Shravan
Month Puja Vidhi
During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya and
sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath
with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps
in the purification of the soul a vermilion paste is applied
on the Linga as it represents virtue.After
this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves,
is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity.
Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord
Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding
of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual
shravan Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to
yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment
of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the
Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple
bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them
acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.
