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Lord Shiva is an important god that is worshipped in a sect of Hinduism called Shaivism. He is responsible for the destruction of the universe, with the goal of recreating it. This powerful god is known for his contradictory nature but he can be generous to his worshippers, especially if they are devout. [1] X Research source Worshipping Lord Shiva can be done by creating a shrine with his image and by performing specific rituals and prayers in his honor. You can also maintain a regular practice of worship so you stay connected to Lord Shiva.
Steps
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Get a sitting Shiva for a calm shrine. Lord Shiva can be depicted in statues and images sitting in a meditating position with his legs crossed and his hands in his lap. The sitting Shiva is ideal if you plan to meditate in front of the image often and want to create a calm, relaxed space. [2] X Research source
- The sitting Shiva should still have several items on him that are traditional, such as a third eye, a cobra necklace, a three-pronged trident, and the vibhuti, which are 3 horizontal lines that are drawn on his forehead.
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Opt for a dancing Shiva for an energetic shrine. The dancing Shiva will show be upright with his right leg extended outward and his arms raised upward. Lord Shiva is considered the master of dance in Shaivism and a dancing Shiva statue or image will create an energetic, lively atmosphere for the shrine. [3] X Research source
- The dancing Shiva will have the same features as a sitting Shiva, but it will also usually have a demon dwarf being crushed at the feet of the dancing Shiva, which represents man’s ego and ignorance.
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Create the shrine on an altar in the northeast corner of your home. This area is considered the best spot for idols in a home. Make sure the altar is raised on a table or countertop and that the spot is quiet and clean, with good natural lighting. You should be able to see the Shiva clearly, as this will encourage you to worship it. [4] X Research source
- Avoid creating a shrine to Shiva at work, as his energy is usually too overpowering for the space and the altar can become cluttered. A shrine at home, where you can worship quietly, is ideal.
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Have only 1 Lord Shiva and simple, bare decorations on the shrine. Having more than 1 statue or image of Lord Shiva can be overpowering and create opposing energies in your space. Lord Shiva does not respond to bright, lavish decorations or offerings so you can keep the altar simply by covering it with a white cloth. [5] X Research source
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Place the pooja room, or meditation spot, in front of the shrine. The traditional pooja room should be set up in front of the shrine so you can meditate in front of Lord Shiva easily. The pooja room can be simple, with an altar, a platform, and a statue or image of Lord Shiva.
- If you have the budget, you can create a more elaborate pooja room with lighting and a raised platform or an enclosed area.
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Worship Lord Ganesha before worshipping Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of success, will to remove any obstacles you may be dealing with so you can worship and pray freely to Lord Shiva. [6] X Research source
- You may pray to a statue or icon of Lord Ganesha first. Or you may address Lord Ganesha verbally to acknowledge him.
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Pray to Lord Shiva at least once a day at home or at a temple. Create a routine where you worship or pray to Lord Shiva in the morning to start your day or at night to wind down before bed. Meditate in front of the shrine to Lord Shiva as a form of worship. You can also chant prayers, mantras and texts from Shaivism to worship Lord Shiva.
- If you go to a temple to worship, the Hindu priest may lead you on a chant to Lord Shiva as part of the temple service.
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Present offerings like milk, bilwa leaves, or grains, especially on Mondays. Though you can pray to Lord Shiva any day, Mondays are considered sacred days of worship in the Hindu religion. Presenting cold milk, traditional bilva leaves, or grains like barley, millet, rice, and wheat are considered good, worthy offers for Lord Shiva. Offerings can increase your favor with the god. [7] X Research source
- Avoid offerings like coconut water, turmeric, Ketaki flowers, and kumkum, as they are considered bad luck when given to Lord Shiva. [8] X Research source
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Worship Lord Shiva during Shravan Maa. Shravan Maa occurs from July-August and is considered a very auspicious month for worshipping Lord Shiva. In India, large celebrations are held during this month as well as austere practices like fasting and prayers. It is also a time to visit temples to worship Shiva several times a week or every day. [9] X Research source
- You can also chant mantras and prayers at the temple to worship Shiva during this auspicious time and present offerings.
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Keep your Shiva shrine at home clean and uncluttered. Maintain the shrine by giving it a regular clean so it is presentable for Lord Shiva. Make sure there is no debris or clutter on the shrine, as this can block the energy of Lord Shiva. [10] X Research source
- You can also present different offerings to Lord Shiva and remove any old offerings.
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Practice Sravanam with other followers of Lord Shiva once a week. Sravanam is a gathering of other Lord Shiva devotees and followers. The gatherings can occur in someone’s home at a shrine or at a Hindu temple, often on Mondays, the day of honour for Lord Shiva. The gatherings are a good way to strengthen your worshipping practice and your connection to Lord Shiva. [11] X Research source
- Look for other followers of Lord Shiva in your area and suggest that you practice Sravanam together. You can then hold regular gatherings to strengthen your worshipping practice.
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Attend celebrations of Lord Shiva at a temple to deepen your worship. Lord Shiva is often celebrated at Hindu temples, especially on Mondays. Going regularly to these celebrations at the temple can help to deepen your worship of Lord Shiva, especially if you would like to learn different chants, prayers, and meditation practices. [12] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do you get a blessing from Shiva?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerSome 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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QuestionWill Lord Shiva forgive my sins?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerShiva 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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QuestionCan Lord Shiva change my destiny?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerSome 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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References
- ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/shiva.shtml
- ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/shiva.shtml
- ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/shiva.shtml
- ↑ https://hridaya-yoga.com/blog/how-to-create-a-home-altar/
- ↑ https://hridaya-yoga.com/blog/how-to-create-a-home-altar/
- ↑ https://hridaya-yoga.com/blog/how-to-create-a-home-altar/
- ↑ http://allsaivism.com/articles/yogasadhana.aspx
- ↑ https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/6-grains-to-offer-on-shivlinga/kumkum
- ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-benefits-shravan-month-maas-pooja-lord-pt-b-p-upadhyay/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To worship Lord Shiva, create an altar in the northeast corner of your home by placing a white cloth over a table or countertop. On top of the cloth, position your statue of Lord Shiva, either sitting or dancing. You should also keep the altar clean and tidy with limited decoration, since Lord Shiva responds best to simplicity. Once the altar is complete, mark off an area in front of the altar so you can meditate before Lord Shiva. When you begin worshipping, make sure to pray once a day. Since Monday is a sacred day, present offerings to Lord Shiva, like milk or grains, on this day. During Shravan Maa, which takes place in July and August, attend a temple to worship Shiva, make extra offerings, and pray regularly at home, because this is a sacred time. For tips on how to practice Shravanam with a gathering of other people, read on!
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