Dhatura Fruits: Significance and Use in Puja Ceremonies

In the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions, puja ceremonies hold a special place as a means to express devotion and seek divine blessings. Among the various rituals and offerings, the usage of Dhatura fruits, also known as Datura, in puja has garnered attention due to its unique properties and spiritual significance. This article explores the importance of Dhatura fruits in puja ceremonies, their symbolism, and the precautions to be taken while handling them.

Dhatura: A Sacred Plant

Dhatura is a flowering plant native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In Hindu mythology, Dhatura is associated with Lord Shiva and is considered sacred to Him. The plant is believed to have divine healing properties and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Symbolism in Puja

The Dhatura fruit carries symbolic significance in puja ceremonies. Its association with Lord Shiva signifies purity, transformation, and the cycles of creation and destruction. Offering Dhatura fruits in a puja is believed to appease Lord Shiva and seek His blessings for personal growth and spiritual elevation.

Preparing Dhatura Fruits for Puja

Before using Dhatura fruits in a puja, it is essential to handle them with utmost care. The fruits contain toxic substances and can be harmful if ingested or mishandled. To prepare the Dhatura fruits for puja, the following steps are recommended:

a. Selection: Choose fresh, ripe Dhatura fruits that are free from any signs of decay or damage.
b. Cleansing: Wash the fruits thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or impurities.
c. Offerings: In puja, the Dhatura fruits are usually offered whole or broken into halves or quarters, depending on the specific ritual or tradition.

Significance in Different Pujas

The use of Dhatura fruits may vary based on the type of puja being performed. Some common instances include:

a. Maha Shivaratri: On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, devotees offer Dhatura fruits as a gesture of reverence to Lord Shiva.
b. Kaal Bhairav Puja: In worship of Kaal Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Dhatura fruits are considered a favored offering.
c. Special Rituals: Dhatura fruits may be used in various rituals to seek divine guidance, healing, or protection from negative energies.

Caution of Dhatura Fruit

While the spiritual significance of Dhatura fruits cannot be overlooked, it is essential to exercise caution while handling them:

a. Do not consume Dhatura fruits or its extracts, as they are highly toxic and can lead to severe health issues.
b. Keep the fruits out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
c. After the puja, it is advisable to dispose of the used fruits responsibly and safely.

Importance & Significance of Dhatura Fruits

In conclusion, Dhatura fruits hold a special place in Hindu puja ceremonies, especially in devotion to Lord Shiva. Their symbolic significance and association with transformation and purity make them an essential offering in various rituals. However, it is crucial to handle them with care and follow precautionary measures to ensure safety during the puja. By understanding the spiritual essence of Dhatura fruits, devotees can enhance their worship and deepen their connection with the divine.

Datura Fruit- Set of 3

It is said that Vedic scriptures as Shivashekhera (because of its regarded association with the Hindu God Shiva), Datura plant was known for ancient Hindu physicians as an intoxicant with digestive and healing properties. The leaves, seeds and a part of this plants flowers constitute the drugs yielded by the plant. Datura is useful in curing and relieving cardiac patients of palpitation, aortic disorders, and cardiac pains. The seeds of the ripe fruits of the Datura herb are effective in curing impotency. In severe attacks of whooping cough and asthma, the American and British Pharmacapoeia list the dried leaves and seeds of the Datura plant to have the same effect as Belladonna. Its anti-spasmodic properties are proven to be invaluable in controlling spasmodic disorders.