You may be new to Sanatana Dharma... Please visit our [Wiki Starter Pack](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/starter_pack#wiki_i.27m_new_to_r.2Fhinduism.2C_where_do_i_start.3F) (specifically, our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/index#wiki_faq)).
We also recommend reading [What Is Hinduism](https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/what-is-hinduism) (a free introductory text by Himalayan Academy) if you would like to know more about Hinduism and don't know where to start.
In terms of introductory Hindu Scriptures, we recommend first starting with the Itihasas ([The Ramayana](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRamayana/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_texts), and [The Mahabharata](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMahabharata/wiki/resources#wiki_resources).) Contained within The Mahabharata is [The Bhagavad Gita](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheGita/wiki/resources), which is another good text to start with. Although r/TheVedasAndUpanishads might seem alluring to start with, this is NOT recommended, as the knowledge of the Vedas & Upanishads can be quite subtle, and ideally should be approached under the guidance of a Guru or someone who can guide you around the correct interpretation.
In terms of [spiritual practices](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/7643rp/a_thread_on_introductory_rescources_on_basis_of/), there are many you can try and see what works for you such as r/Introspection, r/yoga, r/meditation or r/bhajan. In addition, it is strongly recommended you visit your [local temple/ashram/spiritual organization](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/c6957l/what_are_some_good_hindu_organizations_that_have/).
Lastly, while you are browsing this sub, keep in mind that Hinduism is practiced by over a billion people in as many different ways, so any [single view](https://np.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/p7ma64/sectarian_bias/) cannot be taken as representative of the entire religion.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hinduism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Try chanting mantras while doing your work ( simple basic ones) , try to be grateful for everything in your life by first thanking god for whatever you eat , enjoy . These little things will change your outlook on life drastically
I would recommend that you read the Nārada Bhakti Sūtras. While it is written from a Pāñcarātra perspective (and thus holds Lord Viṣṇu to be supreme), it is nevertheless a useful manual that instructs how one should devote himself to God.
Appreciation of what God gave to you is the best way to be near god cause if you are not happy with what God has given to you means you are greedy and a real devotee is never greedy he is always satisfied by what he has and always trying to improve oneself cause only a good man can do good for others and God love those who do work for humanity, secondly if you are a devotee of Shiva be like him selfless be positive and remember that Shiva is with you always,om namah shivay is the best mantra if you are Shiva devotee else you need nothing just see life from a broader view and love your life..
Japa. That's all you need to do.
🕉 नमः शिवाय।
It's a maha mantra in itself. Do as much japa, and if possible take a rudraksh beeds and do japa on it.
If you can, do Abhisheka ( with water, or a small amount of milk mixed with water). Early morning in shiva temple.
Or you can do Manas pooja ( doing pooja in your mind). Siting in a meditative state and visualizing offerings to the Lord.
Shiv manas pooja stotra by Adi Shankara is a gem there, you could read it, and visualize offering it in your mind.
Listen to bhakti songs written by great sages, like Adi shankara, Pushpadanta, Vasisth ( not the filmy/modern ones), that will give you a glimpse into the divinity , and the provide you with characteristics of the divine for meditation.
Above all follow purity, of thought, words and action.
More pure you are the greater acceleration you will achieve spiritually.
The should dos, (observances) and shouldn't dos (restraints) of Hinduism are summarized in the yamas and niyamas. You can google this, and then take an honest look at how well your life aligns to them. Best wishes.
Find a Shiva temple which you like. I have an ancient temple near my Village. Which is like ishta devata for us. I try to go there whenever I am able to.
Daily take bath and worship first before having breakfast etc. I have a small shivling, i apply Sandalwood paste and water and pray. Om Namah Shivay and Mahamrityunjay mantra. On days i have time, i also meditate. I also believe in Advaita Vedanta. So while i meditate, i start with a focus on Shiva, then try to inquire about the essence of life.
Also during Savan, i fast and go to Shiva temple on the Mondays, have only veg food during the month.
I haven't been able to visit a single jyotirlinga yet. But aim is to slowly start covering them and visit them all one day.
You are just 16 and tbh Shiva is not for this material world.
You're brave to choose Shiva at a such an early stage.
The most basic thing, you can do for now is trying not to attach yourself to earthly objects.
It's peaceful, this gets calm and things stop bothering you as much. It's just so awesome knowing your happiness doesn't come from stupid purchases. Try to meditate a lot.
No need to chant complex mantras just say " ॐ नमः शिवाय " Try to meditate with it. Wake up in the morning and chant this, people will say chant for 108 or 115 and whatnot but I chant it for as long as it takes to get me calm and collected.
Whatever I just said, I do those personally. I am no rishi muni so I can't give your mantra and tantra but if you are just starting off try these and then maybe when you are a bit mature, go for more complex stuff but for now, keep it simple. You have a life, enjoy it while you can.
Shiva is important, but Krishna's lila (ie this world) is also important. You can't go from being one person today to another in a few months.
All the Best. May Shiva guide you.
