Why Til/ Sesame seeds are so important for Lord Shiva Puja and why is it auspicious?

September 09 2025, 10 min reading time

Lord Shiva is known as someone who takes up all the things that have not been accepted by anyone else. So when sesame seed was not used by anyone else, Lord SHiva accepted it as his offering. Know more here.

Why Til/ Sesame seeds are so important for Lord Shiva Puja and why is it auspicious?

If you’ve ever observed or participated in a puja dedicated to Lord Shiva, you might have noticed a tiny yet significant ingredient often present, til, or sesame seeds.

It’s easy to overlook these tiny black or white seeds, but they play a remarkably deep and sacred role in Hindu rituals, especially when it comes to worshipping the great Lord Shiva. What makes sesame seeds so special?

Why are they considered more than just a kitchen ingredient in Indian spirituality? The answer lies not just in religious texts and ancient customs, but also in the symbolic meanings and energies associated with them.

In fact, these seeds are believed to hold the power to cleanse one’s soul, wash away sins, and bring peace to departed ancestors.

And when it comes to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of darkness and the guardian of spiritual truth, offering til becomes more than a ritual; it becomes an act of surrender, of seeking inner purity and divine grace.

Through this article, let’s journey into the deeper reasons why til holds such an auspicious place in Shiva puja, exploring its spiritual significance, cultural roots, and even its scientific relevance in a way that feels natural, personal, and grounded in centuries of living tradition.

What is the mythological and scriptural significance of Sesame seeds?

In Hindu mythology, sesame seeds, commonly known as til, are believed to be divinely blessed and have deep connections to the cosmic energies of purity, penance, and liberation.

According to ancient legends found in the Padma Purana and Garuda Purana, sesame seeds were created from Lord Vishnu’s sweat during a time of intense spiritual meditation.

As they touched the earth, they became sanctified and came to represent immortality and the cleansing of karmic debts.

While Lord Vishnu is credited with their origin, it is Lord Shiva who is most often associated with their use in rituals of purification, especially during Shraddha, Pitra Paksha, and Shivratri.

In several scriptures, it is mentioned that offering sesame seeds to Lord Shiva is equivalent to offering gold or performing hundreds of yajnas (sacrificial rituals), highlighting their immense spiritual value.

Lord Shiva, known as the transformer of negative energies and destroyer of ego, is believed to accept sesame as an offering that symbolizes the devotee’s wish to shed past sins and become spiritually reborn.

Sesame seeds are often used during abhishekams (ritualistic bathing of the Shivling), where a mixture of water and sesame is poured over the deity to invoke forgiveness, healing, and spiritual renewal.

The Yajurveda even speaks of sesame as a purifier of the soul, capable of guiding a person toward moksha, the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In many Shaivite traditions, black sesame in particular is said to please Lord Shiva the most, as it absorbs negative vibrations and symbolizes the end of ignorance.

When devotees offer sesame seeds with devotion, it is seen as a gesture of surrender, humility, and a longing for inner transformation.

It's this deep-rooted belief as carried forward by sages, saints, and generations of devotees, that makes sesame seeds more than just a sacred grain; they become a spiritual bridge between the human soul and the infinite grace of Lord Shiva.

What is the spiritual and symbolic importance of sesame seeds?

At first glance, sesame seeds might appear too small and ordinary to hold any real spiritual meaning. But in the world of Sanatan Dharma, it’s often the simplest elements of nature that carry the deepest symbolism and til (sesame) is one such sacred gift.

Spiritually speaking, sesame seeds are believed to possess the power to absorb and burn away past sins and negative karma.

This directly connects with Lord Shiva, who is known as the ultimate purifier and destroyer of ego. Just as Shiva accepted the world's poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save humanity, he also symbolically accepts the "darkness" that sesame represents as our burdens, regrets, and karmic debts.

When offered with sincerity, these tiny seeds are believed to carry our prayers straight to the divine, like a quiet, powerful plea for inner cleansing and spiritual renewal.

Symbolically, sesame seeds mirror the very qualities that Lord Shiva stands for, humility, detachment, and the shedding of material illusions.

Lord Shiva doesn’t demand gold or luxury; he resides in the cremation ground, covered in ash, embodying the truth that everything worldly is temporary. Offering til is an expression of this understanding as an offering of simplicity, purity, and surrender.

In many traditions, especially during Mahashivratri or on Mondays of the holy month of Shravan, sesame seeds are used during abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling, not just as a traditional act but as a sacred gesture symbolizing the devotee’s willingness to let go of ego and dissolve in Lord Shiva’s cosmic grace. It's like saying, “Take all that I no longer need, and return me to my truest self.”

What are its Scientific and Ayurvedic benefits?

From a scientific standpoint, sesame seeds are nothing short of a superfood. They are packed with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin B1.

