Dos and don’ts while worshipping a Shivling—A must read!

Image credit: Thinkstock

New Delhi: The holy month of Sawan or Shraavana has come. Shraavana is the fifth month of the Hindu year and in Tamil calendar, it is addressed as Āvani. This year, the 'Sawan' began on July 23 and will last until August 20.

People worship Lord Shiva and perform 'Shraavana Maas Shiva Puja' to impress Lord Bholenath! 

Here, we bring to you certain Dos & Don'ts while worshipping a Shivling:

• As per the vedas, one must never offer turmeric on a Shivling. As Shivling is a symbol of masculinity, turmeric is feminine in nature and therefore, should be avoided as an offering on an iconic representation of the Hindu deity.
• It is believed that Lord Shiva killed Shankhachur, a demon who was Tulsi's husband. It is the prime reason why Tulsi must never be offered on a Shivling.
• According to a mythological story, Lord Brahma wanted to find out the end corner of the Shivling. According to mythologies, Lord Brahma lied and claimed that he found one. Here, in this conquest, Ketaki's plant (a herb) helped him and this made lord Shiva infuriated. Hence, Ketaki flowers are also exempted as an offering on a Shivling.
• If you want to offer turmeric on a Shivling, you may do so by offering it on 'Jaladhari', which is the base of the Shivling. A Shivling comprises of two parts - first part symbolises lord Shivling (Masculine) while the other part symbolises Goddess Parvati (Feminine). Hence, you can offer turmeric on the feminine part - Jaldhari!