Lord Shiva is known to grant boons to his devotees frequently, even if they happen to be some really wicked ones. This is the reason He is called Bholenath, the innocent one, because he is pure in heart and easy to please. Which means, if you love him and worship him, and even if you have some defects and weaknesses, you can be sure of his love and compassion. There is an interesting story in the Shiva Maha Purana which shows how innocent lord Shiva is and also explains the reason why Champaka flowers are not used in Shiva Puja.
Champaka, also known as Golden Champa or Yellow Champak is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva. The two flowers that are regularly avoided are Ketaki flower and Champaka flower.
Champaka, also known as Golden Champa or Yellow Champak is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva. The two flowers that are regularly avoided are Ketaki flower and Champaka flower.
On the way to Shiva Temple in Gokarna stood a beautiful Champaka tree with full of flowers. Sage Narada once on his way to temple noticed this tree and admired it. Suddenly he found a Brahmin priest nearby. He came to pluck the flowers but on seeing Sage Narada he refrained from doing it. When enquired by Sage Narada the Brahmin told that he was on his way to a nearby village and just stood their enjoying the Champaka tree. After Narada left for the temple, the Brahmin plucked the flowers in a basket and hid it.
On return from the temple, Sage Narada again met the Brahmin and this time he told that he was going home. But suspicious about this behavior, Sage Narada went and asked the Champaka tree if anyone pluck flowers. The Champak tree said no. But still Sage Narada had his doubts so he went back to the temple and found that the Shivling was covered with Champaka flowers.
Sage Narada asked a man who was meditating nearby as to who offered this flowers to Lord Shiva. The man told that an evil Brahmin daily comes and showers the Shivling with champa flowers. Lord Shiva is pleased with this act and due to His blessings the Brahmin has become very powerful in the King’s court and now harasses poor people.
The Sage Narada went to Lord Shiva and asked why he is helping the bad man. Shiva told that I cannot deny a devotee who worships me with Champaka flowers. Sage Narada went back to the Champaka tree and cursed it for lying to him. He said that the champa flowers will never be accepted in worship of Lord Shiva. He also cursed the evil Brahmin to be born as demon and will attain only moksha when Lord Rama kills him.
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