Shivling Prasad: The holy month of Saavan is the most special time for devotion to Lord Shiva. Throughout this month, devotees offer water, milk, belpatra, fruits, and other materials on Shivalinga. It is said that Bholenath becomes happy very quickly, especially when water and Belpatra are offered to him with devotion. But you must have often heard that the prasad offered to Shivalinga should not be eaten. There is a religious belief behind this, which is also mentioned in Shiva Purana. Let us know what is the reason behind this belief.

What does Shiva Purana say?
There is a verse in Shiv Purana, in which it is said that the food offered to Shivalinga is offered to Chandeshwar, the deity of Lord Shiva.
“Lingasyopari dattam yat naivedyaam bhutabhavanam.
Tad Bhuktva Chandikeshasya Ganasya Cha Bhavet Padam.
This means that the food offered to Shivalinga is dedicated to Chandeshwar, the lord of ghosts and spirits. If someone eats it, he can come under the influence of ghosts and spirits like Chandeshwar or he can be negatively affected.

Who is Chandeshwar?

According to mythology, Chandeshwar is a Gan who appeared from the mouth of Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the head of ghosts and other Ganas. Therefore, whatever offering is made on Shivling is considered dedicated to him, and eating it is forbidden.

When can we eat Shivling Prasad?

However, there are some circumstances where accepting Prasad is not considered faulty.

If the Shivling is made of metal (such as bronze, or copper) or Parad (mercury), then the offering offered on it can be eaten.

But if the Shivling is made of stone, clay, or porcelain, then the Prasad offered on it should not be eaten.

This Prasad should be immersed in water or it is considered appropriate to feed it to animals. This is considered more correct and virtuous from a religious point of view.

Apart from this, it is considered auspicious to consume prasad offered to the idol of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this destroys sins and one receives special blessings of Lord Shiva.

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