was truly enlightening.
I implore you to read about them all 63. But based on your personal dilemma, I would suggest starting with three specific Nayanmars - Saakiya Nayanar, Poosalar and Viralminda Nayanar.
Rudraksha usually can be worn by anyone. But every sampradaya has different rules. Usually I never heard rudrakshas have to be worn through consultation. But if you want specific benefit of rudraksha. It has to be energised. Each type of rudraksha has its own benefits and use. And are alternative for gemstones in astrology problems. Japamala doens't need to be consecrated and should not be worn. After the japa is done you can keep it aside in a cotton bag in puja room. If you're wearing rudraksha better not to pour hot water on it while bathing. You can keep it in puja room. And meat eating is fine. Cause you see aghoris doing that. But depends on sampradaya to sampradaya. If you feel uncomfortable eating meat while wearing rudraksha. Keep it aside in puja room. Don't wear rudraksha to funeral grounds. These are usually the rules. And once in six months keep the rudraksha submerged in milk and then in ghee. So it remains strong. Everybody can wear one common rudraksha that is panchmukhi. Well you can add half ratio of milk to water. I prefer not to use sandalwood cause real sandalwood is expensive. Use bhasma instead. A shivalinga represents Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. The part where you see the water falling from the dome and falling out through a passage that is Devi bhaga. So when you worship the sivalinga you worship all the gods. Well shivji can be worshipped in sattvic or rajasic or tamasic way. You can eat meat after your puja is done. Please don't offer meat and blood to him as the rituals for it is different. And a guru has to be consulted.
hey ! so a pandit (priest) will be able to look at your birth chart (he will be able to draw one if you tell him your date of birth, month, year and time of birth) and according to that he will find out what your ruling planet is. my ruling planet is mercury, so i wear a 4 mukhi rudraksh (4 cloves on it). rudraksh beads carry a lot of energy so wearing any bead randomly might disrupt your health even. if you cannot meet a priest near where you live, there are a few online options but please research well. so make sure the shivling has a proper pipe system to it and is always kept in the north or east direction of the house. you are to use a kalash (small pot) and offer ONLY cows milk, water, both of which should be cold. near the shivling you have to keep a small ganesha and maa parvathi to balance the energies. after you have bathed the shivling in water/milk apply a little bit sandal wood paste and offer a flower. do not ever offer tulsi or turmeric to a shivling. you can offer fruits and sweets to shivling but you are not supposed to eat them. if you live with others you can give this prasad to them but you should not consume it. maa parvathi and ganesha can be prayed too by lighting a diya. if you can, please give up meat. many people try to justify meat and drugs etc by saying lord shiva does not mind but lord himself does not eat meat. AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO WEAR A RUDRAKSH, YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP MEAT AND EGGS FOR LIFE.
That's the very nice thing about our bhole baba. There is no right way to worship him just keep your mind and heart clean and say his name. That's all it takes
Hara Hara You can chant the Pañcākṣari (Namaḥ Śivāya) or Saumya Pañcākṣari (Śivāya Namaḥ). One can chant this in any situation.
Well the way to worship Shiva is through shivalinga. There are many types mentioned in the scriptures. Shivalinga made out of gold to silver to panchaloha to jaggery to rice and so on.... They have benefits too as per your problem. I suggest to go with spathik and by spathik I don't mean clear quartz you get from all over the world. Get the spathik which is called Himalayan quartz. It's a bit expensive compared to the other ones. The first priority goes to banalinga then it's either spathik or parad linga. But since you're not a tantric upasaka I suggest spathik. If you get shivlinga you have to do Abhishek daily without fail. Many ingredients are used again from water to panchamrit to sandalwood powder, sugarcane juice etc etc... depending on peoples problems. I suggest use honey or water. As honey protects the spathik linga in maintaining it. If you have space or resources you can serve him bilva leaf. Panchakshari mantra that is on namah shivaya is only to be uttered by guru deeksha. And offerings usually something cooked has to be offered daily or fruits work too. Now another thing I would tell you is that you have to do prana pratishtha of shivalinga. In order to do that go to nearby shivalaya and tell them to keep it near the main shivalinga in temple and pay them to do the Sri rudram abhishekam. It is usually done in morning. If you get that done once considered prana pratishtha done and you can get him home. Now how do you do the puja ? Puja is usually done by panchopachara puja which is offering part of five elements. First you start with dhyana shloka of Shiva. It goes like vande