A common ritual A common practice in every Hindu temple is that once the Prasad is offered to the Gods or their idols, it is given back to the devotee to eat and share with others. Be it the gud chana that is offered to Maa Santoshi, or the modaks offered to Lord Ganesha, it is touched to the feet or mouth of the God and then handed back to the person. And then it is eaten and distributed among family, friends, or people sitting outside the temple.
But, have you ever noticed that the Prasad offered to a Shivling is never given back to the devotee? And it is usually recommended that if you get something back, you should not consume it but rather offer it to a river or keep it near a sacred tree. What is offered to a Shivling? The Shivling is a form of Lord Shiva and is one of the most commonly worshipped ones. During the month of Sawan, and even on normal days, the Prasad offered to a Shivling is usually Gangajal, milk, Panchamrit, honey, sandalwood paste, fruits, flowers, and the like.
But, the fruits and flowers offered are not given back to the devotee. Once these items are poured or placed on the Shivling during the Abhishekam, the priests just let it flow through. Why should Prasad be not eaten? One of the most famous legends about why this Prasad should not be consumed is about Chandeshwar, the head of otherworldly beings.
It is said that on the mouth of Lord Shiva, lives Chandeshwar, the head of the spirits. And so, any Prasad that is touched by Lord Shiva’s mouth .