Thread by @poonamdut

Why is Dhatura(Calotropis) offered to Bhagwan Shiva?

Many people ask this question; however, plants hold great significance in Hindu philosophy & it is said that there is no plant or leaf in the world that doesn’t have a medicinal or religious benefit.
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No sacred practice cannot be completed without involving nature in it. That is one of the reasons why we offer flowers and other parts of plants to our Gods and Goddesses.
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So, why is Shiva offered Dhatura?

As he is the destroyer, leaves /flowers/fruits offered to him are different from those offered to other deities. Its also known as Devil’s trumpets, thorn-apple, hell’s bells, moonflower, jimson weed, devils weed etc.
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Halaahal poison came out during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean). Everyone got scared as it was so poisonous that even if a drop of it fell anywhere, the thing or place could get completely destroyed, even destroy the whole world.
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On everyone’s request, Shiva drank Haalahal but held it in his throat. Due to its impact, Dhatura flower is said to have come out of Shiva’s chest. Dhatura is thus considered to abate the effect of poison, possessing some poisonous qualities itself.
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By offering the Dhatura plant to Shiva, we pray to him to remove the toxins like jealousy and envy from our body and soul so that we can become pure once again.
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Medicinal benefits of Dhatura

It has great medicinal value, can be used to cure various physical and psychological issues, like: pain or inflammation, quick healing of wounds, curing fever, but it must only be used externally.
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Its seeds & leaves can be consumed to cure throat-related or respiratory diseases. It is also used to treat various psychological issues and is helpful in fighting fears.
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However, be careful and remember that the flowers, leaves, fruit and seeds of the Dhatura plant when consumed even in small quantity can cause hallucination or even madness, overdose can even lead to death.
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