Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Various Abishegams Performed in Indian Culture!


In the Hindu religion, there are so many gods. Poojas, prayers, rituals, ceremonies vary according to the deity the one worships. There is no forcing on this by anyone, but every family has a "Family God" known in Tamil as "Kula Daivam." For example, Tirupathi Venkatachalapathy is a kula daivam for so many families.

Every year, families perform pooja and other rituals to the family god. The family god ensures that the family is given the necessary needs and secure them whenever they are in trouble.

Similarly, each god is performed poojas including abhishegams. Abhishegam is bathing the main deities, is a ritual which is performed during poojas.

Abishegam is performed chanting the vedic mantras often with "Purusha Suktam" for the male deity and "Shree Suktam" for female deity. In addition to this, specific slokas / mantras are chanted specific to the deities. For example, "Ganapatyatharvasheersha Stotram" is also said in addition to Purusha Suktam while performing the Abishegams of Ganapati.

Mostly Abishegams are done only for Lord Shiva. The same is not done to Lord Narayana. It is also said that Lord Shiva is an "Abishega Priyar--he loves Abishegams" So, lots of Abishegams are done for Lord Shiva.

For Lord Shiva's sons--Vinayaga also known in so many other names like Ganapathy, Pillayar, and Murugan also Abishegams are performed.

Various types of Abishegams are:

  1. Shuddhodak Abishegams--Done with pure fresh water;

  2. Pal Abishegams--Done with Milk;

  3. Panneer Abishegams--Done with Rose Water;

  4. Sandana (Gandhodakabhishekam) Abishegams--Done with Sandlewood paste mixed with water;

  5. Shankhodakabhishekam--Done with water blowing from conch;

  6. Manjal Abishegams--Done with Turmeric Powder;

  7. Then Abishegams--Done with Honey;

  8. Vibudhi Abishegams--Done with Ash;

  9. Panchamirham Abishegams--Done with various fruits mixed;

  10. Tender Cocunut Abishegams--Done with Tender Cocunut;

  11. Kumkum Abishegams--Done with KumKum;

  12. Pushpabhishekam--Done with Flowers;


Each time the Abishegam is performed with any of the above, Kum Kum is put on the foreahead, camphor is shown (karpoor Aarthi) and then next Abishegam is performed.

For all the deities, mostly Pal Abhisegam (Milk bath) is done. Other items are added as necessary and based on affordability. Individuals also can contribute to this ritual.

Individuals pray to God for certain favor and in turn they perform one or more of these Abishegams.

Dos and Don'ts In the Temple!

Several of us go to temples seeking the blessings of The Divine! In most of the places like railways stations, schools, or in fact while driving, rules are laid out to ensure the user is convenient. It yields result only if it is followed.

There are no strict rules in most of the temples except like wearing lungies, mini skirts, smoking but there are general DOs and DON'Ts. If they are followed, all the devotees will be benefited not only in peaceful darshan for the self but for others as well. This would also help in keeping the temples clean and less noisy.

If you think I need to do some more, do let me know and I will be glad to add as it would help everyone!

DOs inside the temple

  1. Always think about the god;

  2. Say only god's name and talk only good things;

  3. Chant RAMA RAMA RAMA or your mantra until you come out of the temple;

  4. Come in the line and obey the rules set by the temple;

  5. Dress code for Men: Preferably wear dhothis and go without a shirt; if not, wear a decent pant and shirt. You can decide on wearing the shirt or to remove it; Only dhotis are allowed in Guruvayurappan temples--in Guruvayur, Kerala and in Madippakkam, Chennai. Shirts should be removed;

  6. Dress Code for Women: Preferably madisar, if not in saree or chudidhar or salwaar. Please avoid wearing jeans, or sleveless tops;

  7. Use dustbins kept inside the temple; if not availble, bring the waste outside and throw it in the dustbin or garbage box;

  8. Eat the prasadam outside the temple in a neat place, put the dhonnai in the container.


DON'Ts inside the temple

  1. Do not enter the temple after taking alchoal;

  2. Do not enter the temple with your footwear;

  3. Do not wear 'lungi', one of the dresses used by Men;

  4. Do not wear short skirts or dress that exposes the body parts;

  5. Do not talk anything other than chanting Lord Rama or your favorite mantra;

  6. Do not wish others inside the temple;

  7. Do not namaskaram others inside the temple regarldess of how senior they are;

  8. Do not violate any rules set by the temple authorities; it is only for the good of us and others to see the god piecefully and get his blessings;

  9. Do not use mobile phones and cameras;

  10. Do not eat prasadam inside the temple;

  11. Do not spill the waste in other areas, put it in the dustbin;

  12. Do not write anything on the walls of the temple;

  13. Do not go straight facing the "Lingam / Lord Shiva." The believe is that, his powers would destroy you. It is suggested that you go on the side allocated and not straight towards the Lord. This is only in Shivan Temple;

  14. Do not spill the Prasadam.