Shiva Puja is performed daily or on Mondays (Somvar) and Shivaratri. Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, is worshipped with bilva leaves,
Samagri: Shivalinga or Shiva photo, bilva (bel) leaves, dhatura, white flowers (white rose, white lotus), milk, water, honey, curd, ghee, panchamrit, incense, camphor, ghee lamp, akshat, kumkum (optional), sandal paste.
Puja Steps: 1. Clean puja space and set Shivalinga facing north. 2. Light ghee diya and incense. 3. Perform abhishek with panchamrit then water. 4. Apply sandal paste and offer bilva leaves in sets of 3. 5. Offer white flowers and dhatura. 6. Chant Panchakshara mantra Om Namah Shivaya 108 times. 7. Offer naivedya (milk, fruit). 8. Perform Shiva aarti. 9. Chant Mahamrityunjaya mantra. 10. Conclude with pradakshina and namaskara.
Mantras: Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshara), Om Tryambakam Yajamahe... (Mahamrityunjaya), Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya.
Best Flowers for Shiva Puja: White lotus, white rose, dhatura (datura), madar (calotropis), ketaki (avoid - not offered to Shiva), and bilva leaves. For fresh white flowers delivered in Mumbai, order from Mumbai Florist Hub at mumbaifloristhub.com.
FAQ: What day is best for Shiva Puja? Monday (Somvar) is most auspicious. What flowers are offered? White lotus, white rose, dhatura, madar, bilva leaves. What mantra to chant? Om Namah Shivaya (108 times). Why avoid ketaki flower? Shiva is said to have cursed ketaki, so it is not offered to him. Can ladies perform Shiva Puja? Yes, all devotees can perform Shiva Puja with devotion.white flowers, and abhishek with water and milk.
