What to Offer on Shivling on Mahashivratri?
Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious occasions in Sanatan Hindu Dharma, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred night marks a time for deep spiritual awakening, self-reflection, and devotion. Observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, Maha Shivratri is the most significant among the 12 Shivratris that occur throughout the year. This year it is on 26th Feb 2025.
Devotees celebrate this divine occasion by worshipping the Shivling and making special offerings to seek blessings. If you are wondering what to offer on Shivling on Mahashivratri, here’s a detailed guide to performing the puja with utmost devotion and purity.
Sacred Offerings to Shivling on Mahashivratri
- Water (Jalabhishek): According to the Atharva Veda, water is the first and most essential offering, symbolizing purity and devotion.
- Milk: Known for its sattvic properties, offering milk pleases Lord Shiva and represents purity and nourishment.
- Panchamrit Abhishek: Perform Shivling Abhishek with a mixture of five sacred elements:
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- Milk (symbolizing purity)
- Yogurt (Curd) (for prosperity)
- Honey (for sweet speech)
- Sugar (for happiness)
- Ghee (for victory and enlightenment)
- Sesame Seeds (Til): Offering black sesame seeds is believed to remove negative energies and past karmic sins.
- Bilva Patra (Bael Leaves): This is Lord Shiva’s favorite offering. You can present 21 or 108 Bilva leaves to receive his divine grace.
- Flowers and Fruits:
- Flowers: Aak, Dhatura, Lotus, and Sunflowers are considered sacred for Lord Shiva.
- Fruits: Vijara, lemons, and sugarcane are auspicious offerings.
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash): Represents the transient nature of life and the eternal divine energy of Lord Shiva.
- Chandan (Sandalwood): Applying sandalwood paste to the Shivling is believed to bring peace and prosperity.
- Dhatura and Aak: These wildflowers and fruits are especially dear to Lord Shiva and are a symbol of detachment and devotion.
- Attar (Natural Perfume): Adding a natural fragrance to your puja enhances the spiritual ambiance.
Prahars and Offerings During Mahashivratri Night
As Mahashivratri is celebrated throughout the night in four Prahars (time phases), here is what you can offer during each Prahar:
- 1st Prahar: Water, sesame seeds, lotus flowers, and barley.
- 2nd Prahar: Curd, kheer, and lemon.
- 3rd Prahar: Ghee, wheat, and camphor.
- 4th Prahar: Honey, white lentils (Udad Dal), Moong, and Shankhpushpi leaves.
Things to Avoid Offering on Shivling on Mahashivratri
While devotion matters the most, certain items are considered inauspicious for Lord Shiva and should be avoided:
- Turmeric and Kumkum: Lord Shiva is a renunciate and does not indulge in worldly pleasures; hence, these items are not offered.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): According to Shiva Purana, Tulsi is associated with Lord Vishnu and should not be used in Shiva Puja.
- Broken Rice: Only whole grains should be offered as broken rice is considered impure.
- Bronze Utensils: Never use a bronze vessel for offering milk or curd. Always prefer a copper or silver vessel.
- Touched Offerings: Ensure that your fingers do not touch the offerings, as touching with nails is considered inauspicious.
- Non-vegetarian Food and Intoxicants: Refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, garlic, onions, or tamasic food on this day.
- Spoiled Bael Leaves: Only fresh, uninfected Bilva leaves should be used for worship.
Other Rituals to Follow on Mahashivratri
- Observe a Fast: Many devotees observe a full or partial fast, consuming only fruits and milk.
- Holy Bath:Â Bathing in the Ganges or adding sesame seeds to warm water prior to bathing helps cleanse the body.
- A night of meditation and night vigil Being awake during the night (Jaagran) Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” and meditating can help spiritual development.
If you follow these prayers and rituals, you will make sure you that the Mahashivratri ritual is conducted with the utmost respect to the truth, sincerity, and adhering to customs.
