Parthiv Shivling Abhishek asks a lot of a home: a fresh clay linga, the right order of rituals, and recitation that should be unhurried. A pandit prepares the vidhi and leads it, so the family can sit and take part.
Why it is done
Parthiv worship is the traditional worship of Shiva in a Shivling made of clay or earth for the occasion. Many families hold it during Shravan or on Mahashivratri, or on a personal occasion. The abhishek and the Rudri recitation are an offering of prayers, with variations by lineage.
Who it is for
Families who want to hold Shravan or Mahashivratri worship at home; people marking a personal occasion with Shiva worship; devotees who prefer a fuller abhishek with a pandit.
When to do it
Many families choose Mondays, the month of Shravan, Pradosh or Mahashivratri, but any suitable date can be chosen. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options. Your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 3 hours for the standard ceremony; about 4 hours for the extended one
- Live video puja: A live video Parthiv Shivling Abhishek works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the ritual easier. You will need clay and abhishek items ready at home.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 3 hours with one pandit and 14 vidhi steps. It covers sankalp, kalash and Ganesh worship, the making of the Parthiv linga, abhishek with Rudri recitation, aarti and bhog.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 4 hours with two pandits and 14 vidhi steps. With two pandits, the recitation can be shared and carried out in more detail within the same set of steps.
Choose the standard for a family-sized abhishek. Choose the extended if you want fuller recitation with a second pandit.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. Abhishek uses several liquid items, so ask the pandit for the list if you arrange them yourself.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp
- Kalash sthapana
- Ganesh and Lakshmi worship
- Worship of the Navagraha, Ganesh and kuldevi at the altar
- Worship of other deities
- Making and installing the Parthiv Shivling
- Shiva and Parvati worship
- Rudri path and Rudrabhishek
- Aarti, bhog and visarjan
How to prepare
- Keep a clean, level area for the Shivling and a tray to catch the abhishek water
- Check with the pandit whether they supply the clay or you should
- Arrange a place to immerse the linga as per the pandit's advice, such as a pot or a flowing-water spot
- Keep milk, curd, honey and water ready if arranging samagri yourself
- Keep a safe spot for diyas, with water nearby
- Decide who will sit for the abhishek, as per your family's custom
Who should attend
The household or the person offering the abhishek. Families commonly sit together and everyone can offer water or flowers as the pandit guides.
Your tradition
The number of lingas, the Rudri text and the order of rituals vary by lineage. Some families make many small lingas. Tell us your tradition at booking.
Safety
Abhishek involves water and liquids that can make floors slippery, and the ritual uses diyas and incense. Keep a tray and cloth ready, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. Follow the pandit's advice on how to dispose of the linga and water.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 3 hours for the standard ceremony and about 4 hours for the extended one, plus setup.
What happens to the clay Shivling after? The pandit will advise. Many families immerse it in water or in a pot with plants, following local rules.
Can women and children take part? Customs vary by family. Most families invite everyone to take part as the pandit guides.
Is this the same as Rudrabhishek? They are closely related. This abhishek uses a freshly made clay linga. Ask the pandit if you want a particular format.