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.