Introduction to Anna Abishekam
Abhishekam (Hydration Pooja) is the process of bathing the deity. “Annam” means rice and Anna Abhishekam denotes bathing the deity with cooked rice. This divine ritual is performed on the Full Moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-Oct to mid-Nov). Although there is a variety of Abhishekams performed in India, this particular ceremony is performed on Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam, in all South Indian Shiva temples. Performing this ritual once a year can help you get rid of all the problems in your life. This ceremony is also known as Shiva Abhishekam or Maha Anna Abhishekam and is conducted in many Shiva temples throughout South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

Significance of Anna Abhishekam
According to sacred texts, rice is a symbol of life, richness, and prosperity. Lord Shiva is a great lover of Abhishekams and is usually bathed with 11 sacred items, which include holy water, cow’s milk, ghee (clarified butter), coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, Vibhuti (sacred ash), curd, panchamirtam (mixture of 5 items), mango powder, rice and turmeric powder. Of these, rice is considered his most favorite item for the hydration ceremony. It is believed that one’s mind is a resemblance of the food he consumes. To signify the significance and divine role of rice in one’s life, Anna Abhishekam is performed annually.

Anna Abhishekam acts as a gesture of gratitude to Lord Shiva, who is the sole protector of nature’s five elements and all life forms on earth. Besides, rice is an outcome of the union of the five elements of nature. When the seed is sown in the land, it is nourished by water from the sky, fire (energy) from the Sun and is transformed into paddy with the help of wind. This is processed into rice and is fed to all living entities. Such is the significance of Anna Abhishekam.

Rituals of Anna Abhishekam
Lord Shiva
Anna Abhishekam is a unique ritual that invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva. On this day, Shiva Lingam, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva’s energy, is hydrated with the traditional Abhishekam items such as holy water, turmeric powder, sandalwood paste, milk, orange juice, honey, coconut water, curd and sacred ash. On completion, the idol is entirely covered with cooked rice, with an assortment of vegetables decorating the top of the Lingam. At the end of the ritual, Aarti (light offering) is presented to Lord Shiva, and the covered rice is distributed as Prasad (offering) to everyone, not letting a single grain go waste.

The ritual is performed on the massive Shiva Lingam at the Big Temple at Tanjore, Tamil Nadu. Lord Brihadeeswarar, the presiding deity of the temple, is covered entirely with cooked rice, and boiled vegetables form the garland. “Sri Rudram” is chanted continuously throughout the ceremony, which vibrates among the sea of devotees. This ceremony is widely performed in all Shiva temples in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

Benefits of Performing Anna Abhishekam
Performing or participating in Anna Abhishekam rituals to Lord Shiva can bestow you with the following benefits:

– Get rid of karmic problems and attain inner peace
– Solve issues related to business and gain prosperity
– Consuming the Abhishekam Prasad (offering) is believed to
enhance memory power in children
– Prosperity in agriculture and ensure security of grains
– Blessing of progeny
– Abundance of food