Rudrabhishek Puja is a revered ritual in which Panchamrut (a mixture of five sacred substances) is offered to Lord Shiva while chanting specific mantras. This powerful ceremony is believed to grant the wishes of the devotee. By performing Rudrabhishek, individuals seek wealth, the fulfillment of their desires, the removal of negativity, and the elimination of bad karma, ultimately leading to happiness and spiritual well-being.
During the ceremony, devotees recite sacred mantras and shlokas to establish a connection with the divine. This process fills the atmosphere with positive energy, uplifting the spirits of all those present. The ritual also includes the chanting of 108 names of Lord Shiva and the decoration of the Shiva Linga with Rudraksha beads.
Several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, including Trimbakeshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Somnath, Kedarnath, and Bhimashankar, offer devotees the chance to perform Rudrabhishek. Among these, Trimbakeshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, located in Nashik, Maharashtra, is particularly significant for these sacred rituals.
Rudrabhishek Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple
The Rudrabhishek Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple is a highly spiritual ritual, aimed at bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to the devotee. This sacred puja holds immense significance in the Vedas and is regarded as essential for reaping the benefits of worshiping Lord Shiva. Its importance is also highlighted in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama performed Rudrabhishek before embarking on his mission to rescue Sita Mata from Ravana.
At Trimbakeshwar Temple, this puja is performed in accordance with specific rituals tailored to the individual’s birth details, which makes the ceremony even more powerful, especially as it is conducted at one of Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlingas.
Rudrabhishek Ritual
Rudrabhishek is one of the most revered practices in Hinduism, particularly significant during Mahashivratri. It is seen as one of the purest forms of devotion to Lord Shiva. On Mahashivratri, devotees perform the Maha Rudrabhishekham to honor Lord Shiva. Rudrabhishek involves offering prayers to Rudra, a fierce and dynamic form of Lord Shiva, whose cosmic dance, the Tandav, symbolizes his intense and fearless nature.
In the Vedas, Rudra is described as the eyes of the sun and moon, the breath of the wind, and the voice of the Vedas—representing the very essence of the universe. This form of Shiva is known for his destructive power, which plays a crucial role in the cycle of creation and destruction.
During the Rudrabhishek, offerings such as a sacred bath, flowers, and other holy items are presented to Lord Shiva. The puja is typically performed on Mondays, during Shravan Somvaar, or on Mahashivratri.
Items Required for Rudrabhishek Puja
- Shiva Linga: The central deity for the ritual.
- Milk: Used to offer a sacred bath.
- Honey: To sweeten the offerings.
- Water: Essential for purification.
- Charnamrit: A sacred mixture of various ingredients used in the puja.
- Ghee: Clarified butter for offerings and rituals.
- Sugar: Added to enhance the sweetness.
- Flowers: For decoration and worship.
- Bel Patra: Sacred leaves used during the puja.
- Gangajal: Water from the Ganges, considered highly holy.
Significance of Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to honoring Lord Shiva. On this day, the subtle energy of Lord Shiva, known as Shiva Tattva, is believed to become more accessible. This divine energy, which is typically difficult to perceive, is manifested more tangibly during Mahashivratri, allowing devotees to experience its grace in a direct and powerful way.
Performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri is especially significant, as it involves chanting or listening to the Shri Rudram, which helps align the devotee with Shiva’s divine energy. The astrological positioning of the sun and moon during Shivaratri can create an imbalance in the air and space elements, making it difficult for individuals to sit still and meditate. Thus, Mahashivratri provides an ideal opportunity to engage in spiritual practices and connect with Shiva’s energy through various rituals and prayers.
Who Should Perform Rudrabhishek Puja?
The Rudrabhishek Puja is recommended for individuals facing various challenges or seeking specific blessings:
- Health Issues: Those suffering from diseases or ailments can benefit from this puja.
- Family Harmony: It is also beneficial for bringing peace and harmony to family relationships.
- Success and Prosperity: Individuals struggling to achieve success can find this puja helpful in removing obstacles.
- Astrological Influences: Those affected by Rahu, Ketu, or Shani in their zodiac signs are advised to perform Rudrabhishek to mitigate the adverse effects of these planets.
For optimal results, it is recommended to conduct this puja under the guidance of a Purohit from Trimbakeshwar Temple. The rituals and mantras involved are designed to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, bringing positive changes, prosperity, and good fortune into the devotee’s life.
