Sawan 2025: Lord Shiv, known as Ashutosh, is believed to be easily pleased by his devotees. The name Ashutosh itself means “one who is quickly satisfied”—‘Ashu’ meaning swift, and ‘Tosh’ meaning contentment. Devotees lovingly refer to him as Bhole Baba, symbolising his innocent and accepting nature.
This year, the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) begins on July 11, 2025. During this period, worshipping Lord Shiv, especially on Shravan Somwar, is considered incredibly auspicious and spiritually rewarding. However, it’s important to know what pleases Lord Shiv and what doesn’t, before offering prayers and rituals.
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What To Offer Lord Shiv
- Jal: After consuming the deadly poison during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiv’s body burned with intense heat. Water provided him the most relief. That’s why offering water on a Shivling is considered most sacred.
- Belpatra (Bilva Leaves): The three-pronged Belpatra represents Shiv’s three eyes.
- Datura (Thorn Apple): This bitter fruit symbolises the removal of bitterness from the mind and soul. Offering datura to Lord Shiv is equivalent to offering 1,000 blue lotuses.
- Flowers Of Shami And Aak (Madar): According to scriptures, offering one Aak flower is equal to donating gold. A single Shami flower holds the same merit as 1,000 daturas.
- Sandalwood: Sandalwood or chandan paste is cooling and peaceful. Applying it to the Shivling is believed to increase one’s respect and honour in society.
- Other Favourite Offerings: Milk, camphor, bhang (hemp), holy ash (bhasma), rice, rudraksh beads, thandai, malpua, and halwa are also loved by Lord Shiv.
What Not To Offer Lord Shiv
- Cosmetic Items (Shringar): Shiv is an ascetic and renounces worldly pleasures. Do not offer haldi, mehndi, or roli.
- Shankh Jal: Never offer water from a conch shell or shankh. According to the Shiv Puran, Lord Shiv defeated the demon Shankhachood, making conch water inauspicious for his worship.
- Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi, formerly the devoted Vrinda, cursed Lord Shiv for killing her husband Jalandhar. Hence, tulsi is forbidden in Shiv worship.
- Coconut Water: Coconut symbolises Goddess Lakshmi. Abhishek of the Shivling with coconut water is not advised.
- Ketaki Flower: Due to a mythological lie told during a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, the Ketaki flower was cursed by Shiv. It is strictly prohibited in his worship.
As Sawan 2025 approaches, devotees must follow these sacred dos and don’ts while worshipping Lord Shiv. Offering what he truly loves and avoiding what’s forbidden ensures a spiritually fulfilling and auspicious Shravan season.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]