Lord Shiva

Parthiv Shivling Puja

A traditional Shiva puja in which Shivlings are shaped by hand from clean clay, worshipped with abhishek and later respectfully immersed.

In-person Online available2 to 3 hours, longer for larger numbers of ShivlingsAlso: Parthiv Shiv PujaAlso: Parthiv Pujan

A young devotee offering marigold flowers at a Shivling

Overview

What is Parthiv Shivling Puja?

In Parthiv Shivling Puja the Shivling is made from clean earth (parthiv means of the earth), usually mixed with Gangajal. Devotees may make a single Shivling or, as per sankalp, 11, 108 or even more small Shivlings.

After the Shivlings are shaped and consecrated with prana pratishtha, they are worshipped with abhishek, bilva leaves, flowers and Rudra mantras. At the end of the puja the Shivlings are respectfully immersed in flowing water or dissolved as per the Pandit's guidance.

The puja is especially popular in the month of Shravan and in Varanasi, where families often perform it on the ghats or at home with a Pandit leading the vidhi.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

Oṁ tryambakaṁ yajāmahe sugandhiṁ puṣṭivardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt.

We worship the three-eyed Lord, fragrant and nourishing. May he free us from bondage, as a ripe cucumber from its vine, and lead us towards immortality.Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Rig Veda 7.59.12

Significance

Parthiv puja is described in the Shiva Purana and is considered a simple and complete form of Shiva worship that anyone can take part in, since the Shivling is shaped by the devotee's own hands.

Many devotees perform it with a specific sankalp, such as family well-being or the completion of a vow. The act of making, worshipping and immersing the Shivling is also seen as a reminder of impermanence.

Who performs it

Shiva devotees wishing to perform a personal and hands on puja
Families observing Shravan or Maha Shivratri
Those who have taken a vow to make a set number of Parthiv Shivlings
Pilgrims in Varanasi who wish to perform Shiva worship on the ghats

When to perform

Mondays of Shravan
On Maha Shivratri
On Pradosh or Masik Shivratri
On a muhurat suggested by the Pandit for a specific sankalp

Traditionally associated with

Traditionally regarded as a complete and accessible form of Shiva worship
Devotees associate it with the fulfilment of vows and family well-being
Believed to be especially meritorious during Shravan
A hands on puja that involves the whole family

These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.

How the puja is performed

1
Sankalp
The Pandit takes the sankalp, including the number of Shivlings to be made.
2
Preparing the clay
Clean earth is mixed with Gangajal and the Shivlings are shaped by hand.
3
Prana pratishtha
The Shivlings are consecrated with mantras and placed on a clean base.
4
Abhishek and archana
Abhishek with water, milk and other dravyas, followed by offerings of bilva, flowers and Rudra path.
5
Aarti and visarjan
After aarti, the Shivlings are respectfully immersed or dissolved as guided.

The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.

Samagri (puja materials)

Clean clay or earth
Gangajal
Milk, curd, honey and ghee
Bilva leaves
Flowers and dhatura
Sandalwood and vibhuti
Akshat and kumkum
Incense, camphor and a ghee diya
A clean plate or base for the Shivlings
Fruits and sweets for naivedya

Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.

What's included

Usually included

Experienced Pandit(s) familiar with Shaiva vidhi
Sankalp in your name, gotra and family details
Guidance on samagri, timing and preparation before the day
Vidhi performed as per your family tradition
Samagri can be arranged on request

Not included

Samagri, flowers and abhishek dravya, unless arranged on request
Temple entry, darshan or special queue charges where applicable
Travel beyond the service area
Prasad or bhojan for guests, unless arranged separately
Dakshina, where customs vary and are discussed openly

Duration: 2 to 3 hours, longer for larger numbers of Shivlings. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.

In-person puja

A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.

Online puja

· Share your name, gotra and the number of Shivlings in your sankalp
· The Pandit prepares and worships the Parthiv Shivlings in your name
· Join by video call for the abhishek, Rudra path and aarti

How online Parthiv Shivling Puja works

Available in

Parthiv Shivling Puja in Varanasi Parthiv Shivling Puja in Hyderabad Online, worldwide

More cities are coming soon.