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In Hindu religion, the month of Sawan is considered very sacred and dedicated to Devadhidev Mahadev. During this time, Shiva devotees offer Ganga water, milk, curd, Belpatra and Dhatura on Shivalinga with full devotion and rules. But often there is a big question and confusion in the minds of people that whether turmeric should be applied on Shivling or not? Many people offer turmeric on Shivling due to lack of information, while some people consider it completely prohibited. Let us know on the basis of religious scriptures and astrological beliefs whether it is right or wrong to offer turmeric on Shivalinga.
Why is turmeric not offered directly on Shivalinga?
According to religious beliefs and worship methods, there is no tradition of offering turmeric directly on Shivalinga. Two main reasons have been given behind this. Firstly, Lord Shiva is worshiped as an ascetic, aghori and recluse deity, while Shivalinga symbolizes his formless and male form. Therefore, Lord Shiva always loves the things which provide coolness and simplicity like Ganga water, milk, sandalwood and Belpatra. The second reason is that turmeric is mainly related to family life, marital happiness, auspiciousness and auspicious works, whereas Shiva is a symbol of renunciation. However, there is a tradition of offering turmeric to the Lord during the marriage celebrations of Shiva-Parvati in the Kashi Vishwanath temple on special occasions like Rangbhari Ekadashi and Mahashivaratri.
Can turmeric be offered to the water bearer or Goddess Parvati?
If you have a question in your mind whether turmeric cannot be used at all in worship, then it is not so at all. You may not offer turmeric directly on Shivlinga, but you can offer turmeric on the ‘Jaladhari’ situated just below Shivlinga. According to religious beliefs, the water bearer of Shivalinga is considered to be the form of Mother Parvati, the mother of the world. Since turmeric is very dear to Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha, offering turmeric to the water bearer is considered extremely auspicious and fruitful. By this one gets the joint blessings of both Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva.
Offering these things on Shivalinga is completely prohibited.
Apart from turmeric, some such things have also been mentioned in the religious scriptures, which should not be offered to Shivling even by mistake. Offering vermillion, kumkum, basil leaves and ketaki flowers in the worship of Lord Shiva is considered completely prohibited. There are different mythological stories and religious beliefs behind all these things, which are considered important for every Shiva devotee to follow. In this holy month of Saavan, if you worship Mahadev with correct rituals and rules, then all your wishes are definitely fulfilled.