The festival of Mahashivaratri is very holy for Shiva devotees. On this day, there is a tradition of offering water, bell -leaf and various fruits on the Shivling. The fruit of plum is very important in the fruits offered on Shivling.
This small fruit is not only religiously important, but many medicinal properties are also hidden in it. According to the legend, once a poor woman did not get any fruit for the consecration. He offered plum on the Shivling, and Bholenath was pleased with his reverence, since then the plum started being included in Shiva worship.
Plum is considered extremely beneficial in Ayurveda. It not only helps in keeping the body healthy, but also protects against many diseases. Vitamin C is found more than oranges in plum, it can help strengthen immunity. Consuming plum cures stomach, heart diseases as well as diabetes control.
The fruit of plum is a mine of qualities
Dr. Lalit Tiwari, Professor of Botany Department of Nainital DSB College, says that plum is a very important plant of our nature, its botanical name is ‘Zizifs Mauritiana Lam’. The height of this plant ranges from 5 to 12 meters. Its fruits are green, red in color. It is known by red dates, sugar dates, sugar plum names. Its intake is very beneficial for the body. Many nutrients are found in it. It is a good source of vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, protein, iron. Many antioxidants are also found in it. Its intake is beneficial for the brain, increases immunity, is beneficial for the skin, as well as a good source of energy.
Special importance is in Shivaratri
Pro. Tiwari says that the importance of plum is very high in Shivaratri. It is believed that this fruit is the favorite fruit of Mahadev. This is the reason why plum is dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the same time, in the plum tree, Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu are also considered to be the abode. According to beliefs, the hatred also ends after worshiping the plum tree. In Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is offered milk, water, bell -leaf as well as plum.