SHIVARPANAM

Shivarpanam is a sacred offering dedicated to Lord Shiva, signifying the act of surrendering one’s actions, possessions, or spiritual practices at the feet of the divine. The word is derived from Shiva (the deity) and arpanam (offering or dedication), and it reflects the deep devotional spirit of giving everything to Lord Shiva with humility and love.
In practice, Shivarpanam can be a concluding ritual where the fruits of a prayer, yajna (fire ritual), abhishekam (ritual bathing), or any other spiritual activity are symbolically offered to Lord Shiva, acknowledging that all actions are ultimately His.
This act reinforces the principle of non-attachment and selfless devotion, reminding devotees that they are merely instruments of the divine will. It is often accompanied by the chant “Shivarpanamastu,” meaning “may this be offered to Shiva,” which encapsulates the essence of total surrender and devotion.