From Honey to Kalonji: 5 things to add to water before offering to Shivling
The tale of offering water to Lord Shiva dates back to the Samudra Manthan era, when Lord Shiva consumed Halahal, the poison that emerged from the manthan. To save the universe, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, which generated intense heat and pain in his body, and this is when Devtas poured water over his head to cool him down; And since then this practice of offering water to Lord Shiva has been a part of the Hindu culture. It is believed that pouring water on the Shivling can calm down the intense spiritual energy emanating from it and can cleanse the devotee’s mind and soul of impurities and negative thoughts. Every Monday devotees offer water to the Shivling as a sacred ritual that symbolises purity, surrender, and devotion to Lord Shiva. Along with water, devotees traditionally add certain ingredients that are believed to enhance the sanctity and spiritual efficacy of the offering. Here are five common things added to water before offering to the Shivling.
Honey
Honey is considered sacred and symbolizes sweetness, purity, and the nectar of immortality (Amrit). Its inclusion in Shivling Abhishekam signifies the wish for a sweet and prosperous life. Honey is believed to purify the environment and attract divine blessings by enhancing the vibrational energy around the Shivling.
Ghee
Ghee is symbolic of nourishment, light, and clarity of mind, and as per Hindu rituals, ghee is used to invoke purity and positive energy. Bathing the Shivling with ghee is thought to remove negativity and promote spiritual illumination and strength.
Sugarcane Juice or Jaggery Water
Sugarcane juice or jaggery dissolved in water is added as a natural sweetener representing happiness and prosperity. It connects to the agricultural roots of India and symbolizes fertility and abundance. This offering is believed to dissolve karmic obstacles, especially during the worship of Lord Shiva.
Milk
Milk is a symbol of purity and piety in Hindu culture. Offering milk to the Shivling represents surrendering one’s ego and desires. It also symbolizes cleansing and rejuvenation, believed to cool the fiery energy of Lord Shiva, especially linked to the myth where Shiva consumes poison during Samudra Manthan.
Kalonji
Last but not the least, Nigella seeds also known as Kalonji seeds are often added to the water for their spiritual and healing properties. Known for warding off negative energies and protecting against evil forces, kalonji also helps in cleansing the aura and also helps in healing the ill effects of planets and karma.
Honey
Honey is considered sacred and symbolizes sweetness, purity, and the nectar of immortality (Amrit). Its inclusion in Shivling Abhishekam signifies the wish for a sweet and prosperous life. Honey is believed to purify the environment and attract divine blessings by enhancing the vibrational energy around the Shivling.
Ghee
Ghee is symbolic of nourishment, light, and clarity of mind, and as per Hindu rituals, ghee is used to invoke purity and positive energy. Bathing the Shivling with ghee is thought to remove negativity and promote spiritual illumination and strength.
Sugarcane Juice or Jaggery Water
Sugarcane juice or jaggery dissolved in water is added as a natural sweetener representing happiness and prosperity. It connects to the agricultural roots of India and symbolizes fertility and abundance. This offering is believed to dissolve karmic obstacles, especially during the worship of Lord Shiva.
Milk
Milk is a symbol of purity and piety in Hindu culture. Offering milk to the Shivling represents surrendering one’s ego and desires. It also symbolizes cleansing and rejuvenation, believed to cool the fiery energy of Lord Shiva, especially linked to the myth where Shiva consumes poison during Samudra Manthan.
Kalonji
Last but not the least, Nigella seeds also known as Kalonji seeds are often added to the water for their spiritual and healing properties. Known for warding off negative energies and protecting against evil forces, kalonji also helps in cleansing the aura and also helps in healing the ill effects of planets and karma.
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