On the occasion of Mahashivaratra on 26th February 2025

How to worship Deity Shiva ?

Importance of the consecration of Deity Shiva by ritualistically bathing with milk 

Deity Shiva should be consecrated with milk since it has a higher ability to attract His Principle, which is awakened faster through the consecration with milk. Later, the devotee benefits more from the Deity Shiva Principle by drinking this milk as Teertha (Sacred liquid).

White flowers should be offered to Deity Shiva

Specific flowers have higher ability to attract the Principle of specific Deities, when compared with that of other flowers. Deity Shiva should be offered dhatura (Mexican poppy), shweta kamal (White lotus), shweta kanher (White oleander), chameli (Jasmine), mandar (Coral), nagachampa (Mesua ferrea), punnaga (Calopbyllum inophyllum), nagakeshar (Mesua ferrea), nishigandha (Tuberose), jai (Common jasmine), jui (Eared jasmine), mogra (Daisy) and other white flowers. The fragrance of these flowers attracts the Shiva Principle to the Shivapindi to a higher extent and consequently, we benefit to a higher extent.

When a specific number of flowers are offered unto the feet of a specific Deity, the Principle of that Deity gets attracted to those flowers quickly. Accordingly, Deity Shiva should be offered 10 flowers.

The incense-sticks to be used for attracting the tarak (Saviour) and marak (Destroyer) Principle of Deity Shiva

To attract the tarak Principle of Deity Shiva to a higher extent during His worship, light incense-sticks of kevada (Screwpine) or chameli (Jasmine) fragrance; whereas, to attract the marak Principle to a higher extent, light incense-sticks of heena (Henna) or darbar (A complex blend of herbs) fragrance.

Offering bel (Aegle marmelos) leaves to Deity Shiva

Certain objects have higher ability to attract the pavitraks (Subtlemost particles containing Divine consciousness) of specific Deities. If such objects are offered to a Deity, the Principle of the Deity is attracted to the Idol and we benefit from the Principle faster. Hence, offer bel leaves to Deity Shiva. (Ref. : Sanatan’s Text ‘Science underlying the worship of Deity Shiva’)

Importance of Shrungadarshan (Viewing the Shivalinga through Nandi’s horns)

As per the Holy Text Shri Gurucharitra, we should sit or stand on the right side of Nandi and place our left hand on Nandi’s testicles. Place the forefinger and the thumb of the right hand on the horns of Nandi. We can view the linga through the space created between the finger, thumb and the horns. Keeping the hand on the testicles of Nandi denotes learning how to control our sexual urge. Since the horn symbolises ego, masculinity and anger, touching it denotes that we should control these traits. Upon entering Deity Shiva’s temple, first we should have the darshan of Nandi. Doing so helps us develop humility just like Nandi has. Shrungadarshan with such humility is helpful.

The science underlying the crescent-like circumambulation around the Shivapindi

Circumambulation of Deity Shiva is like somasutri. The channel which runs northwards towards the som (Moon) from the shalunka till the boundary of the temple is known as the somasutra. We should begin circumambulating from our left side and continue till the channel of the shalunka, from where the water offered during the Abhishek flows. Without crossing it, we can complete a circumambulation by moving in the reverse direction up to the other side of the channel, also known as the strota.

This rule applies only if the Shivalinga has been installed or created by man; it does not apply to a swayambhu or a chalalinga which is placed in the house. The flow of a shalunka is not crossed, since it is the flow of Shakti. When we cross it, the legs are spread. As a result, formation of semen and the five vayus (Internal vital energies) are adversely affected. Flow of devdatta and dhananjaya vayus is obstructed too. However, it does not have any effect if while crossing it, the body is contracted, that is, the nadis (Channels) are contracted.

Rationalists do not understand the subtle dimension. They feel that the channel of the linga is not crossed because while doing so, the dirt on our feet contaminates the water there ! And, if devotees consume this water as Teertha (Sacred liquid), it could result in illness !

How to worship Deity Shiva in tarak and marak forms ?

Celebrate the festival of Mahashivaratra blissfully. Worship Deity Shiva regularly. Offer milk to the Shivapindi and donate to a Goushala (Shelters for cows). Nurture cows. Oppose those who object to these activities. Opposing in this manner will also amount to Deity Shiva’s worship of the marak form. Let us try to please Him by worshipping His tarak as well as marak forms.

– Sadguru Nilesh Singbal (Dharmapracharak, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti)

Celebrate Mahashivaratra blissfully. Worship Deity Shiva regularly. Offer milk to the Shivapindi and donate to a Goushala !