Every thing offered on Shivalingam is called nirmalaya which is forbidden to be consumed or put in any where except in rivers,lakes and sea, until this is offered to you by a priest

Shivaratri Special ~
Photo of Shivalingam at Shiva temple, Georgia Atlanta, USA.
Every thing offered on Shivalingam is called nirmalaya which is forbidden to be consumed or put in any where except in rivers,lakes and sea, until this is offered to you by a priest. Since you are at home, put the nirmalya under a tulsi or peepul tree. The Shiva Mahiman stotra revolves around this fact,when gandharva called Mahiman lost everything by showing disrespect to shiv-nirmalaya. ‪You should perform Abhishek of Shivalingam by chanting mantras. According to the ancient scriptures, stream of water is very much liked by Shiva. People performing Rudrabhishek always have the blessing of Shiva. Worship of Shivalingam is incomplete without Bel or Bilva leaves. If you do not have a ShivLingam at home, chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra gives equal benefits. Shiva grants wishes and give salvation. During Prodhosham or Shivaratri anointing Abhishekam the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful. Milk gives long life, Ghee gives Moksha state , Curd gives good children , Honey is considered most sacred by Hindus and helps derive benefits of having worshipped all Devatas at one go. ~ Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim PushtivardhanamUrvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat!!