r/shaivism

I am growing on the Advaita path and got to a stage where my previously practices of bhakti are becoming an issue.

Some context:

I have some background as pseudo-Vaishnava, I have in the past worshiped Rama, however, the way I was thought to see Rama, is problematic as I come to assimilate Advaita teachings.

These issues in translating my concept of personal god to Iśvara in the Advaitin sense (ref Swami Dayananda Saraswati) are blocking my progress. So much so that I am considering changing the form I focus on from Rama to Śiva.

I find it easy(er) to use Śiva in as the world around me: in the changing seasons I can metaphorically see his Nataraja dance, in meditation I can feel getting to a sense of wholeness comparable to the Linga.

Another reason is that while I have no problem in relating to Iśvara as a person (eg. during puja), I struggle making the shift between an anthropomorphic Deva and the world around me. The linga to this avail, feels easier to me to translate at the stage I am at.

My ask:

Is there a text you'd recommend me to pick up, that it'd be useful for me to develop a Śiva-oriented bhakti in keeping with Advaita teachings?

Any leads are welcome!

I go to a Shiva temple daily after returning from Mahakal Ujjain. I took a sankalp to visit him for 43 days. There is a certain job I really want, and I initially started going because I was feeling very anxious about it.

For the first 3–4 days, I asked for it regularly.

Now, I don’t feel like asking anymore. I just go, do the jal abhishek, apply chandan teeka, and sit there talking, almost like I’m hanging out with a friend. Sometimes when the shivling is all decorated i even compliment him. I come back home feeling peaceful and happy.

Am I doing this wrong? I just want to know—does this still count as bhakti or not?

Hi, could someone please suggest where I can buy Vibhuti online? For offering it to Shivling and for Shiva upasana. Would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks in advance 🙏

My mother gifted me a Shivling but I am not vegetarian. I was told by the Poojari that I can keep Shivling on the terrace and can take it with me wrapped if I travel away to visit parents for example. I’m concerned I will not upkeep the requirements adequately so I was considering retiring as it is unopened and perhaps considering the Shiva Lingam stone. Any insight or recommendations?

Hara Hara Mahadev! Jai Baba Bhairava🔱💀🌺