Jalabhisheka
| Jalabhisheka | |
|---|---|
| जलाभिषेक | |
| Type | Worship of Shivlinga |
| Classification | Hinduism |
| Region | Indian Subcontinent |
| A popular practice of worship to Lord Shiva | |
Jalabhisheka (Sanskrit: जलाभिषेक) also known as Jalabhishekam is a popular practice of worship to Lord Shiva in Hinduism.[1] The Hindu adherents pour a stream of holy water on a Shivlinga during the Jalabhisheka worship of the deity Lord Shiva.[2][3][4]
Etymology
[edit]Jalabhisheka is a compound Sanskrit word. The word Jalabhisheka is constituted by compounding the two Sanskrit terms Jala and Abhisheka. The simple meaning of the term Jala is water and its ritualistic meaning is holy water. Similarly the meaning of the term Abhisheka is offering and pouring holy liquid on an idol of a deity. Thus the meaning of the compound term Jalabhisheka is "Offering or pouring holy water in ritualistic manner on an idol of the deity".
Description
[edit]In Hinduism, the practice of the Jalabhisheka worship to Lord Shiva is very popular across the Indian subcontinent.[5] During the festivals of Sawan Sombari and Mahashivratri, the Jalabhisheka on the Shivlingas in Shiva temples is performed by a huge number of devotees of Lord Shiva.[6][4]
Ritual Procedure
[edit]
In the standard jalābhisheka ritual, a devotee first fills a kamandalu with consecrated water and approaches the siva‑linga with reverence and respect. Standing or bowing before the linga, the devotee pours the water in a slow, unbroken stream, ensuring it flows evenly over the stone surface. While the water cascades, prescribed mantras such as "Om Namah Sivaya," the Satarudriya hymn, or the Mahāmrtyuñjayamantra are intoned continuously, invoking Shiva’s blessings and purificatory power.[7] After the completion of the water offering, many temples extend the rite by bathing the linga in pañcamrta. This is a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar. This is followed by the presentation of bilva leaves and fresh flowers, and conclude the ceremony with an ārtī, offering to honor the deity’s divine presence.[8]
Symbolic Significance
[edit]In Hindu belief, the act of jalabhisheka is not just a ritual but a symbolic gesture of spiritual cleansing. It reflects the devotee's intention to purify the mind and soul, to let go of ego and attachments, and to attain a sense of unity with the divine. The flowing of water over the Shivlinga also signifies the eternal nature of time and consciousness, core principles in Shaivism. Scholars highlight that the water used in abhisheka functions as a purifying and sanctifying agent, similar to the water used in Vedic coronation and consecration rituals, representing spiritual transformation and divine blessing.[9] The ritual also facilitates a transition from the mundane to the sacred, which is a common purpose of purification rites in many religious traditions.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Sawan Shivratri 2024 Jalabhishek Muhurat: Know Shubh Muhurat, Puja Samagri and Puja Rituals". The Times of India. 2024-08-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "आज भगवान शिव के जलाभिषेक का उत्तम मुहूर्त दोपहर 2:14 तक, इस समय". Hindustan.
- ^ Miśrā, Sīmā (2010). Kāśī meṃ Śiva-pūjā (in Hindi). Kiśora Vidyā Niketana. ISBN 978-81-86101-31-5.
- ^ a b "Shiv Puja Ke Niyam: सावन में कैसे करें भगवान शिव का जलाभिषेक, जानिए महादेव की पूजन विधि". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "शिव का जलाभिषेक, कांवर यात्रा एवं सावन में शिव पूजा करती है भक्तों का कल्याण". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Mahashivratri Jalabhishek 2024: महाशिवरात्रि पर इस शुभ मुहूर्त में करें भगवान शिव का जलाभिषेक, नोट करें पूजा सामग्री और विधि". Nai Dunia (in Hindi). 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Hardy, Friedhelm (1994-07-28). The Religious Culture of India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-44181-0.
- ^ Menon, Usha (2018-10-25). "Old Age and Hinduism". Oxford Bibliographies Online Datasets. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ kim chin young. "The Type of The Hindu Death Rituals and Philosophical Thought: A Vedic Hermeneutical Perspectives". Sogang Journal of Philosophy. 36: 41–65. doi:10.17325/sgjp.2014.36..41. ISSN 1738-8104.
- ^ Bradley, Ian (2007). Believing in Britain. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755624751. ISBN 978-1-84511-326-1.
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