Why is Bhang-Dhatura offered to Lord Shiva? Know the story behind this

Saavan 2026Image Credit source: Getty Images

Sawan 2026: The month of Saavan is considered the most sacred time for worshiping Lord Shiva. Throughout this month, crowds of devotees gather in Shiva temples and Jalabhishek of Lord Bholenath is performed. The tradition of offering water, milk, belpatra, aak, dhatura and cannabis on Shivalinga has been going on for centuries. But have you ever wondered why only Bhang and Dhatura are offered to Lord Shiva? There is not only religious belief behind it, but also a famous mythological story. Let us know its importance.

When is Saavan 2026?

in the year 2026 Sawan The holy month of 2026 will start from Thursday, July 30, 2026 and will continue till Friday, August 28, 2026. During this entire month, worshiping Lord Shiva, Rudrabhishek, chanting Shiva mantras and fasting on Mondays is considered to have special significance.

Why are Bhang and Dhatura offered to Lord Shiva?

According to mythological belief, when the ocean was churned, the first poison to emerge was Halahal. This poison was so deadly that its effect created trouble in all three worlds. The gods and demons could not handle that poison in any way. Then Lord Shiva took that poison in his throat to save the world. Due to the effect of poison his throat turned blue and he was called Neelkanth. It is said that the gods offered water to Lord Shiva to cool down the intense heat of the poison. Along with this, hemp, datura and belpatra were also offered to him, which are considered to provide coolness. Since then these things are considered to have special importance in Shiva worship.

Religious importance of Datura

Dhatura is a plant which is generally considered poisonous, but it is said to be very dear to Lord Shiva. There is a religious belief that offering Dhatura removes negative energy and Lord Shiva becomes happy soon. There is also a popular belief that by offering Dhatura on Shivalinga, fear, obstacles and troubles go away.

What is the importance of offering bhang?

Bhang is considered to be the favorite offering of Lord Shiva. It is believed that by offering Bhang on Shivalinga, Lord Shiva is pleased and fulfills the wishes of the devotees. In many places, Bhang Prasad is also prepared on special occasions, but it is considered to be related to religious tradition.

Which things have special importance in Shiva worship?

In the worship of Lord Shiva, water, Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, belpatra, datura, hemp, aak flowers, white sandalwood, intact and seasonal fruits are offered. It is believed that worship done with devotion and true heart pleases Lord Shiva quickly.

How to worship Shiva in Saavan?

During Sawan, take bath in the morning, wear clean clothes and anoint the Shivalinga with water or Ganga water. After this, offer milk, belpatra, hemp, datura and other worship materials. Chant Om Namah Shivay mantra, recite Shiva Chalisa or Rudrashtakam and finally perform Aarti of Lord Shiva by lighting a ghee lamp. Donating to the poor and needy as per one’s capacity is also considered auspicious.

Also read: Sawan 2026: Nag Panchami and Sawan Monday will fall together after 23 years, know why it is special

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those topics related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. Coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of Akharas, the activities of Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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