Why Shivlinga must never be worshiped with Haldi?

In one of our previous articles, we advised against keeping a ‘Shivlinga’ at home or in a place where it wouldn’t be regularly and religiously worshipped with proper rituals. Not doing so is condemned as an act of disrespect towards the deity.

Bholenath is known for living a minimalist life and thus likes to be revered in the simplest way. He need not be worshiped by offering rich foods and fruits or adorned with beautiful embellishments.

It is written off in ancient scriptures that Lord Shiva can be simply appeased with a Dhatura fruit, Bael leaves, bhang, fresh cold cow milk, sandalwood paste, and bhasma. In Hindu religion, it is often understood that dutifully worshiping Lord Shiva, in return appeases all the Gods and Goddess in heaven.

In one of the chapters of the Shiva Purana, which primarily centers on the lives of Lord Shiva and his chief consort Goddess Parvati, is mentioned the religious way of worshipping them both and what all must be avoided while worshiping them.

Today, we are going to share the reason behind why Lord Shiva is never offered Turmeric (Haldi)…

Even though it is considered a highly sacred element for all religious purposes and is used in the rituals of worshiping all Gods and Goddess, however, Haldi is never offered to Lord Shiva or his Shivlinga.

According to the scriptures, Shivlingam is a representation of a male yoni, particularly Lord Shiva’s, which is widely revered for its manifestation of his enormous energy. For this reason, it is always worshiped with elements that are endowed with cooling properties like milk, sandalwood, bhasma, etc.

However, turmeric is related to inducing feminine beauty. And Lord Shiva, who had always stayed away from worldly pleasures and lived off as celibate is never worshiped with Haldi.