Rudrabhishek

Rudrabhishek (also called Shiva Rudri or simply Abhishek) is the classical Shiva worship — pouring sequential liquids over a Shiva linga while a priest recites the Rudri (Shri Rudram), an 11-chapter Yajur Veda hymn. The standard sequence of liquids is: water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar-water, panchamrit (5-element mixture), and finally water again. Each pouring is accompanied by specific verses; the full ritual takes 60-90 minutes. The Linga is decorated with bilva leaves and white flowers (especially datura, considered sacred to Shiva).

Shri Rudram, the verse-text of Rudrabhishek, is the longest and most powerful Shiva hymn in the Yajur Veda. It is considered to contain the seed-mantras of all aspects of Shiva — destroyer, protector, lord of yogis, healer of disease. The abhishek itself enacts the cosmic descent of Ganga onto Shiva's matted locks, and the eight liquids cleanse, nourish, and transform the worshipper energetically. Rudrabhishek is the most widely-performed major Shiva ritual in temples and homes alike — many families commission monthly Rudrabhisheks at their local Shiva temple.

Monday is the universal Shiva day; the Pradosh window (1.5 hours before sunset) on Mondays is especially powerful. Mahashivaratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi) is the supreme night for Rudrabhishek. The entire month of Shravan (July-August) is dedicated to Shiva; Rudrabhishek performed during this month carries multiplied benefit. Specific stars favoured: Ardra, Tishya, Mrigashirsha.