Mahashivratri 2024: Do Not Offer These Things To Lord Shiva On This Shivratri

Mahashivratri 2024: Maha Shivratri, a highly significant night for Hindus and a particularly special occasion for devotees of Lord Shiva nationwide, is just around the corner. From Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, Hindus celebrate this festival with distinct traditions and unwavering dedication. Among the Masik Shivratris observed each month, Maha Shivratri holds the utmost importance.

Things to avoid while performing puja for Lord Shiva on Shivratri

Lord Shiva is often symbolised by a Shivling, and it is believed that proper worship of the Shivling leads to the fulfillment of devotees' wishes. On Mahashivratri, which is on Friday, March 8 this year, devotees keep fast and worship Lord Shiva. Many know that Shiva's favourite plant is Bael, and also likes bhaang, dhatura, milk, sandal, and ash. However, certain offerings are traditionally not considered appropriate for Lord Shiva. Here's a list of things to avoid while performing puja for Lord Shiva on Shivratri or any other day:??

• Tulsi Leaves

According to legend, Tulsi, in a previous life, was Vrinda, the wife of Jalandhara, a demon slain by Shiva. Vrinda's loyalty to her husband enraged Shiva, and so it is said that Tulsi's leaves are not to be offered to him.

• Kumkum (Vermillion)

Never offer saffron or kumkum on the Shivalinga. Not only on Shivratri but also in general, never offer it. The reason is that Lord Shiva is a recluse, and recluse people put ash on his forehead. And it is a universal fact that Shiva puts ash, not Kumkum.

• Broken Rice

Only whole and unbroken rice grains (Akshat) are considered pure offerings for Shiva.

• Haldi (turmeric)

Haldi (turmeric) is an ingredient commonly offered to many Hindu deities, but it is never presented to Lord Shiva. The reason behind this is that haldi is traditionally associated with enhancing beauty, and as Lord Shiva is considered a saint who has renounced worldly pleasures, offerings related to cosmetic purposes are not extended to him.

• Kewda and Champa

The tradition dictates that the Shivling and the idol of Lord Shiva should be adorned with white flowers exclusively. This is rooted in the belief that Lord Shiva has a special affinity for white flowers. It's crucial to note that offering kewda and Champa flowers is discouraged, as they are believed to carry a curse from Lord Shiva.

• Coconut Water

While it is customary to drink coconut water after offering it to deities, there is an exception when it comes to Lord Shiva. Everything presented on the Shivlinga is considered Nirmalaya, signifying the purest and cleanest form. As a result, it is strictly prohibited to consume anything offered by the deity, including coconut water.

• Cut or infected Bael Patra

Bael or Bilva is one of the most sacred trees, it is associated with having many useful medicinal properties, it is also known to be a cooling agent. Bilva is one of the favourite plants. You should keep in mind that while offering the Bilva, it should not be cut or insect eaten.

• Bronze Pot To Offer Milk/Water

Avoid bronze pans while serving Shivlings with milk or curd. It has to be in a copper pot at all times. It is because according to folklore, it's the same as pouring wine. Additionally, keep your fingers away from the water, milk, and ghee since touching them with your nails is inauspicious.

• Saffron

Saffron should never be offered on the Shivling, be it on Shivratri, regular days, or Mondays. This practice is rooted in the understanding that Lord Shiva, being a recluse, traditionally applies ash on his forehead. As a symbol of this, devotees refrain from offering saffron, as ash holds significance in Lord Shiva's adornment, visible in depictions where he applies it on his forehead.

Maha Shivratri Dos:

• Wake up early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat - two hours before sunrise).
• Do Dhyana (meditation) followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you will observe the vrat sincerely and with true devotion).
• Take a bath. Wear clean clothes. Go for white-colored clothes if possible.
• Maintain celibacy (follow Brahmacharya).
• Observe a vrat. Assess your health before fasting. Spending a day without your regular diet plan may affect your health. Therefore, consult your doctor, especially if you are under medication or undergoing treatment.
• Chant OM Namah Shivaya as many times as possible.
• Perform Abhishek (by offering water or raw milk to the Shiva Linga at home or in a temple). You may even offer ghee, curd, and honey.
• Offer Datura flowers and fruits, white crown flowers, and Vilva (Bel Patra).
• Offer Chandan instead of turmeric.
• Offer your prayers and perform the puja during Nishita Kaal or all four prahars. Check out the timings here.
• Consume fruits, milk, and recipes with vrat-compliant ingredients.

Maha Shivratri Don'ts:

• Consumption of wheat, rice, and pulses in any form is strictly prohibited. Avoid spices and oily foods.
• Do not consume meat, onions, and garlic.
• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
• Do not offer coconut water to Shiva Linga.
• Do not offer vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) to the Shiva Linga.
• Avoid offering Ketaki flowers.
• Avoid steel containers for puja. Use Brass, copper, or silver instead.
• Avoid black-colored clothes.
• Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva.
• Do not do a full parikrama of the Shiva Linga.

Maha Shivratri 2024 FAQs

When is Maha Shivratri?

In 2024, Mahashivratri or Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024 (Friday).

Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, which symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, which usually falls in February or March. It is observed by fasting, performing puja (worship) of Lord Shiva, and chanting his mantras.

Can we sleep during the Day on Shivaratri?

Shivaratri is traditionally observed as a night of fasting and vigil, during which devotees stay awake and engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to sleep on Shivaratri night.

What is the favourite foods of Lord Shiva?

As per Mythology Lord Shiva's favourite food is Kand-Mool and he also likes bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai, and sweets white in colour.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes Events.