Abhishekam is the sacred ritual of bathing a deity with holy substances such as water, milk, curd, honey and ghee. It is one of the most loved ways of worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Many NRIs perform a simple abhishekam at home — here is a practical guide.

Materials (use whatever is available)

  • Pure water, milk, curd (yogurt), honey, ghee and a little sugar/mishri
  • Sandalwood paste and rose water
  • Bilva (bael) leaves for Shiva; fresh flowers
  • A small idol or a symbolic Lingam, a lamp and incense

Simple Procedure

  1. Take a bath and wear clean clothes; clean the puja area and place the idol or symbolic Lingam.
  2. Light a lamp and incense; sit before the deity and make a brief sankalpa (resolve) for the well-being of your family.
  3. Pour the items one by one while chanting the mantra.

For Lord Shiva: chant "Om Namah Shivaya" while pouring water, then milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar-water.

For Lord Ganesha: chant "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" while offering milk, curd, honey and ghee.

  1. Gently wipe the deity clean with water or rose water.
  2. Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum; offer flowers and Bilva leaves (for Shiva).
  3. Light camphor and perform aarti; offer fruit, sweets or coconut as prasadam, and share it.

A Short Version for Busy Days

  1. Light a lamp.
  2. Pour a little milk and water on the deity while chanting the mantra 11 or 21 times.
  3. Offer flowers and perform a short aarti.

Best Days

Tips: in cold climates use slightly warm milk and water; if you don’t have a Lingam, a small clean stone or a picture can serve as a symbol. Note: procedures vary by tradition — follow what your family or purohit teaches. Devotion matters more than elaborate materials.

Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need for abhishekam at home?

Use pure water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and a little sugar or mishri, plus sandalwood paste, rose water and fresh flowers. Add Bilva leaves for Shiva, and keep a small idol or symbolic Lingam, a lamp and incense.

Which mantra should I chant during abhishekam?

For Lord Shiva chant "Om Namah Shivaya" while pouring water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar-water. For Lord Ganesha chant "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" while offering milk, curd, honey and ghee.

What is the best day to perform abhishekam?

For Lord Shiva, the best times are Monday, Pradosha Kaalam and Maha Shivaratri. For Lord Ganesha, Wednesday and Ganesh Chaturthi are preferred.

Is there a short abhishekam for busy days?

Yes. Light a lamp, pour a little milk and water on the deity while chanting the mantra 11 or 21 times, then offer flowers and perform a short aarti.

Can I do abhishekam without a Lingam, especially in a cold climate abroad?

Yes. A small clean stone or a picture can serve as a symbol if you have no Lingam. In cold climates, use slightly warm milk and water.