Mahashivratri 2024: How to Install a Shivling at Home and Select the Proper Orientation

According to Hindu mythology, Shivlinga is considered to be a symbol of Lord Shiva. It is believed that when we worship a deity, the idol or symbol receives some spiritual energy that acts as a representative of that deity. When it comes to worshiping Shivalinga, devotees worship it with great devotion in various ways. Some people regularly offer water to the Shivlinga, while others show their respect by offering raw milk to the Shivlinga. As for the worship and installation of Shivalinga, special rules have been made for it. If you install a Shivalinga in your home temple, there are certain rules to follow to ensure happiness and prosperity in the home.

Shape of Shivling
While installing Shivlinga it is important to take care of its shape. Many people prefer to keep a big size Shivling in their house which is not considered auspicious. However, the size of the Shivlinga for the home should be small, specifically, it should not be more than the size of a thumb.

Number of Shiv Lingas
According to Vastu rules, there should not be more than one Shivlinga in the house. Because Shivalinga is the symbol of Lord Shiva and Shiva is one. So we should not use different symbols for it in one place. However, according to astrology.

A type of Shivlinga
If you keep a Shivlinga (Mahasivaratri worship time) at home then try to keep only Shivlinga made of stone found in river Narmada, it is considered most auspicious. The material should preferably be of this stone. However, if you are installing a Shivlinga made of metal, be aware that it should be made of gold, silver or copper and also have a metal snake sitting around the Shivlinga.

Vastu direction of Shivlinga
There are two acceptable directions for setting up a Shivlinga. The Shivlinga should be set up in such a way that the face of the devotee should be towards the East direction and the Shivlinga should be towards the West direction during the puja. The reservoir of Shivlinga should always be in the north direction. Apart from this, you can also keep the reservoir of Shivling in the east direction and the devotee should worship facing the north direction.