Rudrabhishekam is the sacred bathing (abhishekam) of the Shivalinga while chanting the Sri Rudram from the Yajurveda. It is one of the most powerful forms of Shiva worship and is performed for health, peace, removing obstacles and the well-being of the family.
What is Sri Rudram?
Sri Rudram has two parts: Namakam, which repeatedly salutes Shiva with “namo”, and Chamakam, which asks for blessings with “cha me”. Chanted with devotion over the abhishekam, it is believed to purify the home and the mind.
Materials offered
- Water (ideally from a holy river), milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar — the panchamrit
- Tender coconut water, sugarcane juice and fruit juices
- Vibhuti, sandal paste and rose water
- Bilva (bel) leaves, flowers and rudraksha
How it is performed
- Ganapati puja and sankalpa with the family’s names and gotra.
- Kalash sthapana and invocation of Lord Shiva.
- Abhishekam with each material in turn while the Rudram is chanted — once (Rudrabhishekam), eleven times (Ekadasha Rudram) or more (Laghu and Maha Rudram).
- Alankaram of the Shivalinga with sandal, flowers and bilva leaves.
- Naivedyam, aarti and distribution of the abhishekam tirtham as prasad.
When to perform it
Mondays, Pradosh evenings, Masik Shivaratri, Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravana (Karthika in South India) are especially sacred. It is also done on birthdays and before important events.
What devotees seek
Health and recovery from illness, peace of mind, relief from graha doshas, success in work and harmony at home.
Book Rudrabhishekam at home with a Vedic pandit, or an online puja at a Shiva temple in your name.