Shiva Manasa Puja (Mental prayer to lord Shiva)

Puja (prayer) is often cited as the first step in one’s spiritual journey. Adi Sankara understood in the 8th century AD that people’s life was becoming very hectic. They did not have the time to perform the rituals associated with puja in Hinduism. Therefore, he composed “Shiva Manasa Puja” to give everyone a way to mentally perform puja for Lord Shiva.  It is one of my favorite Adi Sankara compositions and I mentally chant it every morning.

Verse 1: Abhishekam, Alangaram and Deeparadhanai

Ratnaih Kalpitam-Aasanam Hima-Jalaih Snaanam Ca Divya-Ambaram
Naanaa-Ratna-Vibhuussitam Mrga-Madaa-Moda-Angkitam Candanam
Jaatii-Campaka-Bilva-Patra-Racitam Pushpam Ca Dhuupam Tathaa
Diipam Deva Dayaa-Nidhe Pashupate Hrt-Kalpitam Grhyataam

Visualize seating Lord Shiva on a throne of gems and bathing him with waters from the Himalayas. Then apply sandal paste and dress him up in divine clothes studded with gems. Once dressed, offer flowers in the form of jasmine and magnolia and offer Shiva’s favorite Bilva leaves. Then follow this by lighting a lamp and burning fragrant incense sticks.

Verse 2: Prasadam and Naivedyam

Sauvarnne Nava-Ratna-Khanndda-Racite Paatre Ghrtam Paayasam
Bhakssyam Pan.ca-Vidham Payo-Dadhi-Yutam Rambhaa-Phalam Paanakam
Shaakaanaam-Ayutam Jalam Rucikaram Karpuura-Khannddo[a-U]jjvalam
Taambuulam Manasaa Mayaa Viracitam Bhaktyaa Prabho Sviikuru

Visualize preparing a luxurious meal for Lord Shiva starting with pyasam served in a bowl studded with gems. Then follow that with a five-course meal incorporating Lord Shiva’s favorite ingredients milk, curd, and bananas. After that, offer a drink made of the sweetest fruits and vegetables. All of which, you offer on a grand plate and light camphor to stimulate the appetite of the Lord.

Verse 3: Bhakthi and Namaskaram

Chatram Caamarayor-Yugam Vyajanakam Ca-Adarshakam Nirmalam
Viinnaa-Bheri-Mrdangga-Kaahala-Kalaa Giitam Ca Nrtyam Tathaa
Saassttaanggam Prannatih Stutir-Bahu-Vidhaa Hye[i-E]tat-Samastam Mayaa
Sangkalpena Samarpitam Tava Vibho Bhaktya Prabho Swekaro

Visualize preparing his bed under a cool canopy and fanning him using a hand fan. Provide dance and music in the form of Veena and drums to further relax the Lord. You finally sing prayers to the Lord and prostrate before the Lord asking him to accept your mental prayers.

Verse 4: Internalize the concept of god

Aatmaa Tvam Girijaa Matih Sahacaraah Praannaah Shariiram Grham
Puujaa Te Vissayo[a-U]pabhoga-Racanaa Nidraa Samaadhi-Sthitih
San.caarah Padayoh Pradakssinna-Vidhih Stotraanni Sarvaa Giro
Yad-Yat-Karma Karomi Tat-Tad-Akhilam Shambho Tava-Araadhanam

Visualize your entire body as a temple for Lord Shiva, with your soul being Lord Shiva, your intellect being Goddess Parvati, and your breadth being the attendants of Lord Shiva. Then dedicate all your actions to Lord Shiva by considering every worldly interaction a prayer to the Lord, by thinking of sleep as being in a state of deep meditation, by dedicating every step taken toward the act of going around the Lord, by thinking of every word uttered as a hymn in the praise of the Lord, and by dedicating every task as a task of worship to the Lord.

Verse 5: Surrender and Forgiveness

Kara-Caranna-Krtam Vaak-Kaaya-Jam Karma-Jam Vaa
Shravanna-Nayana-Jam Vaa Maanasam Va-Aparaadham
Vihitam-Avihitam Vaa Sarvam-Etat-Kssamasva
Jaya Jaya Karunna-Abdhe Shrii-Mahaadeva Shambho

Finally, you humbly ask for forgiveness for any sins you committed. These could be by your hands and feet or your words. The sins could also be witnessed by your eyes or heard by your ears. Finally, the sins could be committed by your mind. In conclusion, you salute the greatness of Lord Shiva.