Rudrabhishek: What could be the Possible Logic behind ‘Wastage’ of Milk?
In Sanatan Dharm, Bhagwan Shiv is known to consume the poison which came out during Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Oceans). Thus, it’s customary to offer whatever is poisonous to Bhagwan Shiv and the whole process is termed as “Rdurabhishek”. So the Hindus offer milk over Shivling (Sanskrit for a symbol of Shiv) during the month of Shravan as it is considered akin to a poison by the science of Ayurveda. Come to the scientific aspect of pouring milk over Shivling, but before coming I must underscore that science is an ongoing process of exploration. Thus, I can only that much unfold, what is known to date. So, why one should waste milk Firstly, it not only milk but some other ingredients also included in the whole Abhishek, which is a Sanskrit term denoting a devotional activity of giving a Holy bath to a deity. It literally means “to cleanse.” Before starting the ritual, a devotee washes his hands and pours water over the Ling. These include Gingelly oil, Panchaamrit (a mixture...