Mahashivratri 2023: Things Should NOT Be Offered To Lord Shiva

Mahashivratri is one the biggest festivals celebrated in India with great zeal and enthusiasm. Devotees of Lord Shiva keep fast, stay awake at night and seek the blessings, health, love and prosperity from the deity. Mahashivratri is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Another legend says that on this day, Lord Shiva drank poison that was churned out from the ocean while protecting the world.  

On this auspicious day, devotees refrain from consuming food and water and offer milk, fruits, bael leaves, dhatura, bhaang etc. to Lord Shiva. We all know what to offer Lord Shiva on this auspicious day but many of us don’t know what not to offer. Yes, there are some things that should not be offered to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri as per some mythological legends. Read on... 

Tulsi 

As per a story from Shiva Purana, a demon named Jalandar had troubled many Gods and Goddess. He was blessed with a boon that until his wife Vrinda lost her sanctity, nobody can kill him. To defeat Jalandar, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu hatched a plan. Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandar and met the latter's wife. As soon as Vrinda touched his feet, the boon was lifted and Lord Shiva killed the demon.  After learning that she was cheated upon, Vrinda learned broke down but later received the boon and was reborn as the holy basil. Vrinda knew that Lord Shiva killed her husband and she refused to worship him. Hence, tulsi leaves are not offered to Lord Shiva. 

Turmeric 

Turmeric is known for its anti-bacterial properties and used in many religious works. But turmeric is not offered to Lord Shiva. Have you ever wondered why? There are two reasons behind it. One is that turmeric is associated with feminine beauty and Lord Shiva is believed to stay away from things related to materialistic desires and pleasures of the world. Second reason is that Shivalinga presents Lord Shiva’s Yoni. The Linga presents power and energy and elements offered should have cooling tendency like bhaang, dhatura, sandalwood paste etc.  

Sindoor 

Sindoor could be offered to Goddess Parvati and other gods and goddesses but not to Lord Shiva. This is because Hindu women apply tilak for the long life of their husbands, but Lord Shiva is considered recluse and puts ash. 

 

Infected Bael Leaves 

Bael is one of the most sacred trees and has a lot of medicinal properties. Also, considered a cooling agent and is a favourite of Lord Shiva. But you should not offer infected bael leaves to Lord Shiva. Not just bael leaves but anything infected should not be offered. Before offering it to Lord Shiva, Bael leaves should not have cuts, holes, or should be insect-eaten.