Rudrabhisheka

Rudrabhisheka (Sanskrit: रुद्राभिषेक) is a Vedic ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the Rudrabhisheka ritual, Gangajal (Achhinjal), honey, milk, water, Panchamrit and curd are offered to Lord Shiva. It is generally offered on Monday to Shivalinga in a Shiva temple in the Indian subcontinent. According to Hindu adherents, it is believed that by performing Rudrabhisheka on this day, Lord Shiva fulfills all the wishes quickly. It is performed under the guidance of a learned Brahmin. It is also performed on the occasion of the festival Mahashivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The importance of Rudrabhisheka is more on the day of the Mahashivratri festival.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

Rudrabhisheka is a Sanskrit word. It is the combination of two terms Rudra and Abhisheka. The term Rudra is directly related to Lord Shiva, who is also considered an incarnation of Rudra. Similarly, the term Abhisheka signifies to the offering and pouring holy liquid on Shivalinga. Thus, the combined term Rudrabhisheka means the consecration of Rudra, or Lord Shiva.^[2]

The Rudrabhisheka ritual is performed on a Shivalinga. It can be performed on a Shivalinga at a Shiva temple. The ritual of Rudrabhisheka can also be performed at home. First of all, the puja room or place where Shivalinga is to be installed, should be cleaned and purified by sprinkling Gangajal or Achhinjal. The direction of the Shivalinga installed, should be in north direction. The worshiper should be in east.^[1]

The performance of abhishekas with different holy religious liquids is done with the help of a shringi. First of all, Gangajal is poured in the shringi and Jalabhisheka is performed on the Shivalinga.^[1] After the Jalabhisheka, all other abhishekas are also performed with the same shringi. The Shivalinga is anointed one by one with all the liquid substances like sugarcane juice, honey, curd, milk, water, and Panchamrit etc. During the rituals of Rudrabhisheka, the Mahamrityunjay Mantra is also chanted continuously.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