GUWAHATI: Hindus celebrate Shivratri as they believe that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this auspicious night.The devotees of Lord Shiva try to appease him by offering him his favourite things.
Unmarried girls worship Shiva so that they get a suitable groom. It is a custom to offer white items like milk, Dhatura flower and its seed, bhang (cannabis), white flowers etc on this day.
Vaastu has advocated several ways to worship Shiva and Parvati. But it has also been warned not to do certain things during Shivratri which may invoke the wrath of Lord Shiva.
1. Shankh (conch shell) water: There was a demon named Shankchuda who attacked the Devas and defeated them. The Devas went to Lord Shiva for help, who in turn, killed Shankhchuda. Shankhchuda was a devotee of Lord Vishnu who loves Shankha (Conch Shell). So this Shankh is regarded as the symbol of the demon. Hence the puja of Lord Shiva should never be done with the Shankh. For example, it is a custom to blow the Shankh during religious occasions but never in Shivratri.
2. Certain flowers are forbidden while worshipping Lord Shiva. They are Chameli, Kesar, Malati, Champa, Kund, Juhee and Doodh Harika.
3. Kartals or cymbals should never be played while worshipping Lord Shiva.
4. As said before there has been always a conflict between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The Tulsi plant has taken its birth from the body of demoness Vrinda who was the wife of a demon named Jallandhar. Lord Vishnu married Tulsi. So Tulsi leaves should not be used during the puja of Lord Shiva.
5. Til (black sesame seeds): In Hindu rituals, Til or black sesame seeds are offered during Yajna or Havan along with maize or wheat grains and ghee. It is said that Til was produced from the dirt of Lord Vishnu. So it should not be offered to Lord Shiva. Anyway, black is not the favourite colour of Lord Shiva.
6. Kumkum is a symbol of good luck for ladies. Though Lord Shiva married Parvati, he was more of a recluse. So he despises Kumkum.
7. It is good to offer white rice to Lord Shiva. Broken rice is considered an incomplete item. Hence it (broken rice) should not be offered to Lord Shiva.
