Shiwalay · शिवालय · the abode of Shiva
The World of Shiva
Everything a Shiva altar at home needs, in one place. How to choose a Shivling, rudraksha that comes with its proof, the abhishek step by step, and the days of the year that belong to him.
Mahashivratri · 6 Mar, Saturday · in 142 daysWhere to begin
A Shiva altar, one step at a time
- Step 1
Choose your Shivling
The material decides the daily puja. Start with the guide, then pick from the four below.
How to choose - Step 2
Bring it home
Seat it in the jalhari with the spout to the north, Nandi facing it, a tray beneath. A simple sthapana on a Monday.
Where it goes - Step 3
Offer water each day
A lota of water and a bel leaf in the morning is the whole of the daily puja. The rest is devotion.
What you need - Step 4
Learn the abhishek
Milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, each followed by water, with Om Namah Shivaya. The full order is in the guide.
Rudrabhishek at home - Step 5
Sit with a mala
108 rounds of Om Namah Shivaya on a rudraksha mala. Every bead we sell comes with an X-ray report.
Rudraksha and japa - Step 6
Keep Shiva's days
Mondays, Pradosh twice a month, the month of Shravan, and the great night of Mahashivratri.
The calendar
The Shivling
Choose by how you'll worship
Some Shivlings take a full abhishek of milk and honey. Some take water only. That is the first choice to make.
Narmadeshwar
From ₹4,399
Shaped by the Narmada river. Needs no installation rite; the usual choice for a home.
Sphatik
From ₹5,999
Natural quartz crystal, for a quiet, meditative practice.
Ashtadhatu
From ₹5,049
The eight-metal alloy. Durable, and it takes every offering.
Parad
From ₹3,749
Solidified mercury alloy, with a metal assay in the box. Handle with care.
Puja and abhishek
For the water, the lamp and the offerings
Copper Lota
₹849
Shiwalay Dried Bel Patra
₹399
Brass Dhoop Dani
₹699
Kashi Gangajal, Sealed Copper Flask
₹899
Brass Ghanti with Nandi Handle
₹1,499
Brass Diya
₹599
Bhimseni Camphor
₹499
Ashtagandha Tilak Set
₹699
Brass Aarti Thali Set
₹4,999
Tamra Kalash with Coconut Stand
₹2,549
Japa and sadhana
Rudraksha, with the proof in the box
Every rudraksha ships with an X-ray report that counts the seeds inside against the lines outside. If you are new to it, begin with 5 mukhi: it suits everyone and has no restrictions.
Shiva's days
The calendar of a Shiva household
Guides
Read before the day, in English or Hindi
- How to choose a Shivling for your homeNarmadeshwar, sphatik, parad, metal or stone: what each is, how each is worshipped, the right size for a home, where it goes, and how to look after it.7 min readहिंदी में पढ़ें
- Rudrabhishek at home: what it is, what you need, and the order to followThe abhishek of the Shivling with the Rudra chants, done at home: the samagri, the eleven offerings in order, when to call a pandit, and what to do with the water afterwards.8 min readहिंदी में पढ़ें
- Mahashivratri at home: the fast, the four prahar puja, and the night vigilHow to keep Mahashivratri on 6 March 2027: what to prepare, the abhishek for each quarter of the night, what to offer and what never to, and how to close the fast the next morning.9 min readहिंदी में पढ़ें
- Sawan Somvar vrat: the Monday fasts of Shravan, and how to keep themThe five Mondays of Shravan 2027, what the fast allows, the morning and evening puja, the Solah Somvar vow, and how the northern and southern calendars differ.7 min readहिंदी में पढ़ें
- Pradosh vrat: Shiva's twilight fast, twice a monthWhat Pradosh is, why it is kept at dusk, the differences between Som, Bhaum and Shani Pradosh, and a simple evening puja you can keep every fortnight.6 min readहिंदी में पढ़ें
Coming to the World of Shiva
Abhishek kits, packed in the order you use them
Everything for the abhishek in one box, with a card that opens the steps on your phone. Join the waitlist and hear the day they open.
Questions
What people ask us about Shiva puja
Why is the shop called Shiwalay?
Shiwalay comes from Shivalaya, the abode of Shiva. We began with the things a Shiva altar needs, and this page brings them together.
Which Shivling is best for a home?
For most homes, a Narmadeshwar: it is formed by the river, needs no installation rite and takes a full abhishek. Sphatik suits a meditative practice with water abhishek. Keep the Shivling under about four inches, and keep one, not several.
What is offered to Shiva, and what is not?
Water, milk, bel leaves, white chandan, bhasma, akshat, white flowers, dhatura and fruit are offered. Tulsi, haldi, kumkum and the ketaki flower are not offered on the Shivling, and water from a shankh is not poured on it in most traditions.
When is Mahashivratri in 2027?
Saturday 6 March 2027. The main puja is at nishita kaal, the hour around midnight, and the fast closes the next morning.
Are the guides available in Hindi?
Yes. Every Shiva guide has a Hindi edition, linked from the guide itself.