Why is hemp/ Bhaang used in shiva puja and why is it auspicious?

%बी %डी %वाई, 9 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

Why is hemp seeds or bhaang used in Lord Shiva puja? Is there a reason why intoxication is connected with Lord Shiva? Why the negative side of intoxication attached to Lord Shiva? Know more.

Why is hemp/ Bhaang used in shiva puja and why is it auspicious?

When we think about Hindu rituals, every offering to a deity seems to hold a special story or meaning. Among these, one of the most intriguing customs is the offering of bhaang or hemp leaves, to Lord Shiva.

At first glance, it might seem unusual. After all, in today’s world, hemp is often associated with intoxication or recreational use. But in the context of Shiva worship, it carries a much deeper and sacred significance.

This practice is rooted in centuries-old traditions, legends of cosmic events, and even nature’s own healing properties. It’s not about indulgence; it’s about devotion, simplicity, and the calming energy that Lord Shiva himself embodies.

Understanding why bhaang is considered auspicious in Shiva puja allows us to look beyond stereotypes and see how even the most humble plants in nature can become bridges between the human and the divine.

What is the connection between Lord Shiva and Bhaang?

The connection between Lord Shiva and bhaang goes back to some of the most fascinating legends in Hindu mythology. One of the most well-known stories is from the Samudra Manthan, the great churning of the ocean.

When a deadly poison known as halahala emerged from the depths, it threatened to destroy all of creation. To protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank this poison and held it in His throat, which turned blue and earned Him the name Neelkanth.

The intense heat of the poison was said to be unbearable, and to cool Him down, the gods and sages offered leaves of hemp, what we call bhaang, along with sacred bilva leaves and water.

Over time, this simple act of offering became symbolic, whenever devotees present bhaang to Shiva, it is believed to soothe His cosmic energy and express gratitude for His sacrifice.

On a deeper level, bhaang represents the essence of Lord Shiva Himself as raw, natural, and free from worldly pretensions. Lord Shiva is not a deity who demands gold or lavish offerings; He dwells in cremation grounds, smeared with ash, embodying detachment from material desires.

In that sense, bhaang, a wild plant that grows abundantly in nature, mirrors His ascetic lifestyle. It is seen as a bridge between the devotee and the divine, a way of saying that pure devotion, no matter how simple, is enough to please the Lord.

What is the significance of hemp in ancient scriptures?

In ancient Indian scriptures, hemp as referred to as bhaang or vijaya, is not seen as an intoxicant but as a sacred plant with deep spiritual meaning.

Texts like the Atharva Veda even describe it as one of the five holy plants gifted by the gods, calling it a source of happiness and liberation from sorrow. In the Shiv Puran and folk legends, hemp is associated with Lord Shiva’s meditative state and His ability to transcend worldly suffering.

It is believed that hemp helped soothe Lord Shiva after He drank the deadly halahala poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean, symbolizing its role as a divine remedy and purifier.

These stories reflect how our ancestors didn’t view hemp as taboo but rather as a sacred medium to connect with higher consciousness and achieve calmness in spiritual practices.

Beyond mythology, the reverence for hemp in scriptures also comes from its healing and purifying qualities. Ayurveda, which often overlaps with Vedic wisdom, praises hemp leaves for their cooling nature, ability to reduce stress, and usefulness in rituals meant to calm the mind.

The plant’s wild and humble nature made it an ideal offering for ascetic deities like Shiva, who rejected luxury and embraced simplicity. By including hemp in rituals, the scriptures emphasize a profound truth: divinity resides in nature’s simplest gifts, and holiness is not always found in gold or elaborate ceremonies, but in the raw and unadorned elements of life itself.

Why is Bhaang auspicious in Lord Shiva worship?

Bhaang, or hemp leaves, holds a special place in the worship of Lord Shiva because of its deep symbolic and mythological significance. According to ancient stories, when the cosmic ocean was churned and the deadly poison halahala surfaced, it was Lord Shiva who consumed it to save the universe.

The intense heat of the poison was said to be soothed by offerings of natural and cooling elements like bilva leaves, water, and hemp.

Over centuries, this gesture evolved into a ritual as devotees began offering bhaang to Lord Shiva as a mark of gratitude and reverence, believing it brings peace and calmness to both the deity and their own lives.

