Why are Bilva Leaves Used in the Worship of Shiva?

Bel Patra or Bilva patra refers to the leaf of the Bel tree. It is one of the popular offerings to Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction. Its virtues have been extolled in the famous work Bilvashtakam, which also speaks of Shiva’s fondness for it. It is believed to be a sacred tree, and offerings to Shiva are regarded as complete only in the presence of Bilva leaves. The trifoliate leaf is also rich in symbolism. For instance, it represents different triads like Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu and the 3 Gunas like sattva, rajas, and tamas. It also represents the 3 syllables in the primordial sound, AUM. They also indicate the 3 eyes of Shiva and his weapon, the trident/Trishul.

According to one myth, the Bel tree came into being from the droplets of Goddess Parvati’s sweat. The Skanda Purana says that the drops of sweat fell on the Mandrachal mountain, and a tree appeared at that spot. It was Parvati who gave the tree its name. The belief is that she resides in it in all forms.

The bel leaves contain her essence. So, it is not surprising that they are very dear to Shiva. People offer Bel leaves as a gesture of purification and to show that they are surrendering their soul to Shiva.

The Shiva Purana says that Bel patra is among the 6 divine articles used in the worship of Shiva.

Significance of Bel Patra in Mythology

Mythology explains the significance of Bel Patra in the worship of Shiva. When the gods and demons churned the Milky Ocean for Amrit, the nectar of immortality, one of the things that emerged from the ocean was a deadly poison called Halahala. The poison was so deadly that the entire Universe was in peril of destruction. The gods begged Shiva to save the world, and he magnanimously swallowed the poison. As the poison caused severe heat and pain, Shiva was given the Bel patra to soothe the symptoms. Hence, the leaf became dear to Shiva, and it became an important offering to the deity.

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The leaves also have medicinal properties, and are used in Ayurvedic medicine. People believe that the leaves’ fragrance can purify the air and calm the mind. So they are very good for meditation and other spiritual practices.

Many myths talk about the significance of the Bilva Patra. Ravana, the demon king and antagonist of the Ramayana, offered Bilva Patra to Shiva to gain his favor. This pleased Shiva a lot.

During Shravan month, in Shiva temples, priests chant Shiva Mantras and place Bilva Patra on the Shiva Lingam. This tree is also called a wood apple tree.

The Sri Suktam of Rig Veda describes this plant as the abode of Goddess Lakshmi.

In general, Bel Patra is a symbol of purity and devotion in the Hindu religion. Offering it to Shiva can bring his blessings and good fortune.

Spiritual Meaning

Spiritually, offering Bel patra signifies the surrender of one’s ego and the 3 Gunas to Shiva. In symbolic terms, it represents the release from worldly desires and attachments and seeking to merge with God.

The trifoliate leaves of the Bel Patra supposedly represent the 3 aspects of Shiva - Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. So, offering them to him is a way to honor his threefold nature.

Choosing the Right Leaves for Worship

Many of the Bel leaves have stripes and chakras on them. Such leaves are not meant for use in worship. Bel patra containing Vajra and Chakra are believed to be fragmented. The leaves should also be whole and not torn.

Those who perform Pooja for Shiva and Parvati using the leaves can gain spiritual powers. Even a fallen Bilva tree is not used as firewood, as it can arouse Shiva’s anger. People use the wood only in sacrificial fires.

Many worship Shiva by chanting the sacred Mantra “Eka Bilvam Shivārpanam”.

Being one of Shiva’s favorites trees, Bilva has an important place in Shiva temples. The thorns of this tree symbolize Shakthi, while the branches represent the Vedas. The roots represent Rudra or Shiva himself. Many believe that the Bilva tree can cure all sins.

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