New Delhi: The great night of Lord Shiva is popularly known as Maha Shivratri. This day is celebrated to mark the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Bhang holds a greater cultural significance on the occasion. At many places like Varanasi, it is distributed among people as “Shiv Prasad.”
During the occassion of Maha Shivratri, devotees consume bhang to celebrate the festival. The grinding of bhang is very special and is considered to be an art at several places. In Bollywood movies as well, the stars can be seen grooving to music with lyrics including bhaang. For instance, songs like “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from “Aap Ki Kasam” and “Itna Mazaa Kyun Aa Raha Hai” from “Ye Jawani Hai Deewani” have been centered around bhang.
Bhang and Lord Shiva are strongly associated. Thandai is a very popular drink which is made by mixing milk with bhang. You will find it readily available during the time of Maha Shivratri.
According to ancient Indian scriptures, bhang is also known as Vijaya. While worshiping, Shiva devotees would offer bhang, dhatura and tambul as prasad which are considered to be favourite things of Lord Shiva. This is the reason behind devotees consuming bhang specially on Maha Shivratri.
But do you know why Bholenaath loved bhang?
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva differed with his family, due to which he went to the forest, where he slept near cannabis plants. After he woke up, he started eating those cannabis leaves, which he enjoyed a lot. This is how it became the favourite thing of Lord Shiva. Now, all the devotees can be seen having bhang in the name of Shiva and celebrating Maha Shivratri.
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