<p>Lord Shiva: On Mahashivaratri, devotees worship Shiva for special blessings, offering his favourite things. But have you ever wondered why Shiva applies cremation ground ashes to his body?</p><img><p>Mahashivaratri is here. Unlike other gods in fine clothes and jewels, Lord Shiva appears covered in ashes. Ever wondered why he applies ashes from cremation grounds to his body?</p><img><p>Religious texts say ash symbolizes sacrifice. The ash on Shiva’s body signifies that everything eventually turns to dust, reminding us that worldly pleasures are temporary.</p><img><p>A myth says Shiva’s wife Sati self-immolated. Heartbroken, he carried her body until only ashes remained, which he applied to himself in her memory. Ash also protects from heat/cold.</p><img><p>To save the world, Shiva drank poison during the Samudra Manthan. To cool the intense heat, gods offered him water, cannabis, and bilva leaves, which became his favorites.</p>
