Offering Belpatra to Lord Shiva

Belpatra holds great significance in Hinduism. It is an essential offering to Lord Shiva along with Dhatura and Bhang.

त्रिदलं त्रिगुणाकारं त्रिनेत्रं च त्रिधायुतम्।त्रिजन्मपापसंहारं बिल्वपत्रं शिवार्पणम्॥

The one who wears three qualities, three eyes, trishul and destroys the sins of three births! Shivji, I offer Tridal Bilvapatra to you.

Namaste!

Welcome to our avid readers. Today, we are introducing you to the favourite leaves of Hindu god Mahadev- Belpatra. This scared mantra should be recited while offering Belpatra leaves to Lord Shiva.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Belpatra or bilvapatra are the leaves of the Bilva tree.There are many things which are offered to Lord Shiva. But, as per Shiv Mahapurana, significance of Belpatra in Hinduism is very high.

What does three leaves in belpatra means?

Spiritually speaking, these leaves are considered sacred and symbolize devotion, purity and revervance. Also, the three leaves makes a single leaf. The three leaves denotes the three aspects of the trinity, the three deities – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The offering of belpatra is believed to please Lord Shiva and bring blessings and harmony in the lives of the devotees.

Additionally, it is believed as per ancient text, offering only Belpatra to Lord Shiva is believed to bring blessings, spiritual growth and positive energy.

How belpatra be offered to Lord Shiva?

A belpatra should always have 3 leaves. 3 leaves are considered as 1.

Also, these leaves should not be torn.

Although, there should not be chakra and vajra in the beltpatra. Such leaves are considered fragmented.

Belpatra ranges from 3 to 11 leaves. The more leaves they are, the better they are considered.

Only the shining part of the leaf should touch Shivling.

Apparently, there are many options in size and design available in online and offline markets for intricate silver belpatra.

Legends of Belpatra

Skandapuran tells us the importance of Bel Patra in a simpler and vivid way. Accordingly if Shivling is worshiped with belpatra, all sins are destroyed.

Story-1

Once Mother Parvati was sweating profusely. Then She wiped the sweat off her forehead with her fingers. Due to this, some drops of sweat fell on the Madar mountain and from those drops, the Bel tree was born.

Story-2

Other religious text suggests that Belpatra is very sacred and holds religious importance in many ways. Many forms of goddess Parvati reside in it. Maa Girija resides in the roots of this tree, Maa Maheshwari in the trunk, Maa Dakshayani in its branches. Maa Parvati in the leaves of Bel Patra, Maa Gauri in its flowers and Maa Katyayani in the fruits of Belpatra. Not only this, Goddess Lakshmi also resides in it.

Story-3

Moreover, it is believed that when Goddess Parvati did penance and worshipped to get Lord Shiva as her husband, she was the first to offer Belpatra to Lord Shiva.

Story-4

Some text suggests that when Lord Shiva swallowed the Halahal poison (that came out of the churning of the ocean), then all the gods and goddesses started feeding Belpatra to Shiva, because Belpatra reduces the effect of poison. Due to the effect of belpatra and water, the heat generated in Mahadev’s body started to calm down and since then the practice of offering water and belpatra to Lord Shiva started.

What are the benefits of Belpatra?

a) Many people plant Bel tree in the courtyards of their houses as it is considered as abode of Goddess Lakshmi, and prosperity comes in the house.

b) Do you know Belpatra are highly demanded during shrawan maas? Shrawan mass is a holy month of hindu panchang dedicated to lord Shiva. We can’t miss the benefits of offering belpatra to Lord Shiva during this auspicious month.

c) Belpatra offer various benefits due to their medicinal properties. They are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. They are also used to treat ailments like diarrhoea, diabetes and gut related issues.

d) Again Belpatra has many medicinal properties to cure many skin issues.

e) Similarly belpatra is full of anti oxidants, Vitamin A, C , B1 and B6, and calcium and fiber.

f) It is very beneficial for liver, heart, diabetes and immunity.

g) Not only Belpatra has religious importance but also it has vastu favouring features too. If you are facing any vastu dosh, negativity at home, it is a solution.

h) By lighting a diya near beltree daily, one can bring prosperity, positivity and happiness in the house.

Don’ts

Belpatra should never be broken on tithis of Hindu Panchang – Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Dwadashi, Chaturdashi, Amavasya, Purnima, Sankranti and Monday and after noon. This is the reason for Lord Shiva’s displeasure. That’s why avoid breaking the belpatra on these dates. One can pluck the belpatra on Sunday and offer it to Shivling on Monday.

Conclusion

Hence, Belpatra possess several religious, spiritual and medicinal benefits. However, it’s clear that Belpatra holds utmost value in our lives. Offering Bilvapatra to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has special significance. Lord Shiva becomes happy even on offering a belpatra, hence he is also called Ashutosh. Bel tree is very sacred. That’s why it is also called Shivdrum. Belpatra is a symbol of prosperity and giver of prosperity. Have a blessed time ahead.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

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