The holy month of Sawan, dear to Lord Shiva, is currently underway. Worshipping Bholenath during this period holds special significance. While the Lord is easily pleased with even a single vessel of water, devotees often offer items considered dear and auspicious to Him upon the Shivling. However, certain items are considered forbidden in Shiva worship; the Ketaki flower is one of them. According to religious beliefs, while the Ketaki flower is dear to Lord Vishnu, it is never offered to Mahadev. There is a tradition of offering *Belpatra* (wood apple leaves), *Dhatura*, *Aak* flowers, and *Bhang* to the Shivling.

According to Ujjain-based astrologer Anand Bhardwaj, the reason for excluding the Ketaki flower from Shiva worship stems from a mythological legend involving a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu and the subsequent wrath of Lord Shiva. Let us explore why this flower is prohibited in the worship of Shiva.

The *Shiva Purana* holds a place of great importance among the scriptures. According to a famous story from this sacred text, a dispute once arose between Brahma—the Creator of the universe—and Vishnu—the Preserver—regarding who among them was superior. The conflict escalated to the point where the matter eventually reached Mahadev Himself. Lord Shiva then manifested a colossal and infinite Shivling through His divine power and declared that whoever could discover its beginning and end would be deemed supreme. Accepting the challenge, Brahma descended downwards while Vishnu ascended upwards; yet, despite countless attempts, neither could find the beginning or the end of the Shivling. Ultimately, Lord Vishnu realized the truth; he bowed before Mahadev and admitted his error, thereby establishing Shiva's supremacy.

The Ketaki Flower Told a Lie
After Lord Vishnu conceded defeat, Brahma returned to Mahadev. Despite innumerable efforts, he too had failed to discover the beginning or end of the Shivling. While returning in a state of disappointment, he encountered the Ketaki flower along the way. To save his reputation, Brahma persuaded the Ketaki flower to support his claim and urged it to bear false witness. Thus, he decided to lie before Shiva.

The Flower Cursed
At Brahma's behest, the Ketaki flower accompanied him to Lord Shiva. Brahma claimed to Lord Shiva that he had discovered the end [of the infinite light] and presented the Ketaki flower as proof. Lord Shiva knew he was lying. Enraged by the Ketaki flower's complicity in the lie, Lord Shiva severed Brahma's fifth head and cursed the Ketaki flower, decreeing that it would never be used in His worship; consequently, the Ketaki flower is considered forbidden in the worship of Lord Shiva.

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