According to Hindu mythology and popular belief, Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, has a special fondness for the Datura flower. The story behind this belief can be traced back to one of the famous mythological incidents involving Shiva.
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During the churning of the cosmic ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, several divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean. One of them was a dreadful poison called Halahala. The poison was so powerful that it had the potential to destroy the whole universe. In order to protect the world and its inhabitants, Lord Shiva selflessly drank the poison.
As Shiva consumed the poison, his throat turned blue due to the toxicity of the poison. To alleviate the burning sensation caused by the poison, Datura, also known as the Moonflower or Thorn Apple, is said to have bloomed from Lord Shiva’s chest. The delicate and beautiful appearance of the Datura flower is believed to have brought solace and relief to Shiva.
Since then, the Datura flower has been considered as Lord Shiva’s favorite flower and is often associated with his worship. Devotees of Shiva often offer Datura flowers to the deity during prayers and rituals. It is believed that offering this flower pleases Mahadev and brings blessings and protection.
The Datura flower holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is also associated with purification and spiritual awakening. It is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has been known for its medicinal properties as well. However, it should be noted that Datura is a poisonous plant and should be handled with caution.
In conclusion, according to popular belief and Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva’s favorite flower is the Datura flower. The story of the flower’s emergence from Shiva’s chest after consuming the poison Halahala during the churning of the cosmic ocean has led to its association with Mahadev. Devotees offer Datura flowers to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion and seek his blessings.