Bel Pátra
Bel Patra is considered the ideal tree to worship Lord Shiva. Since every part of Bel tree is said to contain goddess Parvati. It is believed that the Bilva tree was created by Lord Brahma. Bilva trees are considered in the form of Shiva. It is also said that the worship of Shiva which is done without offering Bilva leaf is fruitless. Skanda Purana mentions that the sweat droplets of Goddess Parvati once fell and landed on the Mandranchal Mountain which led to the growth of Bel or Bilva plant.
The sacred trifoliate leaf is placed on the top of Linga while chanting prayers
Trifoliate leaf represents;
1.It represents three Main Gods of Hindu religion–
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
1. The trifoliate shape signifies Shiva’s three eyes
2.The Trifoliate represents three spokes of the lords Trishul.
3.It is believed that if someone worships a Shivalinga under a Bilva tree, that person can reach salvation
4. If one touches the Bel Patra, he/she is freed from all negativities, sins and ailments.
5. The Bel tree is said to contain the goddess, Parvati. It is considered the ideal tree to worship Lord Shiva.
Medicinal Benefits:
1.Bel is a traditional medicinal plant, and all parts are utilized for their various therapeutic properties.
2.Its unripe Bilva fruit helps to cure disorders caused by Vata and Kapha.
3.It’s known to be effective in Chronic diarrhea and Ulcerative colitis.
4.Chew 4-5 Bael leaves every morning on an empty stomach. Continuing this routine for a prolonged time keeps diabetes in check. Bael leaves juice can be extracted by mixing it with a little water in the blender.
5.The leaves are soaked in water overnight and in the morning – strained and used as a beverage. It can be consumed daily and is also known to give relief from dyspepsia, sinusitis, cold, gastritis and indigestion
Reason behind offering Bilva leaves to God Shiva on Maaheshvari?
1.Offering of Bel Patra leaves, is equivalent to the merit obtained through a thousand Yagya sacrifices
2. Bilva leaves can reduce the effect of poison and cool the body heat.
3.This had given coolness to shiva and since then the tradition of offering Bilva leaves. It is believed that worship of Lord shiva is incomplete without Bilva Patra.
The Bael plant might also participate in the absorption and neutralization of harmful poisonous gases from the atmosphere. Bael might also possess potential radioprotective properties. It might help the normal cells of the body against the harmful effects of exposure to radiation.
Dr. Suresh Khanna
