Pouring milk (abhishek or abhishekam) on Shivling is an
important ritual dedicated to Shiva in temples and at home. After jal abhishek
or ritual pouring of water, the next most important ritual is doodh or pal
(milk) abhishekam. This ritual is performed especially by those married couples
who are not having children.
The popular belief is that Rudra Abhishek with milk fulfills
the desire of having children.
It is also recommended for those couple who are having
difficulty with conceiving second child.
It is also believed that those couples who had lost their
child during pregnancy or still birth will be blessed with healthy children
after performing milk abhishek.
The milk that is to be used for the purpose should be cow
milk.
Another belief is that performing abhishek with milk and
sugar will help in improving intelligence. It is said that this ritual is so
meritorious that a dumb witted person will become intelligent after this
offering to Shiva.