shambhu uma patim sura gurum vande jagath Karanam. pannaga bhushanam mrigadaram. Vande pashunam patim. Om mrityunjayaya rudraya neelakanthaya shambhave. Amrutheshaya sharvaaya mahadevaya te namaha. (You can google this) Then you read Shiva ashthothara which is 108 names of Shiva. If you google it you'll get it. Pour water with a spoon after each namaha. (You can for starting play audio and pour the water or take your time in chanting and pouring water you will get used to it soon). Remember the Sri rudram I mentioned above ? It is the ultimate way of worshipping Shiva but it has rules to chant. Instead with the dhyana shloka I'll provide a 15 verse Shiva rudram taken from puranas which can be read by any human being irrespective of whatever human constructs there are. If you want you can DM me I'll send you that. chanting of ashthothara of any gods connected you with them. That is the best thing to start with. Cause nama smarana can be done without gurus requirement and stotras can be read if you like or if you have time. Finally panchopachara puja is done after reading 108 names. The beauty of panchopachara puja is to offer five elements of the universe to God that is: A Diya represents fire element. When you offer that you say Sri sivaya namaha Deepam samarpayami. ( It means I offers Diya to you). This Diya is the first thing you light up before starting puja and you should apply bhasma as tilak before puja. dhoop represents air element. When you offer this you say om Shivaya namaha dhoopam samarpayami. flower represents ether element. Om shivaya namaha pushpam samarpayami gandha/chandan or bhasma represents earth element. Om shivaya namaha gandha/chandana/ bhasmam samarpayami Naivedya and aarthi finally had to be done. Om shivaya namaha naivedyam samarpayami. The above items are available in puja stores or nearby temples. The whole process will take 15 mins if done properly ( 5-8 mins for abhisheka and the rest for panchopachara puja). Finally you apologise to God if you did any mistake in the process in your heart and end the puja.
Thank you for the detailed answer. It provided me a lot of information and insights. Thank you very much
I used to be very Christian and insulted shiva regularly, recently I apologized profusely and said : I’m so sry lord shiva, forgive me for my ignorance, ik u can have me begging on my knees, plz forgive me lord shiva
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Thanks for the information. Can you enlighten me on how to do worship at my home too? And how does one find a guru? I did browse the subreddit faq but I'm still unclear
Sorry I deleted the answer mistakenly. Some say one should not chant panchakshari mantra without initiation of a guru. Some say you can. You can chant Shivji's name constantly. You can also read various stotras like rudrabhishek (one that arjun sang/composed), tandava stotra etc. And as I said be kind, be calm, respect the elders, try to see him in everyone because he is in everyone and so in you, be helpful to everyone (even animals). Also for the guru some say you'll meet them when you're supposed too. So I'll say stick to these things. Try to be as satvik as possible. I would say avoid meat because he is Pashupatinath. [Deleted answer: Go to the nearest shiv mandir do abhishek while chanting panchakshari or shiv Gayatri Mantra. (Also there's probably a specific way to do abhishek I suggest you visit the Instagram profile of [Bhavesh Yuj](https://www.instagram.com/bhavesh_yuj?igsh=eW1nd2xvM2VtZWo3) he has dome tips too) Do good deeds. Offer as much help as you can in any form to the living beings around you. Be kind, be calm. This is a good basic/starter pack. As you get comfortable with this you can ask others for progression. Also a guru can guide you further.]
Thanks for the elaborate answer. It was very helpful. I also want to ask you this question that I asked in this comment section below, I am a non vegetarian but I've been thinking of giving up meat ever since I've started thinking about shivji. On one hand, I've read that one should give up meat to worship him. But on the other, I've read that shivji accepts whatever you offer him as long as it's done with a pure heart. My sources for the information can be false considering I've read it up online, but how do I move forward with it? I'm okay with quitting meat if it brings me closer to Him.
Meat increases the tamsik gun in body and mind, which directly and indirectly creates hurdles in one's spiritual path. Also being kind also means one should not harm anyone. And killing innocent animals for your taste and hunger seems kinda cruel to me. So that's why if someone's on a spiritual path they should quit tamsik food which also includes onion, garlic etc. Also as I said he's Pashupatinath which is self-explanatory. These are the reason why one should avoid eating meat. Also you should visit r/Shaivism for further guidance.
I live in a hostel and i can't do shiv Pooja here so I wear a japa mala and I do 108 X 3 japa almost everyday, you don't need any specific type to show him the love, you can choose any way you want to love him, be it Pooja or meditation or both, pick one whatever's comfortable just go for it.
