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The philosophy of Abhisheka is the sacred ritual of pouring offerings over a deity.
1. External and Internal Abhisheka:
○ Abhisheka involves pouring various substances (such as water, milk, ghee, honey, and more) over the sacred Linga or deity.
○ Lord Vishnu appreciates fine adornments (Alankara), while Lord Shiva delights in Abhisheka.
○ External Abhisheka with physical objects nurtures devotion and reverence for God.
○ Ultimately, it leads to internal Abhisheka – a flow of pure love directed toward the inner divine presence (the Atmalinga within the heart).
2. Ritual Components:
○ During Abhisheka, sacred chants like Rudram, Purushasukta, and Maha-mrityunjaya Japa accompany the pouring of offerings.
○ Mondays hold special significance for Lord Shiva, and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is especially auspicious.
3. Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka:
○ In this elaborate ritual, each Rudra (an aspect of Shiva) receives specific offerings.
○ These include Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, coconut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita (a mixture of five ingredients), scented oil, sugarcane juice, and fruit juices.
○ After each Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the deity’s head.
4. Sacred Benefits:
○ The Abhisheka substances are considered sacred and carry immense blessings.
○ Devotees who partake of these offerings as Prasad receive purification of the heart and absolution from countless sins.
○ Taking Abhisheka with intense devotion (Bhava) and unwavering faith deepens the spiritual experience.
5. Inner Transformation:
○ Abhisheka isn’t merely an external act; it transforms consciousness.
○ As you pour offerings, your mind becomes focused, and the image of the Lord fills your heart.
○ Ego dissolves, and forgetfulness of worldly concerns allows you to taste the eternal bliss of Lord Shiva.
6. Purification and Sattva:
○ Reciting Rudra or chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” purifies the mind, infusing it with purity (Sattva).
Remember, Abhisheka bridges the material and spiritual realms, inviting divine grace and inner awakening.
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About Sanatana Dharma
ब्रह्म सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापरः।
अनेन वेद्यं सच्छास्त्रमिति वेदान्तडिण्डिमः॥
Brahman alone is real; the universe is mithya – neither fully real nor unreal, but an appearance. The individual self (jiva) is none other than Brahman itself, not separate or different. This is the true teaching of the scriptures, as revealed by Vedanta. ~ Verse 20 from Brahma Jnānavali Māla
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