Shiv Puja Essentials: Parad Shivling, Silver Trishul, Belpatra, Naag Nagin and Rudraksha
Quick answer: For Shiv puja at home you need a Shivling (stone, Narmadeshwar or Parad), water or milk for abhishek, Belpatra, white flowers, sandalwood, a diya and a Rudraksha mala for chanting "Om Namah Shivaya". Silver Trishul, silver Belpatra and a silver Naag Nagin joda are traditional offerings, especially in Sawan and on Mahashivratri.
Shreerudra, the Delhi pooja store named after Lord Rudra, has served Shiva devotees since 2000.
Shiv puja samagri checklist
Item | Purpose | Shop |
Parad (mercury) Shivling | Worship at home; considered especially auspicious | |
Silver Trishul | Offering to Shiva, symbol of the three gunas | |
Silver Belpatra | Lasting Belpatra offering | |
Naag Nagin joda | Offering in Sawan, Nag Panchami, Kaal Sarp puja | |
Rudraksha mala | Chanting Om Namah Shivaya | |
White sandalwood | Tilak and offering | |
Kapoor | Aarti |
What is a Parad Shivling?
A Parad Shivling is made from mercury solidified with other metals by a traditional process. In traditional Rasa Shastra, Parad (mercury) is regarded as a form of Shiva. Keep it on a plate in the pooja room and do abhishek with water. Do not eat or drink the abhishek water from a Parad Shivling, and keep it out of reach of children.
Simple Monday Shiv puja at home
Bathe and wear clean clothes. Sit facing east or north.
Place the Shivling on a plate. Offer water, then raw milk, then water again (abhishek).
Apply sandalwood, offer Belpatra (with the smooth side touching the Shivling), white flowers and a Trishul or Naag Nagin if you are making a special offering.
Light a diya and chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times on a Rudraksha mala.
Perform aarti with kapoor and offer prasad.
Do not offer Tulsi, haldi or kumkum to the Shivling, as tradition advises.
Sawan and Mahashivratri
In the month of Sawan, devotees offer jal every Monday (Sawan Somvar). On Mahashivratri, the night-long worship is done in four prahars with abhishek of water, milk, curd, ghee and honey. A silver Naag Nagin joda is traditionally offered at a Shiva temple on Nag Panchami for Kaal Sarp Dosh.
Wear Shiva's blessings
Rudraksha: see our complete guide to Rudraksha types.
Lockets: Shiv Shakti kavach with 5 Mukhi Rudraksha, Trishul Damru pendant, Om Namah Shivay locket.
Bracelets: Mahadev Om Rudraksha kada, Mahakaal Rudraksha bracelet.
Home: Adiyogi 5D poster, Shiv Parivar poster, Shiv Yantra and the wooden Kedarnath temple.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a Shivling at home?
Yes. A small Shivling (traditionally no larger than your thumb for home worship) is kept in many homes and worshipped daily with water.
Which side of Belpatra is offered?
The smooth side faces the Shivling, with the stem pointing towards you. Use three-leaf Belpatra without holes or tears.
Is a Parad Shivling safe?
Handle it gently, do not consume the abhishek water, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
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