The Mahanyasa ritual, particularly associated with Rudrabhishekam in Shiva Puja, is a deeply intricate and spiritually significant practice. The entire process is an elaborate sequence of steps aimed at establishing a connection between the worshipper and Mahadeva Shiva by invoking various aspects of Rudra-Shiva into one's own body. This identification is considered essential before the commencement of the actual worship.
The ritual begins with customary preliminaries, such as
acamana (ceremonial sipping of water) and sankalpa (religious resolve), where
the worshipper articulates their intention and outlines the procedure. The
subsequent steps involve nyasas, with rituals like pancamukhanyasa, where
different aspects of Rudra-Shiva are invoked into specific parts of the
worshipper's body. This process helps in creating a deep sense of
identification with Shiva himself.
The dasanga and shodasanga raudrikarana follow, wherein
Rudra-Shiva is invoked to be established in specific limbs, such as the
forehead, ears, eyes, and face. The sadanganyasa involves six limbs, like the
heart and head, accompanied by Vedic mantras like the Purushasukta.
Once Shiva is invited for worship, the worshipper proceeds
to offer various upacharas, including asana (seat), padya (water for washing
the feet), and arghya (water for washing the hands). Following these
preparations, the snana (bathing) phase takes place with scented water, holy
ash (bhasma), and waters infused with gold, rudraksha beads, and durva grass.
A crucial element of the Mahanyasa ritual is the
rudrabhisheka, wherein the Shivling is bathed with pure water. This is
performed while chanting all the mantras of the Rudraprashna (Rudra or Namaka)
and the Camaka. It is emphasized that the flow of water over the linga during
this process must be continuous and uniform.
Subsequently, Vedic suktas and mantras like Purushasukta,
Srisukta, Sadyojata (from the Mahanarayanopanishad), Dasashanti, and
Ghoshashanti are chanted, further enriching the spiritual ambiance of the
ritual.
Offering of cloth, bilva leaves, rice-grains with sesame
seeds, garland of rudraksha, some specified flowers, incense, lighted lamp and
food are the main offerings.
The whole ritual closes with pradakshina (circumambulation)
and namaskara (obeisance).
The teertha (holy water) and prasada (consecrated food) are
then distributed among the devotees.
In essence, Mahanyasa is not just a physical act of worship;
it is a profound journey of self-identification with the divine, culminating in
the sacred Rudrabhisheka that symbolizes the purification and invigoration of
the spiritual connection between the worshipper and Mahadeva Shiva.