These tiny seeds are also rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and boost heart health.

When you consume sesame seeds, whether in the form of oil, raw seeds, or as part of your meals as you’re not just nourishing your body, you’re also strengthening your immunity and improving bone health.

Interestingly, in traditional Hindu practices, the foods we offer to deities are often those considered highly beneficial for human health. That’s where sesame seeds beautifully tie in with Lord Shiva.

As the Lord of Healing, Yog, and Ayurvedic wisdom, Lord Shiva is symbolically linked to natural elements that purify both the body and soul. Offering sesame to Lord Shiva is a way of acknowledging this cosmic intelligence, where what’s good for the spirit is also good for the body.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, regards sesame seeds as “bruhmana,” meaning they nourish and strengthen the body.

They are considered warm in nature (ushna virya) and are especially useful in balancing vata dosha, the energy associated with air and space.

This makes sesame oil and seeds perfect during cold months, which is also when festivals like Mahashivratri or Shravan Somvar occur.

During these times, devotees not only offer til to Lord Shiva but also consume it, knowingly or unknowingly aligning with Ayurvedic wisdom that supports immunity and warmth.

Moreover, sesame oil is used in abhyanga (oil massage), a practice that calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation, qualities associated with Lord Shiva in his meditative state.

So, in a beautifully cyclical way, what is offered to Lord Shiva for spiritual reasons also heals the body, proving once again that ancient rituals were deeply rooted in science and natural health.

How Sesame seeds are used in Lord Shiva’s worship?

In the worship of Lord Shiva, sesame seeds, known as til in Sanskrit, are used with deep symbolic reverence and spiritual purpose. One of the most significant ways they are used is during the abhishekam, the ritualistic bathing of the Shivling.

Devotees often mix black sesame seeds with pure water, milk, or honey and gently pour it over the Shivling, believing that this offering helps wash away their past sins and purify their soul.

The act of pouring sesame water isn't just a physical offering as it’s a meditative process, where each drop represents a letting go of ego, negativity, and burdens from the past.

This offering is believed to calm one’s inner turmoil and attract the serene, forgiving energies of Lord Shiva. Many people also chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya during this ritual, amplifying its spiritual effect.

Another common tradition is lighting sesame oil lamps during Lord Shiva’s puja, especially on Mondays, Mahashivratri, or during the holy month of Shravan. Sesame oil is considered powerful for warding off negative energy and enhancing spiritual vibrations in the space where the lamp is lit.

It’s said that just like Lord Shiva holds darkness and poison within to protect the world, the lamp lit with sesame oil absorbs and dispels negativity from the surroundings.

In many households and temples, devotees also offer plain sesame seeds at the base of the Shivling or into the sacred fire during a havan or yagna.

This humble offering is seen as a token of surrender, asking Lord Shiva to accept one's imperfections and guide them toward a path of inner clarity and liberation.

The simplicity of til matches the simplicity of Lord Shiva himself as detached from materialism, yet deeply connected to the spiritual core of existence.

Why is it auspicious to offer Til to Lord Shiva?

Ancient scriptures highlight that offering sesame seeds (til) with true devotion can help fulfill one’s deepest desires. Lord Shiva, lovingly called Bholenath (the kind-hearted one), is known for his compassionate nature and readily blesses sincere devotees.

When sesame seeds are offered with a pure heart, it is believed that Lord Shiva grants wishes, whether they relate to health, prosperity, or spiritual growth. This simple yet powerful act of devotion strengthens the bond between the worshipper and the divine, making prayers more potent.

Therefore, Sesame seeds have long been regarded as a shield against negative energies. In Hindu tradition, they are often used in rituals to ward off evil spirits and misfortune.

When offered to Lord Shiva, the ultimate protector, til becomes a powerful tool for divine safeguarding. Whether used in abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga) or as an offering in prayers, sesame seeds create a protective aura, ensuring that devotees remain under Lord Shiva’s watchful grace, free from harm and negative influences.

Beyond material blessings, offering sesame seeds in Shiva worship nurtures spiritual evolution. Lord Shiva embodies detachment and the transient nature of life, teaching devotees to rise above worldly attachments.

Regularly including til in puja rituals serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence and the need to seek higher truths.

This practice cultivates inner peace, wisdom, and a deeper connection with the divine, guiding devotees toward self-realization and ultimate liberation (moksha). Thus, sesame seeds are not just a ritualistic offering but a pathway to spiritual awakening.

From ancient myths to modern-day rituals, sesame seeds hold a sacred place in Shiva worship. They symbolize purity, immortality, and the destruction of sins, making them an essential offering to the mighty Lord Shiva.

Whether for spiritual growth, health benefits, or divine blessings, incorporating til in Shiva puja brings immense positivity and divine grace.

Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub

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