Making and worshipping a clay Shivling at home can feel like a lot to organise on your own, from the clay to the order of offerings. A pandit leads the shorter vidhi, so you can sit and offer your prayers.
Why it is done
Parthiv worship is the traditional worship of Shiva in a Shivling made of clay or earth. Many families do it during Shravan or on Mahashivratri, and some on a personal occasion. Customs vary by family and lineage.
Who it is for
Families who want a shorter Shiva puja at home; people marking Shravan Mondays or Mahashivratri; first-timers who want a pandit to guide the vidhi.
When to do it
Many families choose Mondays, Shravan, Pradosh or Mahashivratri, but any suitable day can be chosen. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options. Your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one
- Live video puja: A live video Parthiv Shivlinga Puja 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 the offering items at home.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 1.5 hours with one pandit and 14 vidhi steps. It covers sankalp, Ganesh worship, the making of the linga, Shiva worship, aarti and bhog.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 2 hours with one pandit and 21 vidhi steps. It adds more rituals and prayers to the standard. The pandit confirms what is included.
Choose the standard for a short, personal puja. Choose the extended for a fuller vidhi with more time.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. Ask the pandit what is needed if you are arranging items yourself.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp
- Ganesh worship to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Making and installing the Parthiv Shivling
- Offerings of water, milk and flowers to the linga
- Worship of Shiva and Parvati
- Aarti and bhog
- Closing prayers and visarjan
How to prepare
- Keep a clean, level area and a tray for the linga
- Check with the pandit whether they bring the clay
- Keep water, milk, flowers and bel leaves ready if you are arranging items yourself
- Decide how the linga will be immersed after the puja
- Keep diyas on a safe surface with water nearby
- Decide who will sit for the pooja
Who should attend
The household or the person doing the worship. Family can join and offer water or flowers as the pandit guides.
Your tradition
The number of lingas, the mantras and the order of offerings vary by lineage. Tell us your tradition at booking.
Safety
The puja uses water and milk that can make floors slippery, and diyas and incense. Keep a tray and cloth ready, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony and about 2 hours for the extended one, plus setup.
How is this different from Parthiv Shivling Abhishek? This is the shorter puja; the abhishek is longer with Rudri recitation. The pandit can help you choose.
What happens to the Shivling afterwards? The pandit will advise. Many families immerse it in water, following local rules.
Do we need to fast? That is a personal and family choice. Many families fast on Shravan Mondays.