The Myth of Shiva and Cannabis:
The Legend: During the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison was produced that threatened to destroy the world. Shiva drank the poison to save the universe. To soothe his agony and cool the poison in his throat, it is said his consort, Goddess Parvati, offered him cannabis.
Bhang: Devotees honor Shiva by consuming cannabis in the form of Bhang—a paste made from the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant, blended with milk, nuts, and spices.
Spiritual Practice: It is widely consumed during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, where holy men (sadhus) and devotees ingest or smoke it to aid in deep meditation, detach from worldly illusions, and commune with Shiva’s divine consciousness.
