Shiva Puja
A grounding ritual for inner stillness, transformation, and courage
Best For
What You'll Need
Essential Items
- •Shiva image or lingam
- •Lamp
- •Incense
- •Water
- •Leaves or flowers
Optional Items
- •Mala (prayer beads)
- •Milk for offering (optional)
- •Sacred ash (vibhuti)
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Space
3-5 minutesClean the altar and place Shiva’s image or lingam at the center.
Meaning: Preparation creates a focused, sacred atmosphere
Materials needed:
Light the Lamp and Incense
2 minutesLight a lamp and incense, then sit for a few calm breaths.
Meaning: Light and fragrance help settle the mind
Materials needed:
Abhishekam (Water Offering)
2-3 minutesSlowly pour water over the lingam or offer water near the image.
Meaning: Water represents purification and renewal
Materials needed:
Offer Bilva Leaves
2 minutesPlace bilva leaves or any green leaf offering before Shiva.
Meaning: Leaves symbolize humility and devotion
Materials needed:
Chant Shiva Mantra
5-10 minutesChant the mantra steadily, allowing the mind to quiet.
Meaning: Sound draws attention inward toward stillness
Materials needed:
Aarti and Closing
3-5 minutesWave the lamp, bow, and sit in silence for a few breaths.
Meaning: Stillness completes the ritual
Materials needed:
Sacred Mantras
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
I bow to Shiva
Meaning: A mantra of surrender, inner strength, and transformation
When to use: During chanting or quiet meditation
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
We worship the three-eyed Lord, fragrant and nourishing; may we be freed from bondage and fear of death
Meaning: The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a prayer for healing and inner strength
When to use: After abhishekam or during extended chanting
Helpful Tips
- 💡Offer water slowly and mindfully; the rhythm itself becomes meditation
- 💡If you don’t have bilva leaves, offer any fresh leaf or flower
- 💡Let the mantra pace your breath
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Shiva lingam to do this puja?
No. An image of Shiva or a simple representation works. The ritual is about devotion, not form.
Is milk offering required?
It’s optional. Water is the essential offering and perfectly sufficient.
Practice in the myPuja App
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