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பஞ்சாங்கம்The Shaiva Almanac
The recurring observances of the Śaiva month — Pradosham, Sashti, Sankatahara Chaturthi — and the way of daily worship.
Every Month
Recurring Observances
பிரதோஷம்
Pradosham · Śiva
Twice monthly · Trayodashi
The ~1.5 hours before and after sunset on the 13th tithi of each fortnight — the most auspicious window for Śiva worship. Abhishekam to Śiva–Pārvati and pradakṣiṇa of Nandi. Sani Pradosham (on a Saturday) is especially potent.
சஷ்டி
Sashti · Murugan
Monthly · 6th tithi (waxing)
Sacred to Murugan's protective, victorious energy — fasting and worship of the Vel.
சங்கடஹர சதுர்த்தி
Sankatahara Chaturthi · Gaṇapati
Monthly · 4th tithi (waning)
The 'remover of difficulties' — a fast kept until moonrise for the clearing of obstacles.
கிருத்திகை
Krittikai · Murugan
Monthly · Krittika nakshatra
Murugan's star — lamp-lighting and special abhishekam; it peaks at Thai Poosam and Karthigai Deepam.
பௌர்ணமி
Pournami · Devi / Śiva
Full moon
Auspicious for the Mother's worship and for Girivalam — the moonlit circumambulation of Arunachala at Thiruvannamalai.
அமாவாசை
Amāvāsai · Ancestors / Śiva
New moon
Tarpaṇam for the forebears and temple visits; Thai and Aadi Amāvāsai are especially observed.
The Way of Worship
Panchakshara & the Daily Rites
ௐ நமச்சிவாயOm Namah ŚivāyaThe five-syllable Panchakshara — the heart-mantra of Śaivam, its letters the five elements and the Lord's five faces.
விபூதிVibhūtiSacred ash worn in three lines (tripundra) — the burning away of ego, the truth that all form returns to ash.
ருத்திராட்சம்RudrākshaThe "eye of Rudra" seed-beads, counted in japa — calming, protective, meditative.
நந்திNandiŚiva's bull and foremost devotee, seated facing the sanctum; darshan of the Lord is taken over his shoulder.
வில்வம்BilvaThe three-lobed leaf, most beloved offering to the Liṅga, especially on Pradosham and Sivarathri.
அபிஷேகம்AbhiṣekamThe ritual bathing of the Liṅga with water, milk, honey, ghee and panchāmṛtham, to the Śrī Rudram.