The holy month of Sawan has begun and will continue until August 28th. Worshiping Lord Shiva every day during Sawan holds special significance. The month of Sawan is considered the most auspicious and sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva. Throughout this month, devotees strive to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva through Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, fasting, and chanting Shiva mantras. Religious belief holds that worshipping the Shivalinga with devotion during Sawan fulfills desires and brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to life.
However, it’s not possible for everyone to visit a temple every day to worship. In such circumstances, devotees can create a clay Shivalinga at home and worship it. Worshiping a handmade earthen (clay) Shivalinga is considered highly virtuous in the scriptures. Let’s explore what materials are required to create a clay Shivalinga at home and how to worship it.
Materials for making clay Shivalinga
- Clean and pure soil
- Ganga water or pure water
- Brass, copper or silver plate
- Belpatra
- black sesame
- Pure ghee or sesame oil
How to make a clay Shivling at home
First, take clean soil in a container and add a few drops of Ganga water to it. If desired, you can also add Tulsi water or a few drops of cow urine to make the soil more sacred. After this, knead the soil thoroughly until it becomes soft and smooth. Now, using both hands, shape the clay into a Shivalinga. Keep the top portion round and smooth, and the bottom slightly wider. Generally, a Shivalinga 4 to 6 inches high is considered suitable for worship.
How to install Shivling?
Place the prepared earthen Shivling on a brass, copper, or silver plate. If possible, first spread a bel leaf on the plate and place the Shivling on top of it. After this, lightly sprinkle Ganga water or pure water on it and complete the installation.
Worship Shivling at home like this every day
During the month of Sawan, bathe and wear clean clothes every morning. Meditate on Lord Shiva and offer pure water and Ganga water to the Shivalinga. Then, perform the anointment with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar). Then, bathe the Shivalinga again with clean water. After the anointment, offer Bel leaves, unbroken rice grains, ashes, dhatura, and other worship materials to the Shivalinga. Light incense and a lamp, and recite “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Mahamrityunjaya mantra with devotion. Finally, pray to Lord Shiva for the family’s happiness, prosperity, health, and the fulfillment of your wishes.