By Ranita Ray
Lord Shiva seeks the fewest offerings. Bholenath, as he is affectionately known, likes milk and milk-based treats. Offering Lord Shiva's favourite foods and beverages on Mahasivratri can appease him. Let's learn about Shiva's favourites as Hindu mythology mentions.
Legend has it that Neelkantha, as Lord Shiva is called, is fond of milk and its products. Celebrate Mahashivratri with kheer, panchamrit, and pedas - traditional sweets made with milk, nuts, and sugar!
It is said that Lord Shiva delights in honey, which is revered for its healing properties. Devotees who worship him every Monday often offer milk and honey believed to bring success and prosperity.
Bhang, a traditional offering to Lord Shiva, signifies surrendering human vices to the divine. Mythology says that after consuming poison during Samudra Manthan, to save the world, the gods gave Lord Shiva bhang to calm him down.
It is believed that Mahadev has a sweet tooth, especially for white sweets. Make him offerings of kheer, paneer, or chenna-based sweets like rasgulla and cham-cham.
Devotees offer lassi to Lord Shiva as a coolant. The sweet beverage is made of curd and sugar. A few Shiva followers also add cashew nuts.
The Bilva tree is considered sacred and also known as Lord Shiva's tree. Its leaves and fruits are offered to appease Mahadev. The bael fruit represents Shiva's tough exterior and sweet innerself.
Hindu texts say Lord Shiva likes kanda mool or Ramkand, a tuber. It is believed that, during exile, Lord Rama ate it. Mahadev adores Lord Ram, and this may explain his love for Kanda Mool.
Image Source: i_ricky_patil@Instagram