- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The sacred occasion of Shravan Shivratri is a revered day dedicated to the worship and veneration of Lord Shiva, where devotees engage in various spiritual practices to seek his divine blessings and benevolence. On this auspicious day, followers of Lord Shiva observe rigorous fasts, flock to Shiva temples, and offer heartfelt prayers and sacred offerings to the deity, seeking his guidance, protection, and grace. It is deeply believed that genuine and sincere worship during Shravan Shivratri can bestow upon devotees numerous spiritual benefits, including profound spiritual growth, divine protection, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, leading to eternal salvation and union with the divine.
On the auspicious occasion of Sawan Shivratri, devotees have the unique opportunity to offer sacred items to Lord Shiva, seeking to fulfil their deepest desires and earn his most revered blessings. By presenting these sacred offerings, devotees can strengthen their connection with the divine, seek his guidance and protection, and garner his divine favour. Below is the list of 7 items which devotees can offer to Lord Shiva on Sawan Shivratri.
Sawan Shivratri 2024: 7 Things To Offer To Lord Shiva
1. Panchamrit
Panchamrit, a sacred concoction in Hinduism, is a blend of five pure ingredients: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Each component holds significant meaning, representing essential aspects of life. Milk symbolizes purity, curd signifies health and wellness, honey embodies sweet relationships and harmony, ghee represents nourishment and spiritual growth, and sugar denotes bliss and joy. By offering Panchamrit to Lord Shiva, devotees seek his blessings for holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual prosperity. This sacred offering is believed to bring balance, happiness, and fulfilment to one's life, making it a powerful and meaningful gesture of devotion.
2. Milk
Offering milk to Lord Shiva is a deeply rooted tradition in Hinduism, symbolising a profound act of devotion and gratitude. The milk is believed to have a soothing effect on the Shivling, calming the intense energy of Lord Shiva's fiery form. This practice is rooted in the mythological story of Samudra Manthan, where Lord Shiva selflessly consumed the deadly poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean, saving the world from its destructive power. The offering of cold milk is a gesture of thanksgiving and reverence, aimed at alleviating the burning sensation in his throat, caused by the poison. By offering milk, devotees seek to cool and comfort Lord Shiva, demonstrating their devotion and appreciation for his selfless act of protection.
3. Ghee
Ghee embodies purity and nourishment, holding profound significance in Hindu rituals. By offering ghee to the Shivling, devotees believe they can purify their surroundings, their own hearts, and amplify the potency of their prayers. Additionally, ghee plays a vital role in Havans (fire rituals) performed at home, symbolizing the eradication of negative energies and inviting positive vibrations to fill the space. The ritualistic cleaning of the Shivling with ghee, followed by a milk and water wash, enables devotees to nurture and honour Lord Shiva in his divine form, fostering a deeper connection with the deity. Through this act, devotees seek to create a sacred and auspicious environment, conducive to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
4. Sandalwood
Lord Shiva is uniquely revered with Sandalwood, unlike other deities who are offered Haldi or kumkum. During the sacred month of Sawan, devotees lovingly cover the Shivling with Sandalwood paste, seeking to pacify Lord Shiva's intense energy. Sandalwood, renowned for its soothing, aromatic, and calming properties, is believed to have a tranquillizing effect on the deity's powerful presence. By offering Sandalwood paste or powder, devotees aim to create a harmonious balance, acknowledging Lord Shiva's fierce yet benevolent nature. This ritualistic offering embodies the devotee's desire to connect with the divine, seeking spiritual growth, peace, and blessings.
Offering sacred items to Lord Shiva allows devotees to deepen their spiritual connection, seek his divine guidance and safeguarding, and receive his benevolent blessings, thereby fostering a stronger bond with the divine. (Image Source: Canva)
5. Bel Patra
In the worship of Lord Shiva, Bel patra (leaves of the bael tree) hold great significance, whereas Tulsi leaves are considered inauspicious and should be avoided. The Bel Patra, with its three leaves, symbolizes Lord Shiva's three eyes and is deemed the most suitable offering to the deity. Devotees believe that offering Bel patra pleases Lord Shiva and facilitates the purification of their hearts and souls. During the sacred month of Sawan, it is recommended to offer between 3 to 11 Bel patra to the Shivling, seeking Lord Shiva's blessings and divine grace. This ritualistic offering embodies the devotee's devotion, sincerity, and quest for spiritual growth, as they seek to connect with the divine energy of Lord Shiva.
6. Honey
In Hinduism, honey is revered for its purity, piety, and medicinal properties, making it a significant offering to Lord Shiva. Presenting honey to the Shivling is believed to have dual benefits. Firstly, it helps preserve the integrity of the Shivling, typically made of stone, by binding its properties together and preventing cracks and brittleness. Secondly, honey symbolizes sweetness and purity, and offering it to Lord Shiva is a heartfelt plea to nurture and sweeten one's relationships, seeking harmony and joy in personal connections. By offering honey, devotees seek Lord Shiva's blessings for robust relationships, energised lives, and overall well-being, acknowledging the deity's benevolent and nurturing aspect.
7. Curd
Curd, or yoghurt, is a sacred offering to Lord Shiva and the Shivling during the auspicious month of Sawan, revered for its cooling properties and purity. Similar to milk, curd is believed to have a soothing effect on the deity's intense energy. By offering curd, devotees seek to purify their minds and souls, ensuring that their prayers and intentions reach Lord Shiva. Additionally, curd is a symbol of good health and well-being, and offering it to the Shivling is believed to bring about physical and mental wellness over time. This ritualistic offering embodies the devotee's desire for spiritual growth, physical health, and mental clarity, as they seek Lord Shiva's blessings and divine grace.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)