Hindu Rituals

Spiritual Significance of Bel Patra (Wood Apple)

Bel Patra is an essential part of Sanatana culture and has been used in various religious ceremonies for centuries. It is believed that Lord Shiva simply adores the Bel tree and its leaves. Bel Patra, also known as Bilva or Bael, is a sacred leaf used to worship Lord Shiva. This leaf has tremendous significance in Sanatana rituals, and it is believed to possess several health benefits. Let’s learn about it.

Origins

As per the ancient text of Skanda Purana, once, a drop of Mother Parvati’s sweat fell on the Mandarachal mountain while she was meditating. Miraculously, a Bel tree grew out of it. Since the Bel tree originated from the sweat of Mother Parvati, it is believed that all the forms of Mother Parvati reside in it. She lives in the form of Girija in the tree’s root, Maheshwari in its trunk, Dakshinayani in the branches, and Parvati in the leaves. Her Katyayani form resides in fruits, and Her Gauri form resides in flowers.

Why is Bel Patra offered to Mahadev?

When poison came out as a result of the celestial sea churning, Lord Shiva took this poison in his throat to save the entire existent creation. Due to the effect of the poison, His throat turned blue, and His whole body started emitting fierce heat, due to which the surrounding environment started burning.

Since Bel Patra reduces the poison effect, all the Gods, Goddesses, and Rakshasas started feeding Bel Patra to Lord Shiva. Along with Bel Patra, water was also offered to Shiva to keep him cool. Due to the effect of Bel Patra and water, the heat generated in Bholenath‘s body started to cool down. Since then, the practice of offering water and Bel Patra to Shiva Lingam has begun.

Medicinal properties of Bel Patra

The leaves of the Bel tree have been used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Here are some of the medicinal properties of Bel Patra:

Anti-inflammatory:

Bel Patra contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. It is believed to be effective in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Digestive properties:

Bel Patra is known to have digestive properties and is effective in treating digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery. It can help to regulate bowel movements and improve digestion.

Antimicrobial properties:

Bel Patra is known to have antimicrobial properties and can help to fight off bacterial and viral infections. It effectively treats infections such as cholera, typhoid, and other digestive system infections.

Antioxidant properties:

The leaves of the Bel tree are rich in antioxidants that can help to protect the body from free radicals. It can help reduce oxidative stress and prevent damage to the body’s cells.

Anti-cancer properties:

Bel Patra is believed to have anti-cancer properties and is effective in preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is believed to be effective in treating certain types of cancer, such as breast and lung cancer.

Cooling effect:

Bel Patra has a cooling effect on the body and effectively reduces fever. It is also believed to be effective in treating heat stroke and other conditions caused by excessive heat.

The Spiritual Significance of Bel Patra

It is believed that the three leaves of the Bel Patra symbolize the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The plant is considered sacred and is often used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and prayers.

In Hinduism, the Bel Patra holds great spiritual significance. It is believed that offering Bel Patra to Lord Shiva, especially during the worship of the Shiva Lingam, can bring great blessings and benefits.

The three leaves of the Bel Patra are said to represent the three qualities of the universe – Satva, Rajas, and Tamas. It is believed that offering these leaves to Lord Shiva helps to balance these qualities and achieve spiritual harmony. Offering these leaves to Lord Shiva symbolizes the devotee’s desire to purify their thoughts, words, and actions and gain spiritual insight and enlightenment.

According to belief, the Bel Patra plant can eliminate negative energy and create a positive atmosphere at home. In addition, it is believed that the plant can promote good health and prosperity. Another customary practice is to light a lamp underneath the Bel tree to enhance knowledge.

Bel Patra is also believed to be able to remove negative energy and bring positivity to the surroundings. Therefore, it is often used in spiritual practices and is considered a powerful tool for enhancing meditation, concentration, and spiritual growth.

A devotee who cannot go to any pilgrimage place if he worships the root of the Bel tree in the month of Shravan and offers water to it, then he gets the virtue of visiting all the pilgrimages. According to the scriptures, if you worship with Bel Patra on Sunday, all your sins are washed away. Not only Lord Bholenath, but when you worship Bholenath’s beloved Lord Kuber Ji on Tritiya by offering Bel Patra to Him, then there will never be a shortage of money in your house for generations.

Keep these things in mind while offering Bel Patra on Shivling:

– Always offer Bel Patra with three leaves on Shivling.
– Use Bel Patra after washing it well before offering it to Lord Shiva.
– Whenever you offer Bel Patra to Mahadev, keep in mind that after offering Bel Patra, offer water.
– Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay‘ while offering Bel Patra.

In conclusion, Bel Patra holds immense significance in Hindu culture and is an integral part of various religious ceremonies. The Bel tree and its leaves are considered sacred. Offering Bel Patra to Lord Shiva is believed to bring spiritual and material blessings. Besides its religious significance, Bel Patra has numerous health benefits and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The Bel tree and its leaves have been a part of Hindu culture for centuries, and their significance continues to be celebrated even today.

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