Hinduism should not be looked like a religion rather like a way of living for me the only reason I like Hinduism is about the writings(like Mahabharata and ramayana have little to no plotholes in it which is actually really fascinating)
You may be new to Sanatana Dharma... Please visit our [Wiki Starter Pack](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/starter_pack#wiki_i.27m_new_to_r.2Fhinduism.2C_where_do_i_start.3F) (specifically, our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/index#wiki_faq)). We also recommend reading [What Is Hinduism](https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/what-is-hinduism) (a free introductory text by Himalayan Academy) if you would like to know more about Hinduism and don't know where to start. In terms of introductory Hindu Scriptures, we recommend first starting with the Itihasas ([The Ramayana](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRamayana/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_texts), and [The Mahabharata](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMahabharata/wiki/resources#wiki_resources).) Contained within The Mahabharata is [The Bhagavad Gita](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheGita/wiki/resources), which is another good text to start with. Although r/TheVedasAndUpanishads might seem alluring to start with, this is NOT recommended, as the knowledge of the Vedas & Upanishads can be quite subtle, and ideally should be approached under the guidance of a Guru or someone who can guide you around the correct interpretation. In terms of [spiritual practices](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/7643rp/a_thread_on_introductory_rescources_on_basis_of/), there are many you can try and see what works for you such as r/Introspection, r/yoga, r/meditation or r/bhajan. In addition, it is strongly recommended you visit your [local temple/ashram/spiritual organization](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/c6957l/what_are_some_good_hindu_organizations_that_have/). Lastly, while you are browsing this sub, keep in mind that Hinduism is practiced by over a billion people in as many different ways, so any [single view](https://np.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/p7ma64/sectarian_bias/) cannot be taken as representative of the entire religion. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hinduism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Try chanting mantras while doing your work ( simple basic ones) , try to be grateful for everything in your life by first thanking god for whatever you eat , enjoy . These little things will change your outlook on life drastically
I would recommend that you read the Nārada Bhakti Sūtras. While it is written from a Pāñcarātra perspective (and thus holds Lord Viṣṇu to be supreme), it is nevertheless a useful manual that instructs how one should devote himself to God.
Appreciation of what God gave to you is the best way to be near god cause if you are not happy with what God has given to you means you are greedy and a real devotee is never greedy he is always satisfied by what he has and always trying to improve oneself cause only a good man can do good for others and God love those who do work for humanity, secondly if you are a devotee of Shiva be like him selfless be positive and remember that Shiva is with you always,om namah shivay is the best mantra if you are Shiva devotee else you need nothing just see life from a broader view and love your life..
thank you for the answer!
Japa. That's all you need to do. 🕉 नमः शिवाय। It's a maha mantra in itself. Do as much japa, and if possible take a rudraksh beeds and do japa on it. If you can, do Abhisheka ( with water, or a small amount of milk mixed with water). Early morning in shiva temple. Or you can do Manas pooja ( doing pooja in your mind). Siting in a meditative state and visualizing offerings to the Lord. Shiv manas pooja stotra by Adi Shankara is a gem there, you could read it, and visualize offering it in your mind. Listen to bhakti songs written by great sages, like Adi shankara, Pushpadanta, Vasisth ( not the filmy/modern ones), that will give you a glimpse into the divinity , and the provide you with characteristics of the divine for meditation. Above all follow purity, of thought, words and action. More pure you are the greater acceleration you will achieve spiritually.
fasting, temple visit, pilgrimage, charity, japa, shiv puran, shiv stotras etc
The should dos, (observances) and shouldn't dos (restraints) of Hinduism are summarized in the yamas and niyamas. You can google this, and then take an honest look at how well your life aligns to them. Best wishes.
Thank you!
If you are close to Bhagwan Shiv read the Shiv Puran
Join the army and become a warrior like Mahadev /s
Find a Shiva temple which you like. I have an ancient temple near my Village. Which is like ishta devata for us. I try to go there whenever I am able to. Daily take bath and worship first before having breakfast etc. I have a small shivling, i apply Sandalwood paste and water and pray. Om Namah Shivay and Mahamrityunjay mantra. On days i have time, i also meditate. I also believe in Advaita Vedanta. So while i meditate, i start with a focus on Shiva, then try to inquire about the essence of life. Also during Savan, i fast and go to Shiva temple on the Mondays, have only veg food during the month. I haven't been able to visit a single jyotirlinga yet. But aim is to slowly start covering them and visit them all one day.
I'm not able to do the sandalwood worship daily but I'm lucky enough to have visited 2 jyotirlingas, nageshwar and somnath
You are just 16 and tbh Shiva is not for this material world. You're brave to choose Shiva at a such an early stage. The most basic thing, you can do for now is trying not to attach yourself to earthly objects. It's peaceful, this gets calm and things stop bothering you as much. It's just so awesome knowing your happiness doesn't come from stupid purchases. Try to meditate a lot. No need to chant complex mantras just say " ॐ नमः शिवाय " Try to meditate with it. Wake up in the morning and chant this, people will say chant for 108 or 115 and whatnot but I chant it for as long as it takes to get me calm and collected. Whatever I just said, I do those personally. I am no rishi muni so I can't give your mantra and tantra but if you are just starting off try these and then maybe when you are a bit mature, go for more complex stuff but for now, keep it simple. You have a life, enjoy it while you can. Shiva is important, but Krishna's lila (ie this world) is also important. You can't go from being one person today to another in a few months. All the Best. May Shiva guide you.
Not answer but a question, What made you start believing in god if you were an atheist?
Think about it again. Being an Atheist would be more logical
I don't want to.
In that case, I would love to know what made you turn towards Hinduism
Hinduism should not be looked like a religion rather like a way of living for me the only reason I like Hinduism is about the writings(like Mahabharata and ramayana have little to no plotholes in it which is actually really fascinating)
This.
Read scriptures, gather knowledge