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"Om Namah Shivaya"/ Bengali Hindu Culture / Shiv puja in Bangladesh-2016 Introduction: In popular Hinduism, Shiva is often represented as a destructive aspect of Brahman and entitled 'The Destroyer.' This is merely one attribute, as there are many different groups and sects who hold Shiva, or any of his different forms and associated Deities, as the Supreme Being and attribute different titles onto him. Popular Puja may take an eclectic or North Indian style, whereas more specific sects or castes may have their own specific forms. General worship of Shiva is quite diverse and can range from worshipping an anthropomorphic murti (Such as the famous Tamil Nataraja statues from the ancient Chola Kingdom), a Lingam (one of Shiva's main symbols), a deified landmark (such as the Ganges or Mount Kailash) or not worshipping a symbol at all (as in the case of the Lingayats). Puja in the Puranas: The Puranas are a collection of texts describing the feats of various Gods and Figures from Hindu Cosmology. The texts are organized by their focus on one of the major Devas, and explore the feats and legends of those Gods. Among the most important attributed to Shiva is the Shiva Purana, which describes in various stories the mythological origins of puja implements and taboos. An example might be the taboo of offering Magnolia champaca and Ketaki flowers to Shiva, each given a justification grounded in an episode from mythology. Abhishekam: Shiva Abhishekam is usually performed to a Lingam representing his manifestation as a creator of good (by destroying evil). In many temples, one finds a vessel hung over the Lingam called thaara paathra, that continuously drips water or other offerings onto the Lingam in deference to Shiva's desire for Abhisheka. Since Shiva is said to wear Nageshwara (Snake God) as an ornament around his neck, it is said that the fragrance of Aloe (which attracts snakes) is also a very holy item to be used for the worship of Shiva. In contrast, it said that Lord Vishnu is Alankara Priyar (Desirous of ornamentation). Hence Vishnu Sthalas (places of worship of Lord Vishnu) have elaborately carved idols of Lord Vishnu with the alankaram (decoration ceremony) post the abhishekam, being a very elaborate ritual. In any discussion of Hinduism, it is important to remember that these rituals are an offshoot of the interpretation of Vedas, the holy text of Hindus. These texts by themselves do not outline the deities or rituals for their worship thereof. Kindly Note:-(AVOID - Ketaki flower, Tulsi patar (leaves) and Chempaka flower) Champaka, also known as Golden Champa or Yellow Champak is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva. There is an interesting story in the Shiv Purana which explains the reason why Champaka flowers are not used in Shiva Puja. On the way to Shiva Temple in Gokarna stood a beautiful Champaka tree with full of flowers. Sage Narada once on his way to temple noticed this tree and admired it. Suddenly he found a Brahmin priest nearby. He came to pluck the flowers but on seeing Sage Narada he refrained from doing it. When enquired by Sage Narada the Brahmin told that he was on his way to a nearby village and just stood their enjoying the Champaka tree. After Narada left for the temple, the Brahmin plucked the flowers in a basket and hid it. On return from the temple, Sage Narada again met the Brahmin and this time he told that he was going home. But suspicious about this behavior, Sage Narada went and asked the Champaka tree did anyone pluck your flowers. The Champa tree said no. But still Sage Narada had his doubts so he went back to the temple and found that the Shivling was covered with Champaka flowers. Sage Narada asked a man who was meditating nearby as to who offered this flowers to Lord Shiva. The man told that an evil Brahmin daily comes and showers the Shivling with champa flowers. Lord Shiva is pleased with this act and due to His blessings the Brahmin has become very powerful in the King’s court and now harasses poor people. The Sage Narada went to Lord Shiva and asked why he is helping the bad man. Shiva told that I cannot deny a devotee who worships me with Champaka flowers. Sage Narada went back to the Champaka tree and cursed it for lying to him. He said that the champa flowers will never be accepted in worship of Lord Shiva. He also cursed the evil Brahmin to be born as demon and will attain only moksha when Lord Ram kills him.& Ketaki, known as umbrella tree or screw pine or keura in Hindi, is barred from the worship of Lord Shiva. It is not offered during pujas and worship as it is cursed by Lord Shiva. There is an interesting story mentioned in the Puranas that explains why Ketaki Flower is forbidden. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got it into a fight over who is supreme. To sort out the issue Lord Shiva made His first appearance in the form of Jyotirlinga or Lingodabhavamurti (a column of fire with no end or beginning) before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.