Bilva Patra shares a very special relationship with Lord Shiva. Shiva is very fond of Belpatra or the Bilva leaves. If a person prays to Shiva with a clear mind and offers a Belpatra to the Shivalinga, the Lord blesses him/her with whatever they desires. Hence, Belpatra is one of the most important ingredients which is used for the worship of Lord Shiva. Bilva leaves is from the wood apple tree. This leaf is trifoliate which signifies the holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It also signifies the three eyes of Shiva. Acc to Shiva Purana, The bilva is the symbol of lord shiva. It is adored even by the gods. it is difficult to understand its greatness. According to the Skanda Purana, the Bel tree grew from the sweat droplets of Parvati which fell on the Mandrachal mountain. From there the Bel tree emerged. Hence, it is believed that the Goddess resides in this tree in all Her forms. She resides as Girija in the roots of the tree, as Maheshwari in its trunk, as Dakshayani in its branches, Parvati in its leaves, Katyayani in its fruit and as Gauri in its flowers. Therefore as Parvati resides in Her various forms in this tree, Shiva is extremely fond of its leaves. Acc to Sri Bilva Shtakam, bel tree grew from the breast of Lakshmi. "Lakshmyaascha stana utpannam Mahaadeva sadaa priyam, Bilva vriksham prayachchhaami eka bilvam Shivaarpanam. Darshanam bilva vrikshasya sparshanam paapanaashanam, Aghorapaapasamhaaram eka bilvam shivarpanam." ~ Born from the breasts of Goddess Lakshmi, the Bilva tree is ever dear to Mahadeva. So I ask this tree to offer a Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva. To have darshan of the Bilva tree, and to touch it, frees one from sin. The most terrible karma is destroyed when a Bilva leaf is offered to Lord Shiva. The pale green leaves are aromatic. There are sadhus who sustain themselves on Bilva leaves alone. Every part of the bilva tree is useful, the root, bark, leaf, flowers and fruit –all have great medicinal value.
Jai ShivaShakti ~ Jai ShankarParvati!!
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