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Rudraksha means Aisha of Rudra in Sanskrit
Rudra means Shiva and Aksha means eyes
Rudraksha are considered to be the most potent manifestation of the Cosmic Force. Hence Rudraksha is the object of veneration and also the source to reach the higher self.Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between the earth and the heaven. These beads are the seeds of the Rudraksha fruit obtained from Rudraksha trees.
One ancient story explains the origin of Rudraksha. Once upon a time, Lord Shiva was very upset and depressed due to the death of ?Maa Gauri?,He opened his Third eye and we knew that as "Shiva Tandav"while he was crying and his tears were falling on the earth from his three eyes.This is said that his tears were converted in Rudraksha Tree wherever they fell. Rudrakshas are found around in India, Nepal in uttaranchal region and in Indonesia. Rudraksha is said to contain the secrets of entire evolution of the Cosmos within it.
aksha (????) means the potential to receive or give.
Rudraksha is the one who has the potential to endow one with happiness.
http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/knowledge/out/images/1190892127_Rudraksha_1.JPG
"Skanda Purana" ,"Shiva Purana" we know as will provide you the desire answer
And that's why it is considered to be Lord Shiva
Now
Yes it is said that Lord Shiva is Abhisheka Priya
But that doesn't mean he seeks anything he is detached from any desire
It is out of pure devotion
The common procedure is to use eleven dravyya to the Elevan Rudra Devathas. The number does not matter as also the mantra. What is absolutely required is sincerity of purpose, unflinching devotion, and complete dedication.
Though as we know Lord Shiva is considered as the fire of penance blazing all over him & from him - so, we alwaystry to please his Third eye and get blessing - he is
also called Abhisheka Priya - bathing divine elements is called Abhisheka in sanskrit. The more you bathe him, the more beloved we became. In many temples here, a brass or copper pot is hung right above the linga with a small hole in its apex pointing downwards and water keeps dripping on the linga. Lingam Pooja Daily do abhishekas (Divine Bathing) with fresh milk, Fresh Curd, aromatic herbal powders & water chanting theFollowing mantra :
THATH PURUSHAAYA VITHMAHAEMAHADEV
Out of all the materials used for abhisheka, the water from the kalasa is most important and used last. 1, 3, 5 7 or 11 kalasas can be set up for abhisheka. Veda mantras are used to purify and sanctify the water (Apo Va Idaghum Sarvam? - water is the cause for emergence and sustenance of all life. Water as it is has no shape but take the shape of the container in which it is taken. The Brahman cannot be described with specific form or shape. However, the Brahman can be visualized in our mind with specific attributes - Saguna Brahman - the Devathas. This is one reason that yogis prefer 'Manasa pooja'- visualization of the Brahman in the mind and deep meditation, which ordinary persons cannot accomplish.
The Bhagavad-Gita reverberates this over and over.
Some offer worldly goods, others offer sense restraint. Others submit their sufferings or take vows. Many offer knowledge by studying the scriptures while a few make offerings of meditation. Many worship by controlling their senses while others restraint their breath. All these, understand the meaning of service and will be cleansed of their impurities.
--- The Bhagavad-Gita 4: 28-30
What we need is sincerity and dedication. Now, how to get these if we don't have them at present. The Veda comes to help. We need to contemplate whenever we can to get the inner revelation. Attending poojas will be a start
You can use what you want
Just it is a way to show devotion as shiva symbolise the life(supreme soul)
so the water left is poured in tulsi preferably or in trees
as they are considered satvik tatva.(there is a epic behind this and i have limited words so read skanda purana will for sure make things clear)
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