The month of Shravan holds a special place in the hearts of devotees of Lord Shiva. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Bholenath, who is known for his boundless compassion and the blessings he bestows upon his devotees. Worshiping Lord Shiva with pure devotion during Shravan, especially through the ritual of Rudrabhishek, is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits and divine grace. In this article, we explore the importance of performing Rudrabhishek during the month of Shravan and the transformative effects it can have on one’s life.
Divine Grace of Rudrabhishek
Rudrabhishek is a sacred ritual in which the Shivling is bathed with various offerings such as milk, water, honey, and Panchamrit while chanting powerful mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ritual is known to cleanse the surroundings of negative energy, bring peace to the household, and attract the infinite blessings of Lord Bholenath.
Performing Rudrabhishek during the auspicious month of Shravan is especially significant, as it is believed that Lord Shiva is more easily pleased during this time. Devotees who meditate on Shiva with a true heart and perform this ritual are said to accumulate immense virtue and receive Lord Shiva’s divine favor.
Importance of Rudrabhishek in Shravan
The scriptures mention, “Rutam-Dukham, Dravayati-Nashayatitirudra:” which translates to “Rudra destroys all sorrows.” This highlights the power of Lord Shiva in eliminating the suffering and difficulties of his devotees. Every day of the Shravan month is considered auspicious for worshiping Shiva, but the day of Sawan Shivratri holds even greater significance. On this day, devotees can perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at any time from sunrise onwards, though doing so during the Sarvarth Siddhi Yog is said to yield the best results.
The wish with which a devotee performs Jalabhishek during Sarvarth Siddhi Yog has a higher chance of being fulfilled, making this ritual a powerful way to manifest one’s desires.
Rudrabhishek for the Removal of Kalsarp Dosh
According to the Shiv Puran, performing Rudrabhishek of the Rudra Avatar of Shiva can free individuals from the various troubles of life. In particular, performing this ritual during the month of Shravan is considered the best way to remove Kalsarp Dosh. This Dosha, which brings inauspicious effects of Rahu and Ketu, can be significantly reduced by the powerful effects of Rudrabhishek.
Mantra to be recited during Rudrabhishek
Rudraah Panchavidhah Prokta Deshikairuttarotaram (रुद्रा: पञ्चविधाः प्रोक्ता देशिकैरुत्तरोतरं।)
Saangastavadyo Roopakakhyah Sashirsho Rudra Uchyate (सांगस्तवाद्यो रूपकाख्य: सशीर्षो रूद्र उच्च्यते।)
Ekadashagunais Tadvad Rudrau Samjno Dvitiiyakah (एकादशगुणैस्तद्वद् रुद्रौ संज्ञो द्वितीयकः।)
Ekadashabhiretah Bhistritiyo Laghu Rudrakah (एकदशभिरेता भिस्तृतीयो लघु रुद्रकः।।)
Meaning: The sages have described the fivefold forms of Rudra, each increasingly profound in nature. The first form is the complete Rudra with all its limbs, known as Rupaka Rudra, possessing a head. The second form is characterized by eleven divine attributes, symbolizing a specific aspect of Rudra. Similarly, the third form, known as Laghu Rudra, is also defined by these eleven attributes, emphasizing its unique significance in the hierarchy of Rudra manifestations.
Rudrabhishek to Pacify the Grahs (Planets)
Rudrabhishek is also highly effective in mitigating the malefic effects of various planetary Doshas. Here’s how you can perform Rudrabhishek for each planet:
- Surya Dosh (Sun): To alleviate Sun-related problems, grind the leaves of Shwetark and mix them with Gangajal. Perform Rudrabhishek with this mixture to receive relief from troubles associated with the Sun.
- Chandra Dosh (Moon): For Moon-related issues, grind black sesame seeds and mix them with Gangajal. Rudrabhishek performed with this mixture will help in overcoming the difficulties caused by Chandra Dosh.
- Mercury Dosh (Budh): To counteract Mercury-related problems, perform Rudrabhishek using Vidhara juice.
- Guru Dosh (Jupiter): To remove disturbances related to Jupiter, mix turmeric in cow’s milk and use it for Rudrabhishek. This ritual will help alleviate the issues caused by Guru Dosh.
- Shukra Dosh (Venus): To address problems related to Venus, perform Rudrabhishek with buttermilk made from cow’s milk. This practice is known to bring relief from Shukra Dosh.
- Shani Dosh (Saturn): To mitigate the challenges brought by Saturn, grind Shami leaves and mix them in Gangajal. Perform Rudrabhishek with this mixture to reduce the impact of Shani Dosh.
- Rahu Dosh: To counter the effects of the malefic planet Rahu, mix Durva (grass) in Gangajal and perform Rudrabhishek with it.
- Mangal and Ketu Dosha: For issues related to Mars and Ketu, grind Kusha root and mix it with Gangajal. Performing Rudrabhishek with this mixture will help resolve the problems associated with these planets.
The month of Shravan is a time when the divine energy of Lord Shiva is especially accessible to his devotees. By performing Rudrabhishek with sincere devotion, one can remove negative influences, pacify planetary Doshas, and invite peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth into their lives. The blessings of Lord Bholenath are boundless, and through the powerful ritual of Rudrabhishek, devotees can experience his divine grace and protection.