Shiv Pujan, the act that provides us inner calmness and peace and helps us to connect with our beloved deity. But one must know the right vidhi and puja steps for that; here we will tell you everything about the sacred Shiv Pujan. So, are you ready to invite Mahadev into your home? Let’s begin.
Before knowing how to perform Puja, let’s know the essential Shiv puja items:
- Idol of Shiv Puja - It can be Shiv Lingam, Nataraja, or the image of Lord Shiva.
- Clean Puja Thali - A clean thali for organizing all the items in a sacred and neat way.
- Freshwater (in a Kalash or lota) - for abhishekam and purification
- Ganga Jal (optional) - considered especially sacred—used for Abhishekam
- Milk - Symbol of purity and devotion; used in the Abhishek ritual
- Honey, Yogurt, Sugar, Ghee, Milk - For Panchamrit offering
- Sandalwood paste - applied to the Lingam or idol for cooling and soothing.
- Bel Patra - Most believed offering of Lord Shiva; signifies the three eyes or gunas.
- White flowers (dhatura, Lotus, Jasmine) - Represent peace and surrender.
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) - purify the space and please the senses.
- Oil Lamp (Diya) - Symbolizes light, energy, and divine presence.
- Camphor (Kapoor) - used during Aarti; represents the soul merging with the divine.
- Rudraksha mala or beads - For chanting, such as Ganesh Rudraksha
- Fruits & Sweets (Naivedya) - Offering of gratitude to the Lord
- Bell (Ghanti) - For puja and clearing negativity
The Puja Process
Creating a Sacred Puja Space
The first thing one must do is take a holy bath, mixing bathing water with Ganga Jal. Then you should now spare a space for puja in the home, typically in a quiet corner, preferably in the northeast direction, which is an ideal location for an altar.
Or if you already have a space, then simply place a picture of Lord Shiva there or a small idol as described above in the puja list. One can also place a beautiful Himalaya-dwelling Yogi there.
Now in the space, light a diya, place incense sticks or dhoop, and light it up. Then, using a small plate, which can be of copper or silver, place flowers, fruits, and chandan (for tika) on it.
Invoke Lord Shiva’s Energy Through Dhyan
Now, the next thing is to close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sounds of the Ganga river, the beat of a damru, and the calm yet powerful gaze of Lord Shiva for calling the divine energy within you. Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya.” It will create vibrations in your mind, body, and soul, making you feel connected with the higher self.
Offerings To Make
Offerings, called Upachar; are made when puja is done. For Shiv Puja, start offering with love, like water for abhishekam. Pour it on the Shiv Lingam or image. Milk and honey are offered for sweetness and purification. Bilva leaves, called "bel patra," are offered as a symbol of surrender and devotion.
Fruits and sweets, also called Naivedyam, are made as a food offering to the deity. Incense and a diya are also lit up.
Aarti
After lighting the diya, Lord Shiva aarti is done, which starts with “Om Jai Shiv Onkara.” You just need to wave the flame in circular motions while ringing a bell, and then let the sound level up the vibrations in the space. When aarti is done, all family members join in too, so ask yours too to create a powerful chanting vibration.
Offer Gratitude & Prayers
Lord Shiva is like your father, a friend, or your guide to the right path in life. So, whenever you pray to him, worship, and perform puja rituals, sit quietly for a minute, and let the energy lift you up and make you feel understood and loved. Say thanks; show gratitude for what you are blessed with. Ask for courage and clarity.
Distribute Prasad
Offer the sweets and fruits to your family when the aarti and puja rituals are completed. Prasad is very important to be shared with the family because it inculcates the feeling of oneness. It also includes the love and blessings from the deity you prayed to. So, share it with everyone!
Final Words
So, this is the simple Puja vidhi which you can perform when you pray to the almighty Lord Shiva. This is the time when you connect with Mahadev; however, your true devotion is the main essential for the puja, except for the other things. All you need is a true whisper from your heart inside, “Om Namah Shivaya.”
For more such essential puja traditions and rituals, connect with us anytime at pandit.com To seek divine consultation on spiritual, astrological, and Vastu correction matters, meet our honorable Mahaguru and Celebrity astrologist, Pt. Rahul Kaushl.
Make your journeys sacred with us! Har Har Mahadev!
