Shiva, the three-eyed Lord of Destruction or Transformation is the most innocent of all. Religiously offering him your true devotion and prayers will not only yields desirable results, but also relieve you of your suffering, poverty, and negativity.
Unlike other Gods, to whom you offer flowers and incense sticks to please them, Lord Shiva can be pleased if you offer him leaves.
It is advised to offer Bilva leaves along with Dhatura and cold milk on Shivlinga, which are considered auspiciously important for his worshipping. But, did you know that Lord Shiva also accepts offering of these 6 different leaves.
1. Peepal
As mentioned in Skanda Purana, the trinity- Lord Brahma (in the roots), Lord Vishnu (in the trunk) and Lord Shiva (in the leave) reside in the peepal tree; each of them holding a sacred place. Hence, offering leaves from Peepal tree to Shivaling is also considered equally auspicious as Bilva. In order to reduce the ill-effects of the ‘Shani dosha’ and other planetary conflicts, it is advised to offer peepal leaves to Lord Shiva regularly.
2. Banyan
In many Hindu scriptures it is mentioned that Banyan tree is a symbol of immortality, but does not signify birth or renewal. Hence, it is refrained from being included in rituals related to fertility and marriage. Lord Shiva symbolically sits under the Banyan, the botanical embodiment of the universal soul, facing the terror of death. So, if one offer leaves from Banyan tree to Lord Shiva, they are blessed with long-life and misfortunes stay at bay.
3. Ashoka
One of the most sacred trees in Hinduism, Ashoka, is considered pious. These leaves are religiously used in almost every auspicious occasion to attract positive energy. Religiously offering Asoka leaves to Lord Shiva would ward off issues related to infertility and help one gain immense fame in society.
4. Mango
Leaves of Mango trees are often used to adorn entrances at home to signify good fortune. Its holy significance has mention in Indian legends, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Offering Mango leaves to Lord Shiva would make him bless us with immense wealth and prosperity.
5. Aak
The fruit of Aak tree is one of the favorites of Lord Shiva and is offered to him on religious occasions. The leaves however, are offered to Shivling, in order to get relief from any kind of mental illness or distress.
6. Anar
Leaves of pomegranate tree are offered to Lord Shiva, with the sole purpose of seeking his blessings and asking him to ward of pain and grief.
What not to offer to Lord Shiva?
According to Hindu culture, it is advised to not keep a ‘Shivlinga’ in a place where it is not regularly worshipped with proper rituals. As showing disrespect to his symbol may anger the lord. It is said that Lord Shiva or Bholenath is very innocent and may get pleased in no time. But, his anger too is well-renowned. Lord Shiva should also not be worshipped with the offerings of some flowers and leaves.
1. Ketaki Flowers
One day, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma ensued in a battled to prove their supremacy among the ‘Divine Trinity’, and just when they were about to use the deadly weapons against each other, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga. He ordered them to find the origin and end of him. Lord Vishnu headed for the end, but failed to find it, and while Lord Brahma was going up he asked the flower of Ketaki to lie along with him. Upon their respective returns, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat; Lord Brahma lied that he found the origin and Ketaki flower sided him. Angered by their lie, Lord Shiva cut of one of Lord Brahma’s head and diminished him from ever being worshipped as a Lord. He then turned to Ketaki flower and cursed it to never be used in worshipping his symbol, Shivlinga.
2. Tulsi
According to legends in Shivpurana, an Asura named Jalandhar was killed and burned to ashes by Lord Shiva. Jalandhar was blessed with a boon (that depended on his wife’s chastity) to remain undefeated by gods. So, Lord Vishnu had to breach Jalandhar’s wife Tulsi’s chastity. Upset over her husband’s death and angered by this betrayal, Tulsi banished Lord Shiva from being worshipped by her divine leaves.
3. Coconut Water
Though one can offer coconuts to Lord Shiva, but must never worship Shivlinga with coconut water. Everything offered on Shivlinga is considered as nirmalaya, thus forbidden from being consumed. And, as consuming coconut water after being offered on deities is considered as mandatory to drink, it is thus not offered on Shivlinga.
4. Haldi
The sacred Turmeric powder must never be offered to Shivlinga, as the former is considered to enhance the beauty of females. And, Shivlinga is a symbol of Lord Shiva.
5. Kumkum
Sindoor or kumkum is believed to be sacred for married Indian women; as they apply it to seek the long life of their spouse. But, as Lord Shiva is the supreme destroyer, worshipping his symbol with KumKum is not considered auspicious.
These are the basic dos and donts for the offerings to Lord Shiva. May his blessings bless us all. Om Namah Shivay.
