Do you know why Lord Shiva loves Bel Patra so much?

Bilva Patra, also known as Bel Patra, is the leaves of the Bel fruit. Bel has great importance in the worship of Lord Shiva. Bel Patra is very dear to Lord Shiva. Any person can please Lord Shiva by offering Bel Patra to fulfill his wish. And can get the desired blessings for himself. Today we will tell you what are the benefits of offering Bel Patra to Lord Shiva, why does he love Bel Patra, which type of Bel Patra is good.

Table of Contents

1. Why does Lord Shiva love Bel Patra?
2. The mantras should be chanted while offering Bel Patra
3. Benefits of offering Bel Patra on Shivling
4. How to offer Bel Patra to Lord Shiva?

Why does Lord Shiva love Bel?

There are many reasons why these leaves are considered a favourite of Lord Shiva:

Mythological origin: According to Skanda Purana, the Bilva tree originated from drops of sweat of Goddess Parvati, making it a sacred plant and deeply connected to Lord Shiva.
Symbolic representation: The three-lobed shape of the Bilva Patra symbolises the Hindu Tridevas – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Shiva). It represents the three aspects of God.
Symbol of Shiva’s three eyes: According to scriptures, the three leaves of the Bilva Patra also represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva – the third eye being the eye of divine wisdom and destruction.
Devotional significance: Offering Bilva Patra to Lord Shiva is considered a sign of complete surrender, as the three Gunas of Tamas, Rajas and Sattva are represented by the three leaves. This aligns with Shiva’s role as the destroyer of ego.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits: Bilva fruit and leaves have many Ayurvedic medicinal properties, making them auspicious offerings. They are used to treat many diseases like digestive problems, diabetes and skin problems.

The mantras should be chanted while offering Bel Patra

- This mantra symbolises the three leaves of Bel Patra and the three eyes of Shiva.
"Om Namah Shivaya" - This mantra salutes Lord Shiva and is meant to obtain his grace.
"Om Harihar-Atmane Namah" - This mantra symbolises the unification of Shiva and Vishnu, who represent the Hindu trinity.
By offering Bel Patra to Shivling while chanting these mantras, the devotee soon receives the grace of Lord Shiva and his blessings.

Benefits of offering Bel Patra on Shivling

Since Lord Shiva loves Bel Patra, we get many benefits by offering Bel Patra to him.
Offering Bel Patra to Lord Shiva removes problems of daily life as well as our health related diseases. Some of which are as follows:
Poverty is removed and wealth and grains increase.
Women get the benefit of having children
The body's immunity increases and problems like cold and cough are cured.
The health of a patient suffering from heart disease improves.

How to offer Bel Patra to Lord Shiva?

1. For plucking and offering Bel Patra, one should not pluck it on Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi and Amavasya dates, during Sankranti and on Monday.
2. At least three-leafed Bel Patra should be offered. Bel Patra with less than three leaves should not be offered.
3. The leaves should not be torn or stained.
4. Bel Patra should be offered with the help of ring finger, thumb and middle finger.
5. There must be a stream of water on the Shivling along with the Bel Patra. While offering, one should chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya.
6. If new Bel Patra is not available in sufficient quantity, then the Bel Patra offered on the Shivling can be washed with clean water and offered again. Many leaves of Belpatra have stripes, such Belpatra is not considered suitable to be offered to Lord Shiva.