Mahashivratri, also known as the “Great Night of Lord Shiva”, is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated by devotees all over India with great enthusiasm. The day marks the union of the two strong forces of the Universe: Shiva and Shakti. The festival holds a lot of importance, as a devotee spends the entire night praying, worshipping, and meditating to Lord Shiva and this divine union.
The day of the festival is spent fasting in preparation for the puja rites that begin post-sunset. Fasting during the day and praying all night makes it the most sacred feast. The position of the planets on Mahashivratri night is considered highly auspicious for meditation and the continuous chant of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” elevates the energies.
During the Mahashivratri Puja, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of “Shivlinga” and the samagri used to worship him hold supreme energy in them. Let us find out Lord Shiva’s most beloved offerings during Mahashivratri puja:
Bel Patra– Offering Bel Patrato Lord Shiva signifies the surrendering of the three Gunas namely Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
The Dhatura Fruit is one of Lord Shiva’s favorites and omits negativity. Hence the devotees offer it to Lord Shiva to ward off all the negativity in their life.
Yogurt is offered to the Shivalinga as it is said to appease Lord Shiva; in return, he blesses his devotee with an abundance of prosperity.
Offering Milk to Lord Shiva during Rudra Abhishek on Mahashivratri is an act that denotes the purification of the soul.
The holy water Ganga purifies our body and washes away all our sins, hence Gangajal is offered to Lord Shiva during the puja ceremony. Bhasma (rakh) denotes detachment. Offering Bhasma to Lord Shiva helps an individual to detach from the material world and helps to recognize the True Self.
Sandalwood fragrance signifies purity, righteousness, and morality. Applying sandalwood paste on the Shivalinga leads the devotee on a righteous path.
The mentioned puja samagri plays an essential role during the Mahashivratri puja. Each of the elements used spread positive energies and blesses the devotees with an abundance of peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.