Unlike grand offerings of gold or jewels, hemp is simple, raw, and wild much like Lord Shiva Himself, who embodies asceticism and detachment from worldly desires. This makes the offering not just symbolic but deeply personal, as it reflects devotion in its purest form rather than material extravagance.

The auspiciousness of bhaang in Shiva worship also lies in its spiritual and medicinal qualities. Ancient Indian traditions regarded hemp as a plant with cooling and purifying properties, believed to calm the mind and cleanse the body of impurities.

In a spiritual sense, offering bhaang represents surrendering one’s mental chaos and seeking inner clarity, much like Lord Shiva’s own meditative stillness. It is also considered a prayer for harmony as to balance the fiery struggles of life with calm acceptance. Far from its modern associations with intoxication, the bhaang used in rituals is purely symbolic and rooted in reverence.

How is Bhaang used in Lord Shiva Puja?

When it comes to worshipping Lord Shiva, bhaang is not simply placed at random on the idol or lingam as there is a thoughtful ritual behind its use. Traditionally, fresh hemp leaves are washed and offered either directly on the Shiva Lingam along with water and milk or placed over a base of bilva leaves.

Devotees believe that just as the cool touch of these leaves soothed Lord Shiva after He consumed the poison during Samudra Manthan, the offering today serves as a gesture of calming His divine energy and seeking His blessings for peace in one’s own life.

During major festivals like Mahashivratri, priests prepare a mixture of water, milk, and hemp leaves to pour over the lingam as abhishek (ritual bathing), accompanied by chants of “Om Namah Shivaya.” This act is deeply symbolic as it’s less about the plant itself and more about the intent behind it: surrendering ego and seeking purification.

Outside the formal temple rituals, bhaang also finds its place in devotional gatherings and festivals associated with Lord Shiva. In some traditions, a sacred drink prepared from ground hemp leaves, mixed with milk, curd, or spices like fennel and cardamom, is distributed among devotees after the puja as prasad.

This preparation, unlike recreational consumption, is done in a controlled, sanctified manner, representing the joy of devotion rather than indulgence. Many ascetics and followers of Shiva, especially during Kanwar Yatra or on the banks of the Ganga, consider it a way to align with the meditative and detached qualities of the deity.

What are misconceptions and modern interpretations related to Bhaang?

While hemp (or bhaang) holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism, its modern recreational misuse has created many misunderstandings. In today's world, cannabis is often associated with getting "high" or mindless intoxication, which is far removed from its traditional use in spiritual practices. Ancient seers and yogis never intended for it to be a means of escape or reckless pleasure.

Instead, they viewed it as a sacred tool for inner awakening as a way to quiet the mind, deepen meditation, and connect with higher consciousness. The key was always moderation and intention.

Unlike modern recreational use, where excess is common, traditional consumption was carefully controlled, often mixed with other herbs or taken in small, ritualistic doses to enhance focus and spiritual clarity rather than dull the senses.

Over time, as societies evolved and legal restrictions around cannabis tightened, the ritualistic use of bhaang became more regulated. Governments worldwide have classified hemp and its derivatives under strict drug laws, making its religious use a contentious topic.

In India, while bhaang is technically legal in many states (since it is derived from cannabis leaves rather than the more potent flowers), its consumption is still viewed with skepticism by those who don’t understand its cultural and spiritual context.

Even with modern legal and social changes, bhaang remains an integral part of Lord Shiva worship in many rural and spiritual communities. In villages across India, especially in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Varanasi, devotees still prepare bhaang as a sacred offering during Lord Shiva-related festivals.

For them, it is not about intoxication but about honoring an ancient tradition that connects them to Lord Shiva’s meditative and transcendental nature.

Therefore, Hemp’s association with Lord Shiva is not about promoting intoxication but about understanding its role in spirituality, healing, and meditation. Just as Lord Shiva represents the balance between destruction and creation, bhaang symbolizes the balance between earthly attachments and divine awareness.

For devotees, offering bhaang to Lord Shiva is an act of surrender as a way to seek his blessings for clarity, peace, and liberation from worldly illusions. In the right context, it remains one of the most fascinating aspects of Hindu worship, blending mythology, science, and spirituality into a single sacred tradition.

Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub

If there is anything you want to add to this or edit in this, connect with us at wa.me/918542929702 or info@rudrakshahub.com and we shall be happy to help you..!!