In many Shiva temples across India, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan, devotees offer Lord Shiva cannabis leaves or Ganja. For those unfamiliar with Hindu customs, this might seem an odd tradition. But, in the universe of Lord Shiva, even such offerings carry deep symbolic and spiritual meaning.
Where the Tradition Comes From
As per ancient tales, when the gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison called halahala emerged.
Lord Shiva drank it to save the world, but it burned within him. To cool his body and mind, some say nature offered him cannabis. Since then, ganja has become part of his worship, especially during intense spiritual rituals.
What It Really Means
Shiva is the supreme yogi, always in meditation, far away from worldly attachments. Ganja, in this context, represents detachment, letting go of the material world, and moving inward. It’s not about intoxication but about relaxing the mind, surrendering the ego, and entering a state of calmness.
How Ganja Is Offered in Puja?
During Maha Shivratri or Mondays in Shravan, devotees perform Abhishekam of the Shivalinga with water or milk, then offer bilva patra (bael leaves), dhatura flowers, and ganja leaves or buds. It’s gently placed over the Shivalinga along with prayers. Some chant:
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Or recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for protection and inner peace.
In some places, bhang (a preparation from cannabis) is used to anoint the Linga or offered in small amounts as prasada, but this is strictly symbolic and highly ritualised, observed only under temple-sanctioned traditions.
Ganja is sacred in this setting, but it’s never consumed during the puja. The offering is symbolic. In offering ganja to Shiva, we don’t glorify a substance; we honour a cosmic principle.
By offering ganja with pure intent, you invite peace, detachment, and spiritual growth into your heart. Take part in the ritual this Maha Shivaratri or during Shravan, and let your devotion connect you to the supreme yogi, Shiva.
Disclaimer: This article discusses the ritual and symbolic use of cannabis in traditional Shiva worship. It does not encourage or promote the recreational or unsupervised use of cannabis in any form.
Feature Image Credit: WeRIndia.