6 things that should NOT be offered to Lord Shiva and why

Sawan began on July 22 and Shiva devotees are full of energy. From visiting Shiva temples to the grand Kanwar yatra, everything associated with Lord Shiva is in full swing. And in between the different rituals, customs, and traditions, it is important to keep in mind some do’s and dont’s. And while devotees offer many different items to please Lord Shiva, there are some that should not be done as it can incur his wrath.
Here are 6 things to stay away from when worshipping Lord Shiva.

Tulsi, or holy basil, is one of the most sacred plants for Hindus all over the world. It is considered pure, healing, and spiritual. But, it is never offered to Lord Shiva. Why?

According to Hindu scriptures, Tulsi was the devoted wife of the demon king Jalandhara. When Lord Shiva destroyed Jalandhara to save the universe, Tulsi, being a faithful wife, cursed Lord Shiva that he would never be worshipped with Tulsi leaves.

Haldi is usually in rituals and worship. Sometimes, murtis are covered in Haldi as it is considered auspicious in nature. The healing properties of Haldi makes it an important part of both food and worship. But, Haldi is never offered to Lord Shiva. Why?
Lord Shiva is considered an ascetic, and he has detached himself from worldly pleasures. Turmeric on the other hand is linked to fertility and marriage, and these qualities are not aligned with Lord Shiva's ascetic nature. Offering Haldi to Shiva is seen as contradictory to his character as a detached, meditative deity.

Sindoor, or Kumkum, is a red powder made from turmeric and lime, and is commonly used by married Hindu women as a part of their married identity. Kumkum on the forehead is an indication that a woman is married. And while Lord Shiva is also married to Mata Parvati, he is not offered Kumkum at all. Why?
Because similar to turmeric, kumkum is associated with fertility, marital status, and auspiciousness. It is often used in the worship of goddesses and deities linked to prosperity. Lord Shiva, being a symbol of detachment, does not fall in these associations. Offering kumkum to Lord Shiva is considered inappropriate because it contradicts his ascetic nature. Instead, devotees use bhasma (sacred ash) on Shiva.

When it comes to leaves and plants, Bael patra is offered to Lord Shiva. And so naturally, it is also a very important part of worshipping Lord Shiva. The 3-leaf bael patra is offered to the Shivling during Sawan and other times as well. But, one should make sure that they never offer infected bael patra to Lord Shiva as it is considered ‘khandit’.
As these leaves are highly auspicious, it is important to make sure that they are fresh and free from any infections or impurities.

Offering water and Gangajal to Shivling is considered extremely auspicious. During Abhishekam, Lord Shiva is offered gangajal, honey, curd, panchamrit, and more. But, one should make sure that they never offer water in a bronze pot to the Shivling. It is considered inauspicious to do it, and it is best to use copper, silver, or earthen pots.

The conch shell, or shankha, is an important part of Hindu rituals. The sound and vibrations of the Shankh can purify the atmosphere all around and are believed to have a positive effect on the person who blows the Shankha and the ones who are around it.
But, a conch should never be offered to Lord Shiva. Why?
It is said that a long time ago Lord Shiva defeated a demon named ‘Shankhachud’. And the shankha is believed to be a form of the same demon. And so, it is best to not offer shankh to Lord Shiva or offer him water through the conch.