As the sacred month of Sawan, dear to Bhagwan Bhole, gets underway, temples and homes are once again filled with the rituals of jalabhishek and rudrabhishek for Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that worship performed through this month carries far greater merit than usual, and depending on what substance is used during rudrabhishek, the devotee is said to receive a different desired outcome. The Ling Purana lays out this detail at length.
From zodiac signs to the shivling itself, scriptures lay down the rules
According to Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay, the scriptures prescribe a different rudrabhishek ritual, and even a different shivling, depending on a person's zodiac sign. However, he explains that abhishek performed on the Narmadeshwar shivling and the Parthiv shivling grants a devotee their desired outcome regardless of their zodiac sign.
What milk and Ganga water bring
Performing abhishek on Lord Shiva with cow's milk during Sawan is believed to bless a devotee with a child. For couples who already have children, the same ritual is said to open a path to their children's progress and success. Devotees who perform rudrabhishek by pouring Ganga water over the shivling are said to attain moksha and inner peace, with the mind becoming more focused and gradually inclined toward spirituality.
Curd for wisdom, honey to defeat enemies
If Narmadeshwar Mahadev is bathed in curd during Sawan, it is believed to grant knowledge and intelligence. Abhishek performed with madhu, or honey, is said to destroy one's enemies, making it a ritual particularly recommended for those troubled by rivals or adversaries.
Rituals for wealth, prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi's blessings
Devotees seeking wealth and prosperity are advised to perform rudrabhishek with sugarcane juice during Sawan. Mixing rose perfume into Ganga water before the abhishek is said to bring the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and prosperity, while also easing financial troubles in a devotee's life. Abhishek performed with cow's ghee is also considered highly powerful, believed to fulfil a devotee's wishes.
