Lord Shiva is one of the Trinity (Tridev). He is a renunciate (bairagi) and the one who resides in the cremation ground (smasan). It is said that Lord Shiva is the kind of deity who is easiest to please. He becomes satisfied even with a single offering of water (a lota of jal) offered with devotion.
To make Lord Shiva your Guru, you must first take a vow (sankalp) before Him.
Take a lota (vessel) filled with water. Hold the water in your hand and first say your name. Then mention where you are currently living — if you are living at your permanent home, say so; if you are living elsewhere, mention your current place of residence along with your state, district, and village name.
After that, state whether you are married or unmarried, and whether you are male or female. Then say your father’s name.
Next, say these words:
“From today onward, I accept you, Lord Shiva, as my Guru.
I consider the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra — Om Namah Shivaya as my Guru Mantra.”
After saying this, pour the water from your hand onto the ground. From that moment, Lord Shiva becomes your Guru.
Once you have accepted Him as your Guru, whatever work you do — first inform your Guru (Lord Shiva) and then proceed.
Every morning, after taking a bath, offer 11 full prostrations (Sashtang Dand Pranam) to your Guru as a mark of respect and devotion.
If you wish to please Lord Shiva, then along with chanting His Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya), also chant the name of His beloved deity — “Jai Shri Ram.”
Lord Mahadev’s chosen deity (Ishta) is Lord Rama, and in His heart, the name of Ram constantly resonates.
If you want to please your Guru (Lord Shiva), then along with your Guru Mantra, also chant:
“Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.”
When you chant both the names — that of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama — Lord Hanuman also becomes pleased and begins to protect you always.
Lord Hanuman is believed to be the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva, and He too holds great love and devotion for the name of Lord Ram.
