Questions about Shiva puja and establishing life

[Guest guest]

Namaste all,

 

I have some questions about prana pratishta in Shiva puja, and I hope

one of you can help me. Perhaps the matter has already been dealt with

elsewhere, but I could not find it. If appropriate, I would be very

grateful if these questions were forwarded to Swamiji for

clarification.

In a discussion of the Cosmic Puja it was mentioned that prana

pratishta can also be performed on the lingam instead of establishing

a pot. So for some time now I have been trying to expand my shiva puja

by adding the establishment of life part. But I get into trouble about

where to insert the procedure, get worried about making mistakes and

go back to the familiar pattern. But that does not feel right either,

there is a definite push to go further. So here are my questions:

Normally, following the extended Shiva Puja as taught by Parvati some

time ago, I purify water and flowers (and after this I have inserted

bhuta shuddhi), then dhyanam/japa and puja naivedya. Where would I

insert the establishment of life in the lingam?

If the establishment of life is done in the lingam (instead of

establishing a pot), how is it done? Do we use all the mantras for

establishing a pot (including touching the earth and offering baths

and powders etc.)? Or do we skip the mantras for filling the pot and

start by establishing stillness, followed by the mantras for prana

pratishta (om am aam etc.)?

Once we have installed life in the lingam, do we then perform the

complete puja naivedya (i.e. offer baths and powders again)? Or add

only food and drinking water?

And when do we remove the divine energy; is this done immediately

after ending the puja in the morning or later in the evening? It is

probably a silly thing, but it does not feel right to establish life

and then go out to work, leaving Him all alone on the altar:).

 

dear family, it is wonderful to be able to ask these questions. Even

though I have not been posting much, I read all the posts and derive

great inspiration and help from them. This group is a lifeline. And

above all, my heartfelt gratitude goes out to Shree Maa and Swamiji,

who never waver in their devotion to demonstrating truth, beauty and

love to their children.

 

with love,

Henny