Significance Of Ekkada Hoovu In Shiv Pooja

Maha Shivaratri, or the Grand Night of Lord Shiva, is one of the largely celebrated festivals all over India. Maha Shivaratri celebrates the wedding and union of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. 

During Maha Shivaratri, which falls on the 14th day of phalguna month, devotees observe fast, chant mantras, and offer to Lord Shiva his favourite leaves - Bil Patre (link to blog - Why Is Bil Patre So Dear To Lord Shiva), and fresh flowers like Calotropis (Ekkada Hoovu) and Datura. The offerings also include milk, panchamrit, back sesame seeds, water, rudraksh, and chandan i.e. sandalwood.

Significance of Ekkada Hoovu

Among the above-mentioned articles, the calotropis flower or ekkada hoovu, commonly known as Crown Flower, is one of the favourite flowers of Lord Shiva. According to the Shiv Puran, ekkada hoovu is very dear to Lord Shiva. Thus, when one offers ekkada or its garland to Lord Shiva, he or she is blessed with prosperity, peace, and stability in his/her life.

It is believed that ekkada is a poisonous flower and like the datura flowers, it has an intoxicating effect. Thus, devotees of Lord Shiva offer him both the flowers together to make Him happy and get his blessings.