Pregnancy is a time when a woman is not only physically but also mentally very sensitive. During this time, elders in the family often advise her to engage in prayers and worship so that good values and positive energy influence the baby growing in the womb. In particular, worshiping Lord Shiva is considered very fruitful during this time. But the question arises, should pregnant women worship the Shivling?
What the Scriptures Say About Worshipping the Shivling
According to religious beliefs, worshiping Shiva brings peace, security, and balance in life. Shiva is called Bholenath, who is pleased only by devotion. While some rules have been mentioned in the scriptures regarding the worship of the Shivling, there is no strict prohibition for pregnant women.
According to astrologer Anish Vyas, pregnant women can also worship the Shivling. According to him, strict rules are not required for worshiping the Shivling. If a woman offers even a pot of water to the Shivling with devotion, Lord Shiva is pleased.
Why There is Confusion Regarding Shivling Worship
In some places, it is believed that a pregnant woman should not worship the Shivling. The reason for this is that the Shivling is considered an aggressive and ascetic symbol. But this is just a belief; there is no solid basis for it in the scriptures. The scriptures do not say anything about a pregnant woman staying away from Shiva devotion.
Benefits of Worshipping the Shivling During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman goes through mental, emotional, and hormonal changes. Engaging in prayers and worship in this state provides mental peace and reduces stress. Offering water to the Shivling, chanting mantras, or remembering 'Om Namah Shivaya' keeps the mind stable and provides positive energy.
Worshiping Shiva has a positive effect on both the mother and the baby growing in the womb. Shiva is considered the deity of yoga and meditation, so his worship maintains the mental concentration and emotional balance of the pregnant woman.
Easy Method of Shivling Worship for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant and want to worship the Shivling, you can do this worship in a very simple way by keeping a few things in mind. First of all, keep in mind that you should not stand for long periods during worship. If it is difficult to sit on the ground, take the support of a chair or a small table.
If you cannot go to the temple, then install a small Shivling at home and offer water. No major preparation is required for this. The worship can be completed even with a pot of clean water, belpatra (bael leaves), akshat (rice), and incense.
Avoid Fasting and Difficult Rules
It is not considered appropriate to observe a fast without water or perform rigorous penance during pregnancy. In such a situation, if you fast on Mondays, instead of completely giving up food, take fruits and drink plenty of water. Lord Shiva loves fruits, milk, water, and devotion. Therefore, keep your physical condition in mind while fasting and worshiping.
Can a Pregnant Woman Offer Bael Leaves?
Yes, pregnant women can also offer bael leaves. Just keep in mind that the bael leaves should be fresh and have three leaves. If this is not possible, then you can worship with only water or milk.
Special Benefits of Offering Water to the Shivling
If a pregnant woman offers a pot of water to the Shivling every morning and chants mantras, this process can be mentally and spiritually beneficial for her and her unborn child. This reduces the effect of negative energy and maintains happiness and peace in the house.
Which Mantras to Recite During Pregnancy
A pregnant woman should chant Shiva Chalisa, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, or 'Om Namah Shivaya'. The recitation of these mantras provides mental peace and generates positive energy in the atmosphere.
How to Establish a Shivling at Home
If you do not already have a Shivling in your home and you cannot go to the temple, then you can establish a Parad Shivling (mercury Shivling) or a small stone Shivling in a quiet place in your home. Place it in a copper plate or a clean brass plate and worship it with water, milk, and bael leaves.
Shiva is Pleased with the Devotion of a Pregnant Woman
Shiva is also considered a symbol of motherhood. In such a situation, when a woman is about to become a mother, the effect of her worship increases even more. Shiva certainly accepts worship performed with true feelings and bestows his blessings.
