Special Offering for Mahashivratri 2024: Every year, the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waning phase of the Falgun month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Mahashivratri falls on March 8. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati embark on a divine journey together. Legend has it that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place on this day. To please Shiva and Gauri, people observe fasts and perform rituals with devotion on the day of Shivratri.
On this day, Belpatra, Bhang, Datura, Madar flowers, white sandalwood, white flowers, Ganga water, and cow’s milk are used for the worship of Lord Shiva. While offering just water and belpatra on the Shivalinga pleases Mahadev, there are specific offerings and bhog that invoke the special grace and blessings of Lord Shiva.
Let’s find out what offerings please Lord Bholenath on Mahashivratri:
Thandai On Mahashivratri: Lord Bholenath is offered Thandai, a beverage mixed with bhang, which is believed to be greatly favoured by Lord Shiva. It is considered that offering Thandai pleases Bholenath immensely.
Lassi: Lord Shiva also likes Lassi very much. Therefore, along with Thandai, you can also offer Lassi to Lord Bholenath on Mahashivratri. After the puja is completed, it can be consumed by oneself and distributed as prasad among others.
Halwa: On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is offered Halwa as bhog. This halwa can be made from kutu flour or semolina. Offering Halwa to Shiva Shankar brings great joy to him, and he fulfills all the desires of his devotees.
Bhang Ke Pakode: Lord Shambhu is particularly fond of Bhang. On Mahashivratri, apart from using Bhang leaves in the puja, you can also prepare Bhang Ke Pakode as an offering. Offering Bhang Ke Pakode is considered auspicious.
Malpua: Lord Bholenath loves Malpua. Therefore, on Mahashivratri, it is auspicious to offer Malpua during the Shiva puja. If you are making Malpua at home, you can add a little Bhang powder to it. This pleases Lord Shiva quickly.