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.

Updated on: Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM IST

Photos

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

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)

2/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

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)

3/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

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)

4/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

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)

5/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

Datura Flowers: Datura flowers are believed to be sacred to Lord Shiva and are offered for their intoxicating fragrance, symbolizing the offering of one's innermost desires and ego.  (HT File Photo/Sameer Sehgal)

6/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

Sindoor (Vermilion): Applying sindoor to Lord Shiva symbolizes the wish for a long and happy married life. It is also believed to bring blessings for the well-being of the family.  (AFP)

7/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

Bael (Wood Apple) Fruit: The bael fruit is considered highly auspicious and is offered to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion and surrender. It is believed to bring blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment. (HT File Photo/Rahul Raut)

8/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

Honey: Honey represents the sweetness of knowledge and wisdom. Offering honey to Lord Shiva is believed to bring blessings for a life filled with sweetness and enlightenment.  (AFP)

9/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 9:43 AM

Coconut: Breaking a coconut before Lord Shiva symbolizes the breaking of the ego and offering the purest form of oneself to the divine.  (HT File Photo/Sunil Ghosh)