In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is the cosmic force of destruction and transformation — the deity who accepts even the most unusual offerings with open arms. One of the most mysterious and spiritually powerful offerings made to Shiva is the Dhatura flower or fruit.

Often avoided in worldly rituals due to its poisonous nature, Dhatura (thorn apple) is dear to Mahadev, the Lord of Fearlessness. Offering Dhatura to Shiva is a sacred act that symbolizes surrendering your inner toxins — like ego, hatred, jealousy, and fear — at His feet.

What is Dhatura?

Dhatura, also known as Datura or Thorn Apple, is a wild flowering plant with white or purple trumpet-shaped blooms and thorny fruit. In Ayurveda, it’s known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties, though it is toxic in large amounts.

While feared in everyday life, in the spiritual realm, Dhatura is a powerful symbol of purification and courage — which is why it holds a special place in Shiva Puja.

Mythological Significance of Dhatura

According to Shiva Purana, when Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison (Halahala) during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe, Dhatura emerged as a natural antidote to help neutralize the poison in His throat.

"Neelkanth Mahadev" — the blue-throated one — became the divine absorber of all poisons.

Hence, Dhatura represents:

• Shiva’s power to transform poison into healing

• The ability to accept darkness and purify it

• The destruction of ego and fear

Why Offer Dhatura to Lord Shiva?

1. Surrender of Inner Negativity

By offering Dhatura, we symbolically offer our toxins – ego, anger, jealousy, pride, and desire – for transformation.

2. Pleasing Neelkanth – The Poison Absorber

Dhatura is a tribute to Shiva’s selfless act of saving creation from destruction. It invokes His protective grace.

3. Protection from Enemies & Black Magic

In Tantra and Shaivism, Dhatura is used to destroy harmful energies, negative influences, and psychic attacks.

4. Spiritual Courage and Detachment

Offering Dhatura awakens your inner Rudra, helping you face challenges without fear or attachment.

How to Offer Dhatura to Lord Shiva – Simple Ritual

You Will Need:

• Dhatura flower or fruit (fresh and clean)

• Shivling (temple or home altar)

• Jal (Ganga water or clean water)

• Optional: Bilva leaves, white flowers, incense, diya

Puja Procedure:

1. Take a bath early in the morning (especially on a Monday or during Shravan Maas).

2. Set up your Shiva Puja space or visit a temple.

3. Begin with Jal Abhishek – pour water on the Shivling while chanting:
   “Om Namah Shivaya”

4. Gently place the Dhatura flower or fruit on or beside the Shivling.

5. Offer other items (Bilva leaves, flowers) if available.

6. Light incense or a diya and chant:
   “Om Daturaya Namah”

7. End with prayer or silent meditation, offering all your fears and impurities to Lord Shiva.

Best Days to Offer Dhatura

Spiritual Benefits of Offering Dhatura

Where to Offer Dhatura

• Major Shiva temples like Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar

• Home altars with Shivling

• During pilgrimages like Kanwar Yatra in Shravan

Important Note: Only offer Dhatura with pure intention, and do not consume it without Ayurvedic or spiritual guidance.