Abhisheka in Sanskrit means ceremonial bathing.

This term is used in four different contexts.

1. In temples and worship

The ceremonial bathing of idols is called abhisheka.

The following are some of the materials used for abhisheka.

• Water
• Water from holy rivers
• Milk
• Curd
• Ghee
• Oil
• Sandal paste
• Bhasma
• Panchamrita
• Panchagavya
• Fruit juice
• Tender coconut water
• Honey
• Flowers
• Rosewater
• Perfumes

All these materials impart purity or special qualities.

The person who performs abhisheka also gets them as blessings in return.

2. In Mantra sadhana

In mantra sadhana, abhisheka means various stages in the progress of the sadhaka.

1. Purascharana
2. Purnabhisheka
3. Karma deeksha abhisheka
4. Samrajya abhisheka
5. Maha samrajya abhisheka
6. Yoga deeksha abhisheka
7. Purna deeksha abhisheka
8. Viraja grahana abhisheka

3. Coronation of kings

The coronation of kings is called Rajyabhisheka.

It can be either the first time coronation or coronation after regaining a lost kingdom.

These are very elaborate ceremonies.

4. Bathing at the end of rituals

The yajamana and his family take bath with the water from kalasha in which devatas are invoked.

This is also called abhisheka.

It is meant to transfer the benefits of the ritual to the yajamana.

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