A hydration ceremony, or Abhishekam, is a great way to connect with the Deity or Divine Archetype of your choice. You can create ceremonies for a variety of purposes, like karma removal, prosperity blessings, removal of inner and outer negativity, longevity of a relationship, and more.
During a hydration ceremony, you’re pouring water and other liquids on a statue of a Deity with the intent to bring the Deity to life. You’re also using mantras that correspond to the Deity.
The statue acts as a proxy, or stand-in, for the Deity. This attunes you to the approximate vibrations of the Deity, much like a radio dial. Vedic traditions often prescribe statues made of alloys of five metals, as they are considered the most auspicious. The metals are usually silver, copper, gold, iron, and zinc. The alloy is called Panchaloha.
Dr. Pillai also recommends crystal statues because quartz amplifies your thoughts and prayers. A statue is not necessary, however. You can use a Yantra (sacred geometric design) that is created for the Deity, or even a laminated image, as well.
The liquids you pour on your statue may vary according to what pleases the Deity. Normally, water and milk are best. Many enjoy honey and yogurt as well. Solid offerings (optional) can be placed in front of the statue or other idol during the ceremony.
“Feed the Gods”
During a hydration ceremony, not only are you “hydrating” the Archetypes, but you are also feeding them with foods that please them if you choose to include them. When you do this, they must respond. You can also give them gifts that they enjoy, like flowers and leaves, or garlands made from them.
Dr. Pillai Explains:
“In the Bhagavad Gita, there is a very important teaching about prosperity. Krishna, who is a form of Vishnu, tells Arjuna about the secret of prosperity. He says, ‘You have to feed the Gods.’ If you feed the Gods, then they are obligated to you to give back abundant wealth in return (for) your offering of food to them.
How is that?
He says, “That is Divine Law.”
When the world was created, particularly the earth plane, it was agreed upon that the relationship between the humans and the Divine will be one of cooperation and reciprocity, (which is) parasparam in Sanskrit. This is the word that Krishna uses.”
How to Perform an Abhishekam (Hydration) Ceremony at Home
Let’s start with Shiva. You can use this ceremony as a template for other Deities/Archetypes as well.
Shiva, Archetype of Karma Removal & Enlightenment
What You Need:
- Shiva or Shiva Linga statue, preferably quartz (alternatively, use Shiva Yantra or a smooth, round stone)
- Water
- Milk
- Plate
- Cloth
- Cooked rice (optional)
- Candle (optional) or lamp that is lit during the ceremony
- Incense (optional)
Abhishekam Procedure:
- Bathe before the ceremony, or at least wash your hands, face, and feet.
- Put the statue on the plate while seated. Face the statue east.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya (pr. ohm NAH-mah shee-VAH-yah). You can also use the Thiru Neela Kantam (TEE-roo NEE-lah KAHN-tahm) karma removal mantra. While chanting, pour water on the statue, and then milk.
- Pour cooked rice on the statue to feed Shiva. Alternatively, you can place the rice in front of him.
- Rinse the statue with water and wipe it with the cloth.
- Offer closing prayers.
- Do not eat the food. Throw it out.
Lakshmi, Goddess Archetype of Wealth
Follow the instructions for Shiva abhishekam ritual at Home, using water and milk.
Favorite Foods & Offerings: Honey, ripe fruits and vegetables, rice pudding, dates, turmeric, roses, and lotus flowers.
You can decorate her rose and/or lotus garlands as well.
Mantra: Shreem Brzee.
Hanuman, Archetype of Devotion & Defying Human Limitations
Use water and milk for hydration.
Favorite Foods & Offerings: Tulsi leaves, betel leaves, coconuts, bananas, flowers, fruits, and nuts. Note: Tulsi is especially welcomed by Hanuman, a Devotee powered by Vishnu, all Incarnations (Avatars) of Vishnu, and Vishnu abhishekam himself.
You can decorate him with garlands made of tulsi, betel, and flowers.
Mantra: Om Shri Hanumate Namah (pr. ohm shree hah-noo-MAH-tay NAH-mah). You can also use a Rama mantra, as his power comes from Rama, Archetype of truth, purity of action, and adherence to Divine Purpose (Dharma).
Ganesha
Use water and milk.
Favorite Foods: Ganesha loves milk, yogurt, honey, jasmine, flowers, fruits (especially bananas), modak, puffed rice. He doesn’t like tulsi.
Mantra: Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha (pr. ohm gum gah-nah-pah-tah-YAY NAH-mah-hah). You can also repeat “Gum” for a shorter mantra.
Other Deities
Follow the same instructions. Learn their mantras, favorite foods, flowers, and other offerings. If you just want a simple abhishekam at home, you can stick with just milk and honey and a mantra.
Work with Expert Vedic Priests to Achieve Your Goals
The do-it-yourself Abishekam ceremonies described above can be very auspicious if you do them with your full attention and faith. If you really want to re-pattern your karma and manifest goals quickly, you can enlist a small army of Vedic priests who can perform very elaborate ceremonies for this purpose.
We have created a year-long program consisting of 9,376 targeted Vedic ceremonies. They’re designed to remove karma in 12 areas of life. The priests use Vedic proxy (distance) technology to invoke the Archetypes on your behalf. You can enjoy the abhishekam benefits from anywhere in the world. There are multiple packages to choose from, including all 9,376 ceremonies.
You’ll also receive Vedic Astrology readings to pinpoint which areas of life are causing the most karmic problems.
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