Key Mantras for the Puja:
- Rudra Mantra: Om Namah Bhagavate Rudraya (ॐ नमः भगवतेः रुद्राय)
- Panchakshari Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय)
Rudrabhishek Mantra
ॐ नम: शम्भवाय च मयोभवाय च नम: शंकराय च
मयस्कराय च नम: शिवाय च शिवतराय च ॥
ईशानः सर्वविद्यानामीश्व रः सर्वभूतानां ब्रह्माधिपतिर्ब्रह्मणोऽधिपति
ब्रह्मा शिवो मे अस्तु सदाशिवोय् ॥
तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
अघोरेभ्योथघोरेभ्यो घोरघोरतरेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यः सर्व सर्वेभ्यो नमस्ते अस्तु रुद्ररुपेभ्यः ॥
वामदेवाय नमो ज्येष्ठारय नमः श्रेष्ठारय नमो
रुद्राय नमः कालाय नम: कलविकरणाय नमो बलविकरणाय नमः
बलाय नमो बलप्रमथनाथाय नमः सर्वभूतदमनाय नमो मनोन्मनाय नमः ॥
सद्योजातं प्रपद्यामि सद्योजाताय वै नमो नमः ।
भवे भवे नाति भवे भवस्व मां भवोद्भवाय नमः ॥
नम: सायं नम: प्रातर्नमो रात्र्या नमो दिवा ।
भवाय च शर्वाय चाभाभ्यामकरं नम: ॥
यस्य नि:श्र्वसितं वेदा यो वेदेभ्योsखिलं जगत् ।
निर्ममे तमहं वन्दे विद्यातीर्थ महेश्वरम् ॥
त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिबर्धनम् उर्वारूकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मा मृतात् ॥
सर्वो वै रुद्रास्तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्तु । पुरुषो वै रुद्र: सन्महो नमो नम: ॥
विश्वा भूतं भुवनं चित्रं बहुधा जातं जायामानं च यत् । सर्वो ह्येष रुद्रस्तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्तु ॥
Where to Perform Rudrabhishekam Pooja
For a meaningful Rudrabhishekam Pooja, it’s ideal to do so at the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, guided by the temple’s official priests. During the ceremony, you will chant mantras along with the priest and perform the ritual using your family’s names and Gotras. It’s essential for the person conducting the Pooja to wear new clothes: men should dress in a dhoti, gamcha, and a white napkin, while women should choose new sarees and blouses.
Rudrabhishek Puja Vidhi
To perform Rudrabhishekam Puja, start by cleaning the Shiva Linga with water. Next, perform the Rudrabhishekam using unboiled cow milk. Offer Gangajal, honey, ghee, sugar, flowers, and Bel patra to the Shiva Linga, each element carrying its own significance. While performing the puja, chant mantras such as “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA” with devotion. Engaging fully in this ritual helps connect deeply with Lord Shiva.
Benefits of Chanting Rudra Mantra
- Reduces Fear and Anxiety: Regular chanting of the Rudra mantra helps dispel fear and clear mental confusion, addressing personal worries and stresses.
- Promotes Health and Well-being: It aids in overcoming illnesses and discomforts, providing relief and positivity.
- Enhances Positive Energy: The Rudra mantra helps to counteract negative energies and bring positive vibes into one’s life.
Benefits of Rudrabhishek
Rudrabhishek Puja is often called the “Remover of All Evils” in Vedic scriptures. Since Lord Shiva’s power gave rise to the planets that affect our horoscopes, performing Rudrabhishek can help mitigate the negative impacts of planetary Doshas. This puja is effective in transforming negative energies into positive ones, which can influence various aspects of life.
Benefits of Performing Rudrabhishek Puja
- Enhances Education and Career: Promotes growth in learning, work, and career success.
- Improves Relationships: Fosters harmony in personal and professional relationships.
- Alleviates Financial Issues: Helps resolve financial difficulties.
- Removes Doshas: Addresses and eliminates astrological Doshas.
- Boosts Health: Aids in overcoming health-related concerns.
- Promotes Mental Balance: Blesses individuals with a positive outlook and a balanced mind.
- Mitigates Astrological Effects: Helps counteract adverse effects from Punarvasu, Ashlesha, and Pushya Nakshatras.
- Beneficial for Cancer Sign: Particularly advantageous for those born under the Karka (Cancer) zodiac sign.
Best Time to Perform Rudrabhishek Puja
The most auspicious times to perform Rudrabhishek Puja are:
- Mahashivratri: The most sacred day for this ritual.
- Mondays: Particularly in the months of Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, and Kartik.
- Special Days: During Pradosha, Chaturdashi, Purnima, and Amavasya.
For performing Rudrabhishek at the Trimbakeshwar Temple, it’s best to contact the Purohit Sangh Guruji. The puja is done to alleviate the negative effects of Nakshatras based on one’s horoscope (Janam Nakshatras).
Cost of Rudrabhishek Puja at Trimbakeshwar
The Maha Rudrabhishekam Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple is conducted by authorized purohits who hold the Tamrapatra issued by Peshwa Bajirao. To arrange this puja, you need to make a booking in advance. The cost varies depending on the number of purohits involved and the duration of the puja.