Ishwara as Lord Shiva is generally worshipped in a particular form known as LINGA. The word ‘linga’ in Sanskrit means a symbol. The derivation of the word is "lingyate budhyate anena iti lingam"- that by which (something) is represented or known is Linga.
The Linga is a form which has no particular form. If all form in the creation were put toghther that would form an indefinable form which is symbolized by the Linga. Since all forms are Ishwara and Ishwara is not any one form, the Linga represents the formless form of Ishwara.
It is believed that a highly symbolic and esoteric philosophy emerged with the advent of Tantra-yoga, addressing masculine and feminine principles in the creation. However, there is no known reference of such a meaning in the Vedas.
Lord Shiva is the deity for those desirous of gaining moksha, liberation. Lord Shiva is normally worshipped on Mondays and on Pradosh. People in North India generally worship Lord Shiva by chanting Shivamahimna-stotra etc. Lord Shiva is also worshipped on the day and night of Maha Shivaratri, a festival which occurs on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February-March). Shivaratri is an important day of prayers and fasting for spiritual seekers.
The night of Maha Shivaratri is normally divided into four parts or pahar. During each pahar the devotees would offer Abhishekam consisting of milk, ghee, honey, cane-juice, coconut water and Ganga Jal.
Every Monday at 6:30 PM devotees eagerly gather at Shri Surya Narayan Mandir to participate in Abhishekam to Lord Shiva officiated by our spiritual Acharya, Pandit Ram Hardowar.
Our Shastras recommends the worship of Lord Shiva to all devotees, so that they can acquire purity of mind and thought. The most beautiful method of worshiping Bholaynath is called Abhishekam.
This ancient verse “ALAMKARAM PRIYA VISHNU, ABHISHEKAM PRIYA SHIVA" says while Vishnu Bhagwan is pleased with the offering of Clothing, Gems, Chandan, etc, Lord Shiva is most pleased, and is said to dance within the Lingam when his devotees offer Abhishekam with bhakti.
Every Monday night the devotees pour their love and affection on the Lingam of Pashupattie Natha in the form of these offerings while Pandit Ram chants the Rudra Namakam and Chamakam. This is followed by detail Pooja to Parvatie Patayea which is generally performed by a different family each week. Petals are then offered as we chant the 108 most beautiful names of Lord Shiva. The Pooja reaches its climax as we close with Arati to Omkara Bhagwan. We conclude by offering our salutations to Lord Shiva the first and foremost Guru of this world.
Sadaa Shiva Samarambham, Shankaracharya madhyamam.
Asmat Acharya Paryamtaam, Vanday Guru Paramparaa.