A Gentle Yet Potent Shiva Upasana

Dear Readers,

After reading my articles on this website, many readers often ask—'We too wish to approach Lord Shiva through Ajapa Gayatri. What is the prescribed method of worship, and in what manner should it be undertaken?'

First, understand clearly what is meant by Shree Gurumandala. If you explore the lineage of Siddha Yogis, you'll see that it includes Shiva, Dattatreya, the Navanaths, and the 84 Siddhas—an expansive community of realized masters. In essence, the Shree Gurumandala refers to this collective of awakened Gurus. That said, the initiation and sadhana I received came directly from Shambhu Mahadeva. It was He who also guided me into the worship of Dattatreya and Gorakshanatha. Therefore, for me personally, the Shree Gurumandala primarily refers to Lord Shiva, Avadhuta Dattatreya, and Shambhujati Gorakshanatha.

For those readers who sincerely wish to worship Lord Shiva through Ajapa Gayatri, I am offering here a very simple yet powerful form of upasana. Please note that this practice is primarily intended for those who are new to the path of Yoga and spirituality—those who may have done some spiritual reading, perhaps occasionally recited a stotra or two, but have not yet engaged in any formal upasana or sadhana. It is with such seekers in mind that this practice is being shared.

Begin this upasana on any Monday or Thursday. All you need are just two things: a woolen asana and a Rudraksha japa mala—nothing more is required.

At the time you've chosen for your practice, sit facing either east or north on a woolen asana. Before sitting, wash your hands, feet, and face with water, rinse your mouth, and only then begin your sadhana.

Begin by gently closing your eyes and turning your awareness inward, allowing the mind to become calm and centered. Silently invoke Lord Gaṇapati in your heart, and offer a brief prayer for success in your sadhana. You may also bow down to Gorakshanatha and Dattatreya, seeking their blessings.

Next, using a rudraksha japa mala, chant the following mantra for a minimum of 108 times (one mala). The japa may be performed aloud (Vachika), in a whisper (Upanshu), or silently (Manasika). Choose the method that feels most natural and joyful to you. While chanting, hold the mala in your right hand at chest level, and use the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger to rotate the beads.

Om Namah Shivaya — ॐ नमः शिवाय

Keep in mind that Mantra Shastra has its own vast body of principles, ethical guidelines, and ritual procedures. However, assuming that you are a new sadhaka, no complex rules or elaborate rituals have been included here. The mantra given is gentle and sattvic in nature, specifically chosen to ensure that there are no adverse effects or negative consequences.

After completing the japa, gently place the mala down and recite Shree Shiva Sahasranama Stotra. Then, with eyes closed, sit quietly for some time practicing Ajapa Japa. A simple method for Ajapa Japa is provided here.

After completing the Ajapa Japa, mentally offer all your practices—Japa, Stotra, and Ajapa—to Lord Shiva. Once the offering is made, remain seated in silence on your asana for two to five minutes. Then gently conclude the session. Carefully put away your asana and japa mala.

While performing the above sadhana, the following guidelines should be observed:

• For the first six months to a year, avoid large quantities of japa. The energy of the japa must be assimilated by your body and mind. Therefore, begin with just one mala (108 repetitions) of the mantra.
• If possible, perform Shivalinga worship at home. If not, then at least visit a Shiva temple on Mondays, monthly Shivaratri, Pradosha, or Paurnima days.
• Exercise restraint over your speech. Strive to keep your diet as pure and sattvic as possible. Avoid harsh words, harming others, or gossip. Practice moderation in speech.

This upasana, composed of five key elements—mantra japa, recitation of the Shree Shiva Sahasranama Stotra, Ajapa Japa, restraint in speech, and purity of diet—when practiced regularly and with discipline, will deepen your love for this path and surely draw the grace of Lord Shiva and the Gurumandala. For those who seek in-depth guidance on how to worship Bhagavan Shiva through the path of Ajapa Dhyana Yoga, an online course is available.