By Krati Purwar
March 4 2024
As devotees are gearing up for the celebration of Maha Shivratri on March 8, 2024, you should be cautious about what you offer as prasad to Lord Shiva. There are a few food items that are believed to be among his favourites; however, here is a list of offerings that God does not like.
Holy basil is often associated with Goddess Lakshmi and not Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, you must not offer the leaves on the Shivling.
Kewra is like essence added to a few Indian delicacies as a replacement for vanilla extract. It improves the flavour but is not among the favourites of Lord Shiva.
If you have observed closely, people do offer coconut to Lord Shiva but avoid coconut water. Devotees also avoid consuming the drink while fasting on Shivratri.
Bael is considered a sacred plant by Hindus because it possesses many medicinal properties, but paan made with insect-eaten leaves must not be offered to Lord Shiva.
When praying to Hindu Gods, people offer turmeric, but devotees refrain from offering the same to Lord Shiva. Instead, people offer sandalwood to him.
Since saffron and kumkum are associated with beauty, a worldly pleasure that Lord Shiva is believed to have renounced. Therefore, you must not offer it to him.
Broken rice grains are considered impure and incomplete. They are prohibited from most venerations and must not be offered to Lord Shiva on Shivratri.