A Sacred Inner Offering to Shiva & Aadi Shakti
Before beginning Manasik (mental) Puja, it is essential to understand its foundation. This form of worship is not imagination in the casual sense — it is inner visualization using reverence, guided by scriptural principles and protected by the blessings of Shri Ganesha and the Guru.
Because the mind can wander or create forms that are improper, Manasik Puja is considered an advanced practice, suitable only for those who approach it with humility, devotion, and a clear sense of sacred boundaries.
First — Invoke Shri Ganesha & the Guru
In all inner worship, the first step is the same:
- Invoke Shri Ganesha, the guardian of sanctity and remover of all inner impurities.
- Invoke the Guru, the divine guide who holds the seeker steady and prevents the mind from forming disrespectful or uncontrolled imagery.
When the mind is aligned, calm, and reverent, inner worship becomes a sacred temple.
What Is Manasik Puja?
Manasik Puja is the offering of Panchopchar, flowers, lamps, prayers, and devotion directly within the mind — without physical items.
It is practiced when:
- Time is short
- Materials are unavailable
- One is traveling
- One longs to worship but is away from the altar
- Or when the heart wishes to connect constantly, silently, and inwardly
Though subtle, Manasik Puja is not a shortcut. It demands more concentration, more purity, and more mindfulness than external ritual.
It is said:
“The mind is the real altar. When it becomes pure, even a mental flower becomes sacred.”
Why Perform Manasik Puja?
- To stay connected to Shiva & Shakti wherever you are
- To maintain your sadhana during busy periods
- To turn your mind into a sacred temple
- To deepen devotion through refined inner focus
- To support external Panchopchar Puja, not replace it
But it must be practiced with unshakable reverence. The deity or sacred symbol must always be visualized in a pure, traditional form — never modified, altered, or imagined casually.
Steps of Manasik Puja to Shiva & Aadi Shakti
1. Prepare the Inner Space
Close your eyes gently. Breathe slowly. Visualize a quiet, sacred environment — a clean temple, a serene mountain cave, a lotus blossoming in pure light.
Let the space form naturally. Do not force it.
2. Invite Shiva, Aadi Shakti, Shri Ganesha, and the Guru
With deep respect, mentally say:
- “Shri Ganesha, please remove all inner distortions.”
- “O Guru, guide my mind toward purity.”
- “Shiva & Aadi Shakti, please accept my inner offering.”
Do not visualize the deity casually.
See them in their traditional, well-known, scriptural form — gentle, radiant, and compassionate.
If you feel safer, visualize only the sacred symbol you worship:
- A Shiva Lingam
- The Red Shakti Lingam
Symbol worship is often steadier and reduces the chances of the mind creating improper imagery.
3. Mental Offering of Panchopchar
In Manasik Puja, each offering is made in the mind with full clarity and devotion.
You may perform the Puja either on the Shiva Lingam or on the Red Shakti Lingam, depending on your personal sadhana.
Below are the proper offerings for each.
If You Worship the Shiva Lingam
Gandha (Fragrance / Sandalwood)
Visualize applying cool sandalwood paste or bhasma to the lingam.
Pushpa (Flowers)
Offer:
- Bilva leaves — the most sacred to Shiva
- White flowers
- Dhatura flower (symbolic only, with full reverence)
Place them gently at the base of the lingam in your mind.
Dhupa (Incense)
Visualize incense spreading pure fragrance around the lingam.
Deepa (Lamp)
Offer a steady ghee lamp illuminating the entire inner temple.
Naivedya
Offer kheer — pure, sattvic, and prepared mentally with devotion.
If You Worship the Red Shakti Lingam
Gandha
Visualize applying kumkum or turmeric, in the same traditional way used in Shakti temples.
Pushpa (Flowers)
Offer:
- Hibiscus (the most beloved flower of Shakti)
- Red flowers of any kind
Place them respectfully before the lingam.
Dhupa (Incense)
Visualize incense spiraling upward like rising Shakti.
Deepa (Lamp)
Offer a warm, glowing lamp — symbolizing divine feminine radiance.
Naivedya
Offer:
- Panchamrut
- Boondi laddoos
Both are traditional and deeply pleasing to the Divine Mother.
Benefits of Manasik Puja
- Strengthens focus, devotion, and inner purity
- Keeps connection alive when external ritual is impossible
- Helps the mind stay rooted in the Divine during daily life
- Transforms the heart into a sacred temple
- Deepens your bond with Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha, and the Guru
- Acts as an extension — not replacement — of external puja
When done properly, Manasik Puja becomes a bridge between your inner world and the Divine.
Important Guidance
Because imagination can run wild and create disrespectful or altered forms, always remember:
- Do not change the deity’s appearance.
- Do not add elements that are not scriptural.
- Do not imagine anything worldly or casual.
- Do not rush. Do not force visions.
If the mind becomes unsteady, simply pause, chant a sacred name you trust, and return gently. Remember that Manasik Puja is a privilege, not a technique.
A Final Note
You do not need elaborate visions.
You do not need perfect imagination.
You only need purity of intention.
Begin with Shri Ganesha. Invoke the Guru. Offer your heart to Shiva & Aadi Shakti.
In the silent temple within you, They always respond.
Jai Ganesha. Jai Guru. Jai Shiv-Shakti.