On this festival of mahashivaratri, may you follow the shiva purana and incorporate the following six items while worshipping lord shiva:
1. bathe the shiv linga with water, milk and honey, and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, representing purification of the soul;
2. the vermilion paste applied on the shiv linga after bathing it, representing virtue;
3. offering of fruits, which is conducive to longevity and gratification of desires;
4. burning incense, yielding wealth;
5. the lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge;
6. and betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
happy maha shivratri!