Lord Shiv, affectionately known as Ashutosh, is believed to be easy to please for his followers. The name Ashutosh means “easy to satisfy,” where “Ashu” signifies swift and “Tosh” means contentment. Devotees also refer to him as Bhole Baba, highlighting his childlike innocence and capacity for forgiveness.

This year, the month of Sawan (Shravan) begins on July 11, 2025. Worshipping Lord Shiv during this month, especially on Mondays known as Shravan Somwar, is considered sacred and spiritually significant. However, it is important to understand what pleases Lord Shiv and what should be avoided while performing purusharth (prayers).

WHAT TO OFFER LORD SHIV

• Water (Jal): After Lord Shiv consumed the deadly poison during the Samudra Manthan, his body was scorched with heat. Pouring water over the Shivling helps cool and soothe him, which is why this offering is considered the most sacred.
• Belpatra (Bilva Leaves): The three-lobed Belpatra symbolises Lord Shiv’s three eyes and is one of his favourite offerings.
• Datura (Thorn Apple): Though bitter, datura represents removing bitterness from one’s mind and soul. Scriptures say offering datura to Lord Shiv is as meritorious as offering 1,000 blue lotuses.
• Flowers of Shami and Aak (Madar): Offering just one Aak flower is believed to be equal to donating gold. Similarly, a single Shami flower carries the merit of offering 1,000 daturas.
• Sandalwood Paste: Applying cool, fragrant sandalwood paste (chandan) on the Shivling is believed to increase the devotee’s respect and honour in society.
• Other Offerings: Milk, camphor, bhang (hemp), holy ash (bhasma), rice, rudraksh beads, thandai, malpua, and halwa are also deeply cherished by Lord Shiv.

WHAT NOT TO OFFER LORD SHIV

• Cosmetic Items: As Lord Shiv is an ascetic who rejects worldly pleasures, devotees should avoid offering haldi (turmeric), mehndi, or roli.
• Shankh Jal: Water from a conch shell should never be offered. According to the Shiv Puran, Lord Shiv defeated the demon Shankhachood, making shankh water inauspicious for his worship.
• Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi, who was once Vrinda, had cursed Lord Shiv for killing her husband Jalandhar. Hence, tulsi leaves are strictly forbidden in the Shiv puja.
• Coconut Water: Coconut is linked to Goddess Lakshmi, and using its water for abhishek is not recommended in Lord Shiv’s worship.
• Ketaki Flower: Due to a mythological incident where the Ketaki flower lay during a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, it was cursed by Lord Shiv and is strictly prohibited in his worship.

As Sawan 2025 approaches, follow these sacred dos and don’ts, along with sadhana, to pay homage to Lord Shiv with real devotion. Offering what Lord Shiv truly loves and avoiding the forbidden will bring true meaning to prayers and provide a spiritually fulfilling Shravan time.

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