Mahashivratri 2022: The significance of Bhaang on Shivratri

Festivals are an integral part of Indian culture and each festival has an ancient tradition associated with it. One such popular tradition revolves around offering cannabis to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Shivaratri and then drinking it as a prasadam.

This year Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on 1st March 2022. Let’s find out why cannabis, also known as ganja, is an important part of the offerings made to Lord Shiva and why it is so important in worship.

What is cannabis?
Cannabis is basically a drink made from edible cannabis. It is made by crushing cannabis leaves, flax seeds and mixing it with milk, dried fruits, nuts and fragrant light spices. However, marijuana is still a drug and possession of the drug is considered an offense under the Narcotics Act, 1985. However, due to the religious significance of this drug, it is allowed to be consumed during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Holi. . But what makes bhanke an integral part of this festival? Find out!

The religious significance of cannabis

According to Indian culture, Bhanga is mentioned in mythology and books of Vedic scriptures, where it is considered a sacred plant, a source of connection with the divine power of Lord Shiva and often associated with Nirvana and salvation. .

There are several stories that mention the connection of Bhang with Lord Shiva, but according to the mythological book, it is believed that the story of Bhang is associated with ‘Samudra Manthan’, where the sea was churned to get the drink of immortality. Known as Amrita. However, during the churning process a poisonous halahala came out, which had a lot of heat and had the power to destroy the entire universe. Lord Shiva drank poison to save the creation, so he is also known as Nikanta.

He put poison in his throat, which turned his throat blue and created a lot of heat inside. It is believed that Shiva became restless after drinking poison and the gods tried to calm him down. It is believed that Chandra Dev Chandra stayed in the hair (braid) of Lord Shiva to appease Lord Shiva, it is believed that after eating halahala, Lord Shiva returned to Kailasa to reduce his body temperature and popular belief also claims that he was given. Cannabis was a coolant to reduce the heat caused by eating poison. This is why cannabis is an essential offering in the worship of Maha Shivaratri.