BhaktiLoopShiva Pooja (Ashtottarashata/Sahasranamavali)
The Shiva Ashtottarashata Namavali (108 names) or Shiva Sahasranamavali (1008 names) Puja is a revered devotional practice involving the recitation of Lord Shiva's divine names, each followed by an offering (typically Bael/Bilva leaves, flowers, or Akshata – unbroken rice). This puja is considered highly meritorious, deepening the devotee's connection with Shiva and invoking His benevolent presence. It is often performed with a Shiva Lingam or an idol of Lord Shiva as the central deity.
Purpose
This puja is performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth, inner peace, fulfillment of desires, removal of obstacles, protection from negative influences, good health, longevity, and overall well-being. Reciting the sacred names purifies the mind, strengthens devotion, and connects the devotee with the divine energy of Shiva.
Key Rituals
- Purvanga (Preparatory Rites):**
- Sankalpa: Taking a solemn vow to perform the puja, stating the purpose and seeking divine blessings.
- Guru Vandana & Ganesha Puja: Invocation of one's spiritual teacher and Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and ensure the successful completion of the puja.
- Deepa Prajwalanam: Lighting the traditional lamp to invite light, purity, and knowledge.
- Ghanta Nada: Ringing the bell to invoke auspiciousness and ward off negative energies.
- Pradhana Puja (Main Rituals):**
- Dhyanam: Meditating on the form of Lord Shiva.
- Avahanam: Inviting Lord Shiva's presence into the idol or Lingam.
- Asanam, Padya, Arghya, Achaman: Offering a seat, water for feet, water for hands, and water for sipping.
- Snanam (Abhishekam): Ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam/idol with various sacred liquids (Panchamrita: milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar; followed by water, rose water, coconut water, etc.), accompanied by chanting mantras like Om Namah Shivaya or the Rudram.
- Vastram & Yajnopaveetam: Offering new clothes and the sacred thread.
- Gandham, Akshatam: Applying sandalwood paste and offering unbroken rice.
- Pushpam / Bilva Patra Archana (The Core Ritual): This is the central part where each of the 108 or 1008 names of Lord Shiva is chanted, followed by the offering of a Bilva leaf (most preferred), flower, or Akshata to the deity. Each name begins with 'Om' and ends with 'Namaha' (e.g., Om Shivaya Namaha, Om Maheshwaraya Namaha, etc.).
- Dhupam: Offering incense to purify the atmosphere.
- Deepam: Waving a lamp before the deity.
- Naivedyam: Offering consecrated food items (fruits, sweets, cooked rice, milk preparations) to the deity.
- Tamboolam: Offering betel leaves and nuts.
- Karpura Niranjanam: Waving camphor lamp.
- Uttarangam (Concluding Rites):**
- Maha Mangala Arati: Waving a lamp with multiple wicks, accompanied by devotional songs.
- Mantra Pushpam: Offering flowers while chanting specific Vedic hymns.
- Pradakshina: Circumambulation around the deity/altar.
- Namaskaram: Prostrations before the deity, expressing reverence and humility.
- Kshama Prarthana: Prayer for forgiveness for any known or unknown mistakes made during the puja.
- Phala Samarpanam: Offering the fruits of the puja to Lord Shiva.
- Teertha Prasada Vitaranam: Distribution of the holy water (Abhishekam water) and consecrated food to devotees.
Common Offerings
Bilva (Bael) leaves (highly auspicious for Shiva)
Water (especially Ganges water or pure water)
Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar (Panchamrita for Abhishekam)
Flowers (white flowers like Jasmine, Oleander, Dhatura; also Blue Lotus, Hibiscus)
Vibhuti (sacred ash)
Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
Akshata (unbroken rice grains, often mixed with turmeric)
Incense sticks (Dhup)
Oil lamps (Deepam)
Fruits (especially coconut, bananas, apples)
Sweets (Modak, Laddoo, Kheer)
Betel leaves and nuts (Tamboolam)
Camphor (Karpur)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning
I bow to Lord Shiva. (The Panchakshari Mantra, 'Five-Syllable Mantra')
Benefits
Considered the most fundamental and potent mantra for Shiva. Chanting it purifies the mind, invokes Shiva's blessings for protection, inner peace, and spiritual awakening. It helps remove negative karma and fear.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | 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 Samsara and death, just as a cucumber is severed from its stalk, and grant us immortality.
Benefits
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful mantra for healing, longevity, well-being, and protection from untimely death. It is chanted for overcoming illness, fear, and for spiritual liberation.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Tat Purushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi | Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat ||
Meaning
Om, Let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, grant me higher intellect, And let Lord Rudra illuminate my mind.
Benefits
This is the Shiva Gayatri Mantra, chanted for wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and to invoke the fierce yet benevolent aspect of Shiva (Rudra) for protection and guidance.
Mantra 4
Mantra Text
The 108 (Ashtottarashata) or 1008 (Sahasranama) names of Lord Shiva.
Meaning
Each name signifies a unique attribute, quality, or aspect of Lord Shiva (e.g., Vishwanatha - Lord of the Universe, Neelkanta - Blue-throated one, Gangadhara - Bearer of Ganga, etc.).
Benefits
Chanting the names purifies the mind, focuses devotion, and helps in understanding the multifaceted nature of the Divine. It brings immense merit, spiritual upliftment, and fulfillment of desires through deep contemplation and reverence for each attribute.
Auspicious Days
- Mahashivratri:** The great night of Shiva, celebrated annually (in February/March), highly significant for Shiva worship.
- Pradosham:** The twilight period (approximately 1.5 hours before and after sunset) on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight (Trayodashi Tithi). Highly auspicious for Shiva Puja.
- Mondays (Somvar):** Mondays are traditionally dedicated to Lord Shiva. Performing this puja on Mondays, especially during the month of Shravan (Sawan), is considered very beneficial.
- Shravan/Sawan Maas (Monsoon Month):** The entire Hindu lunar month of Shravan (July/August) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. All Mondays and Pradosham days in this month are highly revered.
- Karthika Masam (Kartik Month):** Another auspicious month for Shiva worship, particularly for lighting lamps and performing pujas.
Regional Variations
While the core structure of the Shiva Namavali Puja remains consistent, regional variations may include: * **Offerings:** Specific local flowers, fruits, or traditional sweets might be emphasized. In some regions, Dhatura (thorn apple) and Bhang (cannabis leaves) are offered. * **Chants:** The specific order of mantras before and after the Namavali might vary slightly as per local traditions or specific Smarta/Shaivaite schools. * **Abhishekam:** The sequence or ingredients of the Abhishekam might differ. Some traditions emphasize Bael leaf paste or Vibhuti Abhishekam. * **Language:** While Sanskrit is common, portions of the puja might be conducted with regional language hymns (e.g., Tamil Thevaram, Telugu Sankeertanas). * **Emphasis:** Some regions might place more emphasis on specific aspects of Shiva, like Rudra or Nataraja, influencing the focus of the puja.
Related Pujas
- Shiva Lingam Abhishekam:** A daily or regular ritual of bathing the Shiva Lingam.
- Rudra Abhishekam:** A more elaborate Abhishekam involving the chanting of the Sri Rudram (Vedic hymns to Rudra, a fierce form of Shiva).
- Laghu Rudra / Maha Rudra:** Extensive multi-day pujas involving numerous repetitions of the Rudram and other Vedic chants.
- Shiva Kavacham Recitation:** Chanting protective hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Om Namah Shivaya Japa:** Continuous chanting of the Panchakshari Mantra.
- Bhasma Snana:** Ritual bathing with sacred ash, particularly significant for Shaiva devotees.