Maha Shivratri 2024: 8 auspicious items to offer to Lord Shiva and their significance
Here are eight auspicious items commonly offered to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri and their significance.
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Maha Shivratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important and revered gods in the Hindu tradition. This year, Maha Shivratri will be observed on March 8. On this day devotees observe fasts, offer prayers to Lord Shiva, visit Shiva temples and perform ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga. On this occasion, here are eight auspicious items commonly offered to Lord Shiva, along with their significance: (HT File Photo/Sameer Sehgal)
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Milk: Milk symbolizes purity and represents the nourishing aspect of Lord Shiva. Pouring milk over the Shiva Linga is believed to bring blessings for a peaceful and harmonious life. (AFP)
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Bilva Leaves (Bel Patra): Offering bilva leaves to Lord Shiva is believed to be very auspicious, as the leaves are trifoliate, representing the three aspects of Shiva: creator, preserver, and destroyer. It signifies the offering of the self to the divine. (PTI)
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Water (Abhishekam): Water is used for the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Linga, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and impurities, and the rejuvenation of the soul. (AFP)
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