Grace and Boons from Shiva
To gain the grace of Shiva for obtaining boons, one only needs to offer water to Shiva with reverence on a daily basis.
The Bhagavatam Purana tells us that Shiva is easily pleased (“Āśutoṣa”), and He says, “Ask of Me any boon of your choosing, and I shall grant it to you. I can be pleased with just a little water offered by those who approach me for shelter.”[1]
The Skanda Purana says: “Sadā-Shiva, the lord of all, gives away everything when his mind is pleased. Shankara becomes satisfied with even a very little thing that is offered, say, even water of a very little quantity.”[2]
A simple but powerful procedure for offering water to Shiva is given below. (Note, before attempting this procedure, you must read the website’s terms and disclaimer and know how to pronounce Sanskrit.)
- Put a small amount of water in a clean glass or cup
- face towards the North direction (if possible)
- say: श्री गणेशाय नमः (“Śrī Gaṇeṣāya namaḥ“, to remove obstacles)
- say: शुचिम् मे कुरु (“śucim me kuru“, to purify oneself)
- call Shiva to mind (look at a picture of Shiva, if available)
- say: ॐ नमः शिवाय (“Oṃ namaḥ Śivāya“)
- say: ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय (“Oṃ namo bhagavate Rudrāya“)
- place the water before Shiva
- say: तोयम् समर्पयामि (““toyam samarpayāmi“, which means, “I offer water”)
- say: त्वाम् प्रपन्नम् (“tvām prapannam“, which means, “I seek your protection and favor”)
- silently thank Shiva for having appeared in your mind, and allow him to leave.
- drink the water in three sips. (The offered water is now “prasād“, i.e. grace.)
That’s it. It’s very simple. And there’s no need to create any mood, such as devotion. The Sanskrit words and the mere action of offering the water are sufficient to accomplish the effect. Do this procedure every day, and you will gain the grace of Shiva for boons.
Next, you will want to know how to get salvation via Shiva.
Shivāya namaḥ!
Shiva Boons and Salvation 