WORSHIP OF SHIVLING AT HOME

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA  are repeated to create a mood for worship.Sit in front of the lingam and blow conch or ring bells.First the panchamrit abhishek which is the liberation of the five holy liquids over the lingam.This can be milk,honey,yoghourt,ghee,holy water and if you want rosewater.Just 5 liquids.While pouring the liquid 'om namah shivaya' is uttered.Some utter the lord's name 108 times or even 1008 times.After the panchamrit abhishek,the lingam is cleaned with holy water or normal water.Lingam is smeared with sandalwood paste and decked with flowers.Water and sandalwood paste is used to cool the lingam as Lord Shiva is always in an inflammable state.A pot on top of the lingam is also placed so that water keeps dropping on the lingam.Sweets and fruits are offered,and camphor and incense is lit and aarti is conducted.The ringing of bells and blowing of the concha indicates the end of the puja.Fruits,sweets and coconut is distributed as prasad.