Rudrabhishek Puja

Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva. Just like Mahadev, Shankar, Bhole Nath Shivay and so on, Rudra is extremely famous as the name of Lord Shiva.

Why is Lord Shiva called Rudra?

The term 'Rudra' is used amply in the Vedas. Rudra means tempest or a violent storm. Rudra focuses on the destructive nature of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is both gentle and aggressive. He is both forgiving and merciless. He is everything. He is the beginning and he himself is the end. This is how his devotees perceive him.

Some philosophical and spiritual experts believe that Lord Shiva is called Rudra because of the Rudra Tandav dance. It is believed that a robust, fearless and enrage Shiva performs the Rudra Tandav dance in cremation grounds. He is unstoppable and furious.

Another story says that the name Rudra is associated with 11 Rudras which were created by Lord Shiva. Once, Lord Brahma requested lord Shiva to create some interesting beings. He complained of monotony which he got from creating ordinary beings. He wanted to have extraordinary beings.

Lord Shiva ha has always been benevolent. He kept the request of Lord Brahma and created 11 immortal beings namely:

Kapaali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksha, Vilohitaa, Ajesha, Shavasana, Shasta, Shambu, Chanda and, Dhruva.

As Lord Shiva created the 11 Rudras, he was addressed by the name Rudra.

What is Rudrabhishek puja?

Rudrabhishek puja is paramount. It is extremely important as a ritual. It is considered to be one of the finest, purest and compelling ritual in Hinduism. Lord Shiva, in the Rudrabhishek puja, is worshipped by giving him a sacred bath along with flowers and the necessary materials required in this puja.

When does a Rudrabhishek puja take place?

Rudrabhishek puja takes place in the month of Shravan. It is a rainy month according to Hinduism. The month is in July-August.

The 6 special types of Rudrabhishek puja

Many devotees believe that instead of doing a regular puja or an ordinary puja, if a puja is done specially, then there are more chances of receiving love and blessings from God. In the case of Rudrabhishek puja too, there 6 specialties. Let's get to them one by one.

Jal Abhishek

According to holy books, if Jalabhishek is done the Lord Shiva rewards with good vridhti and fulfills one's desires. Vrishti means more water.

Dudh Abhishek

If a devotee pours milk on the shivling and worships him then, it is believed that he gets longevity as a reward.

Shahad Abhishek

Shahad means honey in Hindi. If a devotee worships the Shivling with honey then he can live his life freely and happily. He is freed from all of life's troubles and misfortunes.

Panchamrit Abhishek

Panchamrit is blended with 5 different elements namely milk, curd, sugar candy, honey, and ghee. These 5 elements together form the panchamrit. They are poured on the Shivling and Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is believed that the devotee is blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Ghee Abhishek

This prevents any form of illness or physical problems from falling on the devotee.

Dahi Abhishek

This helps a childless couple to have a child.

What are materials needed for Rudrabhishek puja?

Flowers, ghee, curd, honey, fresh milk, panchamrit, rose water, sugar candy, coconut water, Ganga Jal, camphor, holy ash and so on.

What is the procedure of Rudrabhishek puja?

The puja starts by pouring Gangajal on the Shivling and then the other materials meant for the puja like ghee, curd, milk and so I ate poured on the Shivling one after another. The puja starts by performing a homa on fire. The priests gather for the puja. They pray to other gods and goddess-like Lord Ganesha, Maa Durga and so on. The devotees also chant mantras for the puja.

After all, this is done, the Shivling is placed on the altar and he is to be worshipped.

In the end, special dishes are offered to Lord Shiva. Also, the gangajal collected from the Abhishek is sprinkled on the devotees. It is believed that this gangajal is a blessing of lied Shiva. It will clear all sins and bad omens from a person.

All through the puja, devotees chant ''Om Nama Shivaya'.

Rudrabhishek puja is an extremely powerful puja. It is performed to seek blessings and good health from God.

Every year numerous devotees engage in Rudrabhishek puja to please Lord Shiva and seek his love care, protection, and blessings. Rudrabhishek puja holds a high significance in Hindu religion.