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| A Bhang Plant growing amid grasses |
Bhang (भांग)- Cannabis Leaves (क्लिक - हिन्दी में पढ़ें)
Bhang (भांग,भंग) is a mixture of cannabis leaves and flowers. It is an integral part of North Indian culture from ancient times. It is an intoxicant but not like alcohol. It loosens control over one's sober behavior and talks repeatedly over the same topic. It increases one's happiness and he laughs over even small facts. In Sanskrit or Hindi, it is called "Ullasaka" (उल्लासक) - the thing which increases happiness level. That is why it is consumed directly or in Thandai and pakoras on the occasion of the festival of Holi which is a festival of happiness. Direct consumption of Bhang is by making laddoo-like balls of the paste of leaves and flowers with the help of pastels and mortar. This thing has even been mentioned in "Bollywood" movies and songs. Nobody can forget the song and dance sequence of the film "Don" that says - "Bhung ka rung Jama ho Chaka Chak aur lo paan Chabaye".
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| Bhang and Dhatura plants near "Pahadi Temple", Ranchi Dhatura has Wider leaves while Bhang has thinner ones |
Long-duration uses of Bhang have other uses too. Sadhus and Sufis take it to boost meditation. It helps them to achieve the transcendental state. It is a reason that Bhang is offered to God Shiva during his worship. As we know Shiva loves to remain in the transcendental state called "Samadhi" (समाधि). When in this state nobody dares to distract him may he be the king of gods. During worship, Bhang may be offered as "Gola"(Like a Laddoo) or like crushed dried leaves. Generally, the latter way of offering is prevalent as it is easy to use and store. It can be bought from any "Puja Shop" (Shop that sells items used in worship) in the crushed form. It must be remembered that whenever Bhang is offered to Shiva and placed on the Shivalinga, the next thing to do is pour water (जल) over it. This combination and order of Bhang and water offerings must be maintained.
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| Small Bhang Plant in a park |
Bhang has some medicinal properties too as people in rural areas may tell you but not confirmed. They emphasize that if taken in proper quantity it helps in digestion and increases appetite, cures dysentery, sunstroke, and fever. But it is not advisable to believe or act on these things. After all, it is an intoxicant and except in limited quantities and on occasions, it should not be consumed. As I have stated earlier in my blogs that Shiva's acceptance of offerings like these intoxicants has a meaning. He says to his followers that you surrender such things to me and never consume them. We all know that things put over Shivalinga are not taken back as "prasad" for consumption.
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Links to blog posts on Flowers of worship and related items
15. Akshat - (अक्षत)
27. बिल्व-पत्र, बेलपत्र (बेलपत्ते) - Belpatra, Bael Leaves! An important item for Shiva's worship. (हिंदी लिंक)
31. Kalash - कलश!
35. नैवेद्यम - Naivedyam and भोग - Bhog
36. Gomati Chakra - गोमती चक्र!
37. Panchamrita - पञ्चामृत
38. पान के पत्ते - Betel Leaves
39. Puja Aasana /mat - पूजा आसन
40. तिल (Til) - Sesame seeds
41. पूगी फल (सुपारी) - Betel Nut
36. Gomati Chakra - गोमती चक्र!
37. Panchamrita - पञ्चामृत
38. पान के पत्ते - Betel Leaves
39. Puja Aasana /mat - पूजा आसन
40. तिल (Til) - Sesame seeds
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