MODES OF SIVA PUJA

Sivabhishekam

The ritualistic worship has many forms.. Though agamas prescribed a set pattern for everyone certain variations are found due to climatic conditions and regional variations. Among the several kinds of Prayer Services offered to the archamuthis, abhishekam has a special significance and it is offered for deriving benefits of many types. Abhishekam means the bathing ritual of the icon to the chanting of special hymns as enjoined in the Agamasastras. First, the idol is anointed with oil, or some other material and then bathed in special water. It consumes a lot of time and money, and hence the administrative authorities of temples charge sums ranging from tens to hundreds, depending upon the nature of place and fame of the deity. 

There are multitudinous kinds of abhishekams; as many as 32, such as Chandanabhishekam, Panakabhishekam, Panchamritabhishekam, Ikshurasabhishekam, Pannerabhishekam, Pushpodakabhishekam etc. Each has a special effect and  confers a distinct merit on the abhishekadars. In e temples advance booking is essential, and devotees wait It for months and years to get their chance after paying the  amount. 

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