The four time puja in a day to Shiva is performed mainly
during Shivratri or on Shiva Chaturdashi (the tithi before Amavasya or no moon day). This puja
is popularly known as Char Prahar Puja (चार प्रहर की पूजा) in Hinduism. It is basically dividing a
tithi or day into four equal periods and performing. It must be noted here that
a day is 24 hours but a Hindu Tithi might not be 24 hours it can be shorter or
longer.
How to Perform Four Time Puja to Shivling?
The devotee observing the Char Prahar Puja to Shiva should
wake up early in the morning before sunrise and take bath.
Wear white color dress.
First offer prayers to Ganesha in mind.
Along with sunrise, perform the first puja. Light lamp and offer
bilva leaves. Then perform abhishek of Shivling with water. Light camphor and
do aarti and offer sweet made using milk. Chant om namah shivaya mantra 108
times.
Next puja is at noon.
Prepare the Shivling by washing and cleaning it with water.
Light lamp, offer bilva leaves and then perform abhishek of
Shivling with curd (Dahi). Light camphor and do aarti and offer sweet made
using kesar. Chant om namah shivaya mantra 108 times.
Next puja is at pradosh just before the sun sets.
Prepare the Shivling by washing and cleaning off the curd
offering.
Light lamp, offer bilva leaves and then perform abhishek of
Shivling with ghee. Light camphor and do aarti and offer sweet made using honey.
Chant om namah shivaya mantra 108 times.
Next puja is at midnight around 12 o’clock.
Prepare the Shivling by washing and cleaning off the ghee
offering.
Light lamp, offer bilva leaves and then perform abhishek of
Shivling with ghee. Light camphor and do aarti and offer sweet made using ghee.
Chant om namah shivaya mantra 108 times.
Benefits of Char Prahar Puja to Shiva
- It is performed for the blessings of Shiva and for desire fulfillment.
- There will be purification of mind and intellect.
- It is good for building self-confidence.
- A person attains both physical and mental strength.
- It is good for profession and ideal for those looking for new job.
- It also helps in slowly removing the difficulties in life.