Maha Shivratri 2019: Do you know what happened when Lord Shiva consumed 'bhaang' leaves for first time?

Maha Shivratri celebrations have already begun in the country and devotees have worshipped Lord Shiva in temples today (4th March). Maha Shivratri is also known as the ‘Great Night of the Shiva’.

Several stories have been associated with the celebration of Shivratri. As per the Hindu beliefs, from Shivratri, Winter season ended and marks the arrival of Summer season.

On this auspicious festival, devotees used to serve him bhang tree leaves while worshipping God.

As per the Hindu belief, the reason behind offering hemp leaves to Lord Shiva is that a devotee is offering all his/her intoxication with him/her to God in the form of Bhang.

As we all know that Mahadev also addressed as Neelkanth. As per the religious scriptures, the poison was bubbling out of the ocean which terrified the Gods and demons because it would finish the creation. In that period of time, Lord Shiva came as a saviour and rescued by swallowing the poison and held it in his throat. After drinking the ocean’s poison, his throat turned into blue colour due to poison, since then, he becomes ‘Neelkanth’.

Besides this story, another famous story also associated with Lord Shiva.

Know why Bholenath loved bhaang leaves?

According to Hindu mythology, once upon a time, Lord Shiva differed with his family and due to which he went to the jungle. He slept near the cannabis plants. When he woke up then, he started eating the leaves of the plant. He enjoyed while eating those leaves. Since then, bhaang leaves associated with the deity.

Therefore, devotees also offered him bhaang on the occasion of Shivratri. 

Also read: Maha Shivratri 2019: Chant these powerful mantras to rejuvenate yourself on 'Great Night Of Shiva'