Q&A for How to Worship Lord Shiva

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How do you get a blessing from Shiva?

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Some of the best ways to earn Shiva’s blessings are to love Shiva, treat others well (especially those less fortunate than yourself), and practice self-control. You can also use mantras such as “Namah Shivaaya.” Make sure your prayers to Shiva are sincere and heartfelt.

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Will Lord Shiva forgive my sins?

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Shiva is said to be very benevolent and forgiving of sins. If you do make a mistake, pray sincerely to Shiva and promise to repent and not repeat your sin. Keep in mind that there are some sins that Hindus believe Shiva will not forgive. These include coveting the wealth of others, disrupting other people’s marriages, being disrespectful to women and the elderly, and plotting to commit evil acts against other people.

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Can Lord Shiva change my destiny?

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Some people believe that Shiva can change your destiny. Others believe that Shiva gives you the power to change your own destiny by cultivating good karma.

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Can girls touch the Shiv Linga?

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Yes, they can most of the time. You should know ahead of time whether a temple will allow you to touch it or not.

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Do I need to be over 18 to practice Hinduism without an adult?

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No, Hinduism is a religion and many children practice it. There is no age limit on practicing religion.

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What is the best mantra to worship Lord Shiva?

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The best mantras for Lord Shiva are the Mahamryityunjaya mantra and the normal Shiva Stotra mantras.

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Can I worship Lord Shiva on Sundays?

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You can worship Lord Shiva every day, but the specific day of the week to worship him and keep fasts is Monday.

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I do not have a Shiva Lingan at home. What can I do?

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You need not have a Shiva Linga in your house to worship Lord Shiva. Visit a Shiva temple, chant mantras while looking at His pictures or concentrate on His divine form.

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Can Shiva Puja be done on Sunday?

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Gods need not be allotted days of a week for praying. You can pray whenever you want.

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How do I pray to Lord Shiva?

Community Answer

There are multiple ways to do so. One of best ways to do so is to get a kalash (vessel) of milk, bel patra (betel leaves), lotus, and jasmine (optional), and light a diya (lamp) with ghee (butter), and chant mantras such as "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Mahamritunjay".

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I live in another country. Can I still offer Lord Shiva red roses?

Community Answer

Of course. Even if you can't find them where you are, god will see you tried. Just do a normal puja or chant mantras and worship by heart.

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Can I worship Lord Shiva with only prayer?

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Yes, you can worship Lord Shiva without rituals, idols, visiting temples, etc. and only your prayers, provided you approach this with true devotion.

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Can a girl worship the shivling?

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Yes, they can worship the shivling aside from when they are on their periods (because there is a rule against worshipping any God during menstruation cycles).

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Can Shiva Pooja be done in the afternoon?

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Yes. You can pray to Shiva at any time you like.

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Do I have to offer something to Lord Shiva while worshipping him?

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It's not necessary to give offerings to Lord Shiva, but you can do so if you wish.

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Which kalash can I use to offer jal to Shivji?

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Generally we use steel kalash and not copper for offering jal to Shivji.

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Which day after my period should I worship Shiva?

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After 7 days you should start worshiping again, because you will have fully stopped.

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Question

What do I touch when worshiping Lord Shiva?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of worship you are doing. If you do meditation, you only concentrate on Shiva. if you say prayers (like "Om Namaha Shivay"), you may touch a string of 108 prayer beads to count the repetitions. If you do Shiv Puja, you bathe a Shiva Lingam with water, dry it and put flowers on it. It is up to you.

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Can I keep pictures of other gods and goddesses around Lord Shiva's picture when worshiping?

Community Answer

If you believe in those other gods, then yes. Many Hindu temples keep Parvati (Shiva's wife) idols near Shiva, and all Hindu temples have Ganesha and Hanuman. Please do not clutter up the space, as it could obstruct energies and the space will look like a mess to the Gods being worshiped.

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If I can't buy a statue of Shiva, can I worship using a picture of Shiva?

jai shree

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Yes, you can. You have to worship God pure mind and soul. Then he will definitely fulfill your wish.

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I live in another country. I want to worship Lord Shiva, but don't have flowers or pictures to worship him with, so what should I do?

Brandhi McNeill

Community Answer

You can pray and glorify him in the heart, mind and soul. He hears the prayers of those who call on him.

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What material should the divine Shiva be made from? Can I offer Lord Shiva with grains even on ekadashi?

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Of course, he sees that you are offering something and that is how he knows you are respecting him.

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Question

How do I worship the Goddess as a Hijra/Kinnar?

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Shiva is pure consciousness. External appearance, gender, etc. don't matter. You are a part of that ultimate energy, and you worship that energy to reach back there.

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What color chandan applies to Lord Shiva?

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Usually shiva is decorated with vibuthi (sacred ash). It's a white-colored powder.

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Are women who have their menstruation allowed to do puja?

Delwyn pillay

Community Answer

Yes and no. Some Hindus believe you can't although that is because in the past there were no sanitary pads or tampons. Now there are, so if you want to worship him during your period, go ahead.

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How do I pray to Shiva? What position do I sit?

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Sit cross legged and put your palms together, while you chant your prayer quietly.

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Are there any consequences for worshiping Lord Shiva?

Community Answer

No, Lord Shiva will appreciate that you are worshiping him and he will protect you if you worship him.

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Question

How should I pray to Shiva?

Apsara Palit

Community Answer

Pray to him with full devotion. Lord Shiva never asks his devotees to arrange extravagant ways of worshiping. Be calm and pray to him with pure intention.

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Do I have to wash my body and face if I go pray?

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Yes, wash your face and body before you pray because you are accepting God's blessings in a very clean way.

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Must you clean yourself if you pray?

Akula Rasagnya patel

Community Answer

Yes. It is a religious practice. You must do that. It brings mental peace if you are clean. Make sure you wash in a bath and wear clean clothes before going to the temple.

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