{"id":10045,"date":"2018-04-19T18:06:38","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T12:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pillaicenter.com\/blog\/?p=10045"},"modified":"2021-11-06T11:07:08","modified_gmt":"2021-11-06T05:37:08","slug":"perform-hydration-ceremony-abhishekam-home-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pillaicenter.com\/blog\/perform-hydration-ceremony-abhishekam-home-2","title":{"rendered":"How to Perform a Hydration Ceremony (Abhishekam) at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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<\/a>, prosperity blessings, removal of inner and outer negativity, longevity of a relationship, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a hydration ceremony, you\u2019re pouring water and other liquids on a statue of a Deity with the intent to bring the Deity to life. You\u2019re also using mantras that correspond to the Deity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFeed the Gods\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

During a hydration ceremony, not only are you \u201chydrating\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dr. Pillai Explains:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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, \u2018You have to feed the Gods.\u2019 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.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

How is that?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

He says, \u201cThat is Divine Law.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Perform an Abhishekam (Hydration) Ceremony at Home<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Let\u2019s start with Shiva. You can use this ceremony as a template for other Deities\/Archetypes as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shiva, Archetype of Karma Removal & Enlightenment<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What You Need:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n