Rudrabhishek is a puja to Lord Shiva in his Rudra form. The Shivling is bathed (abhishek) with sacred liquids while the pandit chants the Rudram from the Yajurveda. Families do it for peace, health, and to remove obstacles, and it can be done at home or in a temple.
Good days for Rudrabhishek
- Mondays, especially during the month of Sawan (Shravan).
- Mahashivratri and monthly Shivratri.
- Pradosh days, and before a new start such as a home or business.
Items for the abhishek
- A Shivling (the pandit may bring one) and a plate to collect the liquids.
- Water, ideally with a little Ganga jal.
- Milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar (together called panchamrit).
- Bel patra (bilva leaves), white flowers, dhatura and bhasm if available.
- Sandalwood paste, incense, a diya, fruits and sweets.
How the puja goes
- Sankalp: the family states their name, gotra and the purpose of the puja.
- Ganesh puja and worship of the Shivling.
- Abhishek with each liquid while the Rudram is chanted.
- Offering of bel patra, flowers and bhog.
- Aarti and distribution of prasad.