Cannabis known as bhang and ganja, is associated with worship of Shiva, Bhang is offered to Shiva idols, especially on Mahashivaratri. Wise drinking of bhang, according to religious rites, is believed to cleanse sins, unite one with Shiva and avoid the miseries of hell in the after-life. While foolish drinking of bhang is considered a sin. Ayurveda mentions the medicinal properties of Bhang/Ganja. Marijuana is mentioned in Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Ayurveda and many other ancient Hindu texts. Some of the uses of Bhang that ancient Hindu scientists discovered thousands of years ago are - Dyspepsia, Nervous disorders, Severe pain, Insomania, Dysentery, Gonorrhoea, Loss of appetite because of illness and even poisoning.

Cannabis known as bhang and ganja, is associated with worship of Shiva, Bhang is offered to Shiva idols, especially on Mahashivaratri. Wise drinking of bhang, according to religious rites, is believed to cleanse sins, unite one with Shiva and avoid the miseries of hell in the after-life. While foolish drinking of bhang is considered a sin. Ayurveda mentions the medicinal properties of Bhang/Ganja. Marijuana is mentioned in Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Ayurveda and many other ancient Hindu texts. Some of the uses of Bhang that ancient Hindu scientists discovered thousands of years ago are - Dyspepsia, Nervous disorders, Severe pain, Insomania, Dysentery, Gonorrhoea, Loss of appetite because of illness and even poisoning. ‪The sacred status of cannabis in India is mentioned in Atharva Veda. Atharva Veda mentions Cannabis to be one of the five sacred plants and the guardian angel resides in its leaves. In certain Vedic rituals, Cannabis stems were thrown into the ritual fire to overcome enemies and evil forces. The Vedas also refer to it as a source of happiness, joy giver and liberator. When devas and demons churned the ocean, nectar as well as poison emerged. When a drop of the amrit fell on the ground, the Cannabis plant sprouted from it. Shiva invigorated himself in the heat of sunlight by consuming leaves of cannabis plant. He adopted the plant as his favourite diet. Hence Shiva is called the lord of Bhang. He discovered the transcendental properties of the cannabis. While bhang is popularly consumed in Mathura, making and drinking bhang is a part of the mystic charm of the holy town of Varanasi, that’s consigned to Shiva’s worship. Bhang is prepared on the ghats of the city. Aghoris, Sadhus, Yogis are devotees of Shiva and they consume bhang as it helps them concentrate on strenuous yogic practises! ~ Boom Shankar!!!