Shivling: Sawan, the most beloved month for the devotees of Mahadev, is starting on 4th July i.e. today. For which preparations are going on in all the big Shiva temples across the country. Whereas the first Monday of Sawan is on the 10th of July. In Hinduism, the month of Sawan is considered the best to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. By worshiping Lord Bholenath with rituals in this month, all the wishes of the devotees would be fulfilled. However, at the time of worship, you should know what should not be offered on Shivling.
Keep these things in mind while worshiping Shivling
Never use Tulsi leaves
You should never use Tulsi leaves while worshiping Shivling. There are two reasons for this, one is that Tulsi’s husband Asura Jalandhar was killed by Lord Shiva. That’s why he deprived Lord Shiva of his supernatural and divine qualities and secondly, Lord Vishnu has accepted Tulsi as his wife, that’s why Tulsi should not be offered.
Never offer Vermilion to Shivling
At the same time, never offer vermilion while worshiping Lord Shiva. There is a belief about vermilion that Hindu women apply it for the long life of their husbands. On the other hand, Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer, so vermilion is not offered on the Shivling.
Coconut Water
You can offer coconut while worshiping Shivling but coconut water should not be offered. At the same time, also keep in mind that you should not accept the coconut offered to Lord Shiva as Prasad.
Ketaki flowers
Apart from this, Ketaki flowers should never be offered on Shivling. According to the information, when Ketaki supported Brahma ji’s lie, Mahadev got angry and cursed him that Ketaki flower would not be offered in his worship.
Cursed flowers
This apart, it is said that one should never offer kewda and Champa flowers to a Shivling. It is said that these flowers have been cursed by Lord Shiva.
Longevity
Wood apple popularly known as Bael is a fruit that represents longevity — it is said that offering this fruit to Lord Shiva every day can increase your life span.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is considered very pure and holy in worship, but surprisingly it is never offered on Shivling. According to the scriptures, Shivling is the symbol of the male element, and turmeric is related to females. This is the reason why turmeric is not offered to Mahadev.
Cold milk
If you are offering milk to the Shivling, then do not do so directly from the packet, make sure that you use a kitchen utensil for it the milk should be ice cold, never mind the weather outside.
Steel stand
While doing Abhishek of the Shivling, make sure that you never use a steel stand — the stand should either be made in gold, silver, or brass.
Sandalwood
Every day, after bathing, make sure that you apply a sandalwood tilak on the Shivling. It is said that it keeps the idol cool and pure.
Other cosmetic items
Just like Sindoor, one should not offer any other cosmetic items to Shivling. Such items can be used for the idols of the goddess Parvati
For information, let us tell you that after about 19 years, this time a very wonderful coincidence is happening in Sawan. This time Sawan is going to be for 2 months. In Vikram Samvat 2080, this year one more month is falling. In such a situation, this time it will be 13 months instead of 12 months. Because of this, the month of Sawan will not be of 30 days but of 59 days.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general beliefs. The Monk does not confirm it.)
