Shivanga Sadhana

You can purchase the Shivanga Kit at the nearest Isha Life or from local coordinators. Please ensure you have the kit ready before the initiation, as you will be guided on how to use it during the session.

If you have opted to proceed without the Shivanga Kit, please arrange the following items:

• A Rudraksha Mala: This can be a 21-bead rudraksha mala, a single-bead rudraksha mala, or any rudraksha mala. It should be worn for the entire sadhana period.

• A black cloth: Measuring 18 inches in length and 3 inches in width, this cloth should be tied on the upper right arm for men and the upper left arm for women. The cloth can be rinsed in plain water while bathing.

Ensure these items are ready before the initiation for a smooth experience.

Yes, Shivanga Sadhana is now open to both men and women.

The Shivanga Sadhana Kit contains:

a) A black cloth

b) A Rudraksha mala with Dhyanalinga pendant

c) Vibhuti

d) Bhiksha bowl

e) Dhyanalinga photo

f) Chant sheet

You can stock up on the following items:

• Herbal snanam powder for bathing

• Honey

• Groundnuts

• Black Pepper (peppercorn)

• Neem powder (if you cannot get fresh leaves daily)

If you wish, you may purchase the above items from the nearest Isha Life or from local coordinators.

Those who have not received the Shivanga Sadhana kit before the initiation date can arrange a new pure cotton black cloth of size 3" X 18" inches (width and length respectively) for initiation. If the 18" black cloth does not sufficiently fit your arm, then you can use a longer cloth.

The rest of the offerings in the kit can be used after you receive the kit.

The black cloth should be tied on the upper right arm for men and on the upper left arm for women. If required, you can take assistance from  others to tie the black cloth. There is no restriction on the number of knots to tie the black cloth.

You can condition it if you continue to wear the mala after the sadhana period.

It is not mandatory to wear the 21-bead rudraksha mala. Any rudraksha mala can be worn during the sadhana period. However, you may choose to wear the 21-bead rudraksha mala, as it has been specifically designed by Sadhguru as a support during Shivanga Sadhana.

Significance of the 21-bead Rudraksha Mala:
The intricately designed pendant of the 21-bead rudraksha mala has an image of Dhyanalinga on both sides. This pendant undergoes a special consecration process, where it is placed in the Dhyanalinga for a specific period of time. When worn, it enhances one’s receptivity, making it a powerful support for the sadhana.

Note: The 21-bead rudraksha mala is included in the Shivanga Sadhana Kit.

The minimum age requirement is 15 years.

The initiation link will be sent as a part of your registration confirmation email.

If you missed the initiation session or were unable to attend, you can get initiated on an upcoming date. To request a change in your initiation date, please email shivanga.co/emailsupport, and you will receive a confirmation email with the new initiation link. The available dates are also listed on the shivanga.org website. If you miss the next session as well, you will need to register again for the sadhana.

The space should be conducive for sadhana, without any distractions. It is preferable but not mandatory to do the Shiva Namaskar in front of a Dhyanalinga photo or Dhyanalinga yantra.

You will be initiated into the sacred “Shiva Namaskar” process and a mantra (chant).

Yes, you can do the Shivanga Sadhana along with any other sadhana.

Shiva Namaskar should be practiced every day throughout the sadhana period, either before sunrise or after sunset. You must do a minimum of 12 or 21 cycles at a stretch on an empty stomach. After completing Shiva Namaskar, sit in a cross-legged posture and allow your breath to settle. Then, place both your palms facing upward on your thighs and chant 3 cycles of the Sarvebhyo chant.

To create a conducive ambiance for the sadhana, you can place a Dhyanalinga photo and light a lamp in front of it. 

To know more about Shiva Namaskar, please watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veqD5gUj5Yc

Yes. If you choose to begin your sadhana with Shiva Namaskar twice a day, ensure to do it twice daily throughout the sadhana duration. Similarly,  if you start the sadhana with Shiva Namaskar once a day, then continue to do it only once a day for the entire sadhana duration. Keep in mind that Shiva Namaskar should be practiced either before sunrise or after sunset on an empty stomach.

Yes, you can increase the cycles of Shiva Namaskar. You can do Shiva Namaskar in the counts of 12, 21, 24, 33, 42, 48, 56, 64, 84, 96 and 108.

Shiva Namaskar should be done a minimum of 12 or 21 times at a stretch, either before sunrise or after sunset, on an empty stomach. You can do the other Isha practices after completing Shiva Namaskar.

An important part of the sadhana for men is begging for alms from 21 people during the sadhana period. Its significance will be explained by Sadhguru during the initiation.

Yes.

You can ensure the following to receive the initiation in the best possible way:

a) Ensure that there is no disturbance. 

b) Ensure you have a stable internet connection for a 1.5-hour session. It is best if you log in 15 minutes before the session starts.

c) It is best if you use a laptop.

d) Kindly do not attend to any calls or messages during the session.

e) Since you will be initiated into a Yogic practice, it is best if you have a 6 x 6 ft space around you.

The yatra will start after 10 PM on the check-in date or the following morning at 4 AM. Confirmed timings will be informed after check-in.

While shoes and other footwear are allowed, it is recommended to walk barefoot.

No.

Please avoid them. Stimulants / intoxicants are not conducive for Shivanga Sadhana.

Recipe 1

Spread 1 cup of dry green gram (mung beans) on a tray and sunbake them in full sun for a day, or place in a low temp oven (200 degrees) for 30-40 minutes. 

Let the beans cool and then put the dried beans into a food processor and add 1/4 cup white rice. Grind the beans and rice together in the food processor until it is powdered. (Use a sieve to remove any coarser pieces as necessary.)

Mix 2 tsp of turmeric powder into the fine powder and store in a sealed container. This powder can be kept for months if stored in a cool dry place.

To use: Mix 1-2 Tbsp of fine powder with a little water to make a thin paste. Rub the paste into your skin and let it air-dry for a couple of minutes before rinsing. You can use this right away, there is no need to soak the mixture for long.

Recipe 2

Make a powder mixture base:

Green gram / mung bean powder and chickpea flour (besan) are very good to use for bathing powder. Mix both and your powder mixture base is ready. Even if one of these ingredients is available, it is okay️.

Upon availability and preferences, you can optionally add any or all of these ingredients to 1 cup of the powder mixture base.

1 tsp organic turmeric powder
1 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp amla (Indian gooseberry) powder 
1 tbsp tulsi (holy basil)  powder
1 tbsp neem powder
1 tbsp dry lemon or orange peel powder

Mix all of the added ingredients together and put them in an airtight container.

To use: Mix 2 Tbsp of the powder with a little water to make a thin paste. Make sure there are no lumps. Rub the paste into your skin and let it air-dry for a couple of minutes before rinsing. You can use this right away, there is no need to soak the mixture for long.

Herbal hair powder (see recipe below). 

Recipe

Reetha (Soapnut), Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Shikakai (Senegalia rugata) are considered a good combination for hair cleansing and nourishment. Traditionally, they are cooked together in an iron utensil and kept overnight to apply on the next day. Since the cooked mixture has a short shelf life and the preparation process might not be practical in most of our daily lives, we can buy them in powder form and soak them in water before applying.

For best results, take the desired quantity of each powder and soak for at least an hour (or overnight). Make sure the paste is thick enough so that it doesn’t flow away easily.

Dampen your hair, gently apply the mixture and wash thoroughly. There is no need to let it rest for a longer period of time.