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News Topical, Digital Desk : Mahashivratri 2026: The festival of Mahashivratri is the biggest day of the year for Shiva devotees. Celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalgun, this festival will be celebrated on February 15th this year. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on this day. Lord Shiva is very innocent, who becomes pleased with his devotees with just a pot of water and Bilva leaves. However, according to the scriptures, there are some things that should not be included in his worship even by mistake. Let us know.
basil leaves
Tulsi leaves should not be included in the worship of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Lord Shiva killed Jalandhar, the husband of Goddess Tulsi (Vrinda), after which Tulsi cursed Shiva not to participate in her worship. Therefore, never offer Tulsi leaves to the Shivalinga.
Ketaki flowers
According to scriptures, the Ketaki flower aided Brahma in a lie, which angered Lord Shiva and he cursed it, saying it would never be used in his worship. Mahadeva is also fond of Bilva leaves, Datura, and Mandar flowers.
Sindoor or Kumkum
Sindoor is a symbol of good fortune, and women apply it to ensure their husbands' long lives. Lord Shiva is considered a recluse, so sindoor is not offered to his symbol, the Shivalinga. You can apply ash or sandalwood tilak to Lord Shiva.
Turmeric
Turmeric is associated with feminine beauty, while the Shivalinga symbolizes the masculine element of Lord Shiva. This is why turmeric is not used in the worship of Mahadev. However, you can offer turmeric to the idol of Goddess Parvati.
offering water from a conch shell
Lord Shiva killed the demon Shankhachuda, whose symbol is the conch. Therefore, Lord Shiva should not be anointed with a conch shell. Mahadev should always be anointed with a copper or silver pot.
broken intact
Rice grains are very important in Shiva worship, but they should not be broken. The word "akshat" itself means unbroken rice. Broken rice symbolizes imperfection, so always offer clean, whole rice.
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