BhaktiLoopShiva-Parvati Abhishekam (Uma-Maheshwara Abhishekam)
Abhishekam is a ritual bath performed for the deities using various sacred liquids, each with its unique significance. The Shiva-Parvati Abhishekam focuses on worshipping the divine couple, symbolizing the perfect union of Purusha (consciousness, Shiva) and Prakriti (energy, Parvati). This elaborate puja involves purifying the deities with traditional offerings, accompanied by the chanting of specific Vedic mantras, enhancing spiritual vibrations and attracting divine grace.
Purpose
To invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for marital harmony, progeny, prosperity, spiritual growth, removal of obstacles, good health, peace, and overall well-being. It is particularly performed by couples seeking a strong and loving relationship, or by individuals for finding a suitable life partner.
Key Rituals
Sankalpa (Intention setting by the devotee)
Ganapati Puja (Worship of Lord Ganesha for removal of obstacles)
Punyahavachanam (Purification of the puja space and items with sacred water)
Kalasha Sthapana (Installation of a sacred pot filled with water and herbs, representing deities)
Navagraha Puja (Worship of the nine planets for planetary peace and prosperity, often included)
Shiva-Parvati Avahanam & Prana Pratishtha (Invocation and enlivening of the deities in the idols/lingam)
Abhishekam (Ritual bathing of Shiva Lingam and Parvati idol with various auspicious liquids, including):
- Water (Jal Abhishek)
- Milk (Dugdha Abhishek)
- Yogurt (Dadhi Abhishek)
- Ghee (Ghrita Abhishek)
- Honey (Madhu Abhishek)
- Sugar (Sharkara Abhishek)
- Panchamrit (Mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar)
- Fruit Juices (e.g., sugarcane juice, orange juice)
- Sandalwood Paste (Chandana Abhishek)
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash Abhishek)
- Rose Water (Gulab Jal Abhishek)
Vastra (Offering clothes)
Alankaram (Decoration of the deities with ornaments, flowers, garlands)
Archana (Offering flowers, Bilva leaves, Kumkum, and Turmeric while chanting Ashtottarashata Namavali - 108 names - or Sahasranamavali - 1000 names - for Shiva and Parvati)
Dhoopam (Offering incense)
Deepam (Offering lamp/light)
Naivedyam (Offering consecrated food items and fruits)
Tamboolam (Offering betel leaves and nuts)
Maha Mangala Aarti (Waving of camphor lamp to the deities)
Pradakshina (Circumambulation around the deities)
Pushpanjali (Offering flowers with prayers)
Kshama Prarthana (Prayer for forgiveness for any errors during the ritual)
Vibhuti Dharanam (Applying sacred ash after the puja)
Common Offerings
Bilva leaves (for Shiva)
Kumkum and Turmeric (for Parvati)
Flowers (especially white and blue flowers, Dhatura, Aak flowers, Jasmine, Roses)
Milk, Yogurt, Ghee, Honey, Sugar
Fresh Fruits (Bananas, Apples, Pomegranates, Coconuts)
Sweets (Ladoo, Modak, Kheer)
Panchamrit
Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
Vibhuti (Sacred Ash)
Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
Camphor (Karpur)
Betel leaves and Areca nuts (Tamboolam)
Coconut
Dakshina (Donation to the priest)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning
I bow to Lord Shiva. (The five-syllable mantra, Panchakshari Mantra)
Benefits
Purifies the mind, grants peace, protection, and spiritual liberation. It is the fundamental mantra for Shiva worship.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
Meaning
We worship the Three-eyed Lord (Shiva) who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of death, like a cucumber freed from its stalk, and grant us immortality.
Benefits
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is chanted for longevity, good health, protection from diseases, fear, and untimely death. It promotes inner peace and spiritual growth.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike | Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namo ’stu Te ||
Meaning
O auspicious one of all auspiciousness, O consort of Shiva, the fulfiller of all desires, O refuge, O three-eyed one, O Gauri, O Narayani, salutations to You.
Benefits
This mantra praises Goddess Parvati (Gauri) and is chanted for overall well-being, prosperity, happiness, and the fulfillment of desires, especially related to marital bliss and family harmony.
Mantra 4
Mantra Text
Om Uma Maheshwarabhyam Namah ||
Meaning
Salutations to Uma (Parvati) and Maheshwara (Shiva).
Benefits
A simple yet powerful mantra for worshipping the divine couple, fostering love, harmony, and blessings for relationships and family life.
Auspicious Days
Mondays (especially Shravan Somvar during the month of Shravan/Sawan)
Mahashivaratri
Pradosham (Thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, dedicated to Shiva and Parvati)
Trayodashi (13th day of the lunar fortnight)
Karthik Maas (Month of Karthik)
Any auspicious Muhurta (propitious time) determined by an astrologer.
During significant personal events like anniversaries or before starting new ventures.
Regional Variations
While the core principles of Abhishekam remain consistent, regional variations may include: - **South India:** More emphasis on chanting the Rudram and Chamakam during Abhishekam. Often, the Shiva Lingam is the primary focus, with Parvati's presence implied or represented by a separate small idol. Usage of specific local flowers and leaves may vary. - **North India:** More focus on worshipping the idols of Shiva and Parvati together. Some regional variations might include specific bhajan (devotional songs) traditions during the puja, and the use of 'Bhang' (cannabis paste) as an offering to Shiva in some specific temples or sects during certain festivals.
Related Pujas
Rudrabhishekam (Elaborate Abhishekam focused solely on Lord Shiva with chanting of Sri Rudram)
Laghu Rudra / Maha Rudra (More extensive forms of Rudrabhishekam)
Uma Maheshwara Vratam (A specific vow taken by couples for marital harmony and progeny)
Parvati Kalyanam (A ceremonial re-enactment of Shiva and Parvati's wedding)