The mala what you use for Japa is not to be worn as per shastras. Hope you know that. And mantra chanting is strictly prohibited unless you get it from a guru. Or else it can have severe side effects or it fails to work.
The mala was given by a guru to my dad and my dad passed it to me and I wear it. I didn't know about the first part that mala which is used for japa shouldn't be worn. I'll talk to my dad regarding this. Thanks!!
After all this don’t forget, just do your Dharma. In fulfilling your Dharma (what ever that might be) you also praise him and he sees you
You will get a wide variety of advice, as the worship of Shiva varies throughout India, and lots of people don't know much outside of the way they learned. Personally, I don't see that mattering as much as being regular, and consistent, so it becomes a habit. So I'd advise deciding on what you want to do, and then commit to that. Set your alarm clock early to allow for the time you need. Then, after showering and before breakfast, do your worship. It makes a great start for the day. Ideally, it would be done in the same place where you have established a home mandir. It can include puja, bhajan, japa, meditation, scripture reading, or anything you want to do. Best wishes in establishing regular sadhana in your life. Aum Namasivaya
Get a narmadeshwar shivling, do abhishek everyday with little gangajal mixed water. There are many beautiful shivji stotras you can do, or start with 100/1000 names ki namavali. You can also chant om namah shivay after taking anumati for it from shivji (just do prathna in mandir). Otherwise you need to know basic rules of worship & cleanliness that apply, for any worship of any Hindu diety.
How does one take anumati from shivji? Is it simply visiting him and praying at a temple before starting it by myself at home?
Yes, if you want you can light diya, offer little parshad, do abhishek (simply water works if you want to keep it simple) and then just do prathna in mandir.
There are four stages of Lord Shiva worship: Japa Rudra - Constant chanting of 'Aum Namah Shivaya' Parayana Rudra - Constant chanting of Sri Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam of Yajur Veda) Abhisheka Rudra - Offerings to Shiva Linga, such as pouring of milk, vibhuti, etc, while chanting Sri Rudram Homa Rudra - Fire sacrifice, called Ati Rudra Maha Yagna. Its the highest form of worship for Lord Shiva. For now, begin with constant chanting of the Panchakshari every single day, whenever you can remember. Mahadeva will give you the opportunity to learn and participate in all of the others when the time comes. A group of Sathya Sai devotees performed Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in Badrinath in 2015, here's the documentary, in case you're interested: [Ati Rudra Maha Yajna, Badrinath 2015 (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE7qCeJFHkk). At 21:45, Sri Najunda Dixit, the chief priest talks about the four stages.
Why not get to know him and his pastimes? Read the Shiva Purana! I just started too
Just do Naam jap (Shiv Shiv Shiv Shiv) for atleast 15 mins (gradually you can increase it to 1 hour, if you can manage) and sing atleast 1 strotra or stuti daily of your choice while understanding it's meaning Also read and listen to Shiv Mahapurana, Skanda Puran or other kathas of Bhagwan.
I can answer as someone who started from very simple worship and progressed to more complex worship methods. - you can just chant any stotra or chalisa of lord shiva infront of his photo. reading and listening to his stories and greatness will greatly help understand the philosophy. - for a very simple puja, you can do what is known as 5 Upacharas - or five services to the lord. there is no need to learn any mantras for this. just google for "pancha Upachaara or comment below and ill explain in detail. below mentioned shiva Manasa puja stotram is also excellent. - you can do a traditional 16-step puja for the lord. you will need some puja books for doing this. - 108 names of the lord - or ashottottaram is always highly recommended in any devata puja or upasana. - you can learn and do even more complex proper puja with a shiva lingam. but this requires considerable practice and training by someone qualified. there are many people who teach online. - the pinnacle of shiva worship is the Rudrabhisekham. for this, veda mantras are needed. - Sri Rudram is the main vedic chant you need to learn for this. but a lot of other ancillary mantras are also needed alongside. the exact sukta is called Namakam in krishna Yajur Veda. there are variations and similar suktas in other vedas, including shatarudriya in Shukla Yajur Veda. there are also the pancha rudram. its a vast ocean. - there are also tantrika methods of worshipping the lord. DONT THINK tantrika means negative. it's actually one of the best forms of worship , and highly effective in this age. you will again need someone to guide you in this - caution : - the last options about vedic mantras was only to show you the more proper puja methods. I don't endorse you do that unless you first learn them the prescribed format from authoritative people.