Why are Bilva leaves offerd to lord Shiva


Bilva leaves are dear to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva and they have close links with Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Hindus
  
Bilva tree(s) is grown  in all major shiva temples.  Besides Lakshmi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Gauri live in this sacred tree. Bilva leaves are widely used by the priests for temple ritual and prayers, particularly when chanting mantras in Sanskrit. This practice has been in vogue for several centuries. The tree, being holy and dear to Lord shiva, the dry  trunk should not be cut to pieces and used as fuel. The Santhal tribes of Northern  India worship the tree stumps and offer prayers. Hindus believe  that our Karma will get considerable relief  if Bilva leaves are offered to the Shiva Linga - a way of reducing our sins committed knowingly or un-knowingly. The trifoliate form of leaves symbolize the trident that Shiva holds in his right hand

How to choose Bel Patra?

While choosing the Bel leaves to offer on Shivling, make sure that there should not be more stripes on the Bel leaves. Many leaves of Belpatra have chakras and stripes which should not be used in worship. It is said that Belpatra containing Chakra and Vajra is considered to be fragmented.

While sorting for offering Bel leaves on Shravan Somvar, make sure that Bel leaves should not be cut or torn from anywhere. If you have not been able to collect more bel leaves, then one Belpatra can also work, but keep in mind that it should not be torn from anywhere

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What does Shiva's Trishul represents

Image
  Trishul  represents the three aspects of consciousness - waking, dreaming and sleeping, and it represents the three gunas- satva, rajas and tamas . Holding a trishul (Trident) signifies that Shiva (the divinity) is above all the three states- waking, dreaming and sleeping, yet is the upholder of these three states Hindu God Shiva : The Trishul is strongly associated with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Shiva is often depicted holding a Trishul, which represents his power and authority. The three prongs of the Trishul symbolize various aspects of Shiva's role, including creation, preservation, and destruction. It represents the balance of forces in the universe and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Balance and Harmony : The Trishul is seen as a symbol of balance and harmony. The three prongs represent the three primary energies or forces in the universe, known as Gunas in Hindu philosophy—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). The Tr
Read more

12 Jyotirlingam

Image
  The twelve Jyotirlingas are revered shrines in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are considered to be the most sacred and powerful abodes of Lord Shiva. Here is a list of the twelve Jyotirlingas: Somnath Jyotirlinga : Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ended his earthly journey and left for his heavenly abode. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga , Andhra Pradesh: Situated in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is associated with the story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that a Shiva Lingam on top of the mountain split into two, representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga : Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous and revered Jyotirlingas. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a light (Jyoti) to vanquish an evil demon. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga : Situated
Read more