Worshipping the Bilva tree (also known as Bel or Bael) holds a special significance in Hinduism, particularly in the worship of Lord Shiva. The Bilva tree and its leaves are considered sacred and are believed to bring spiritual, physical, and material benefits. Here's a detailed guide on how to properly conduct a Bilva tree puja, including preparations, steps, mantras, and the significance of this ritual.
1. Importance of Bilva Tree Worship
The Bilva tree is sacred in Hinduism, as it is associated with Lord Shiva. The Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) are offered during Shiva puja and are believed to please Him greatly. Scriptures describe the Bilva tree as residing in Shiva's abode, and offering its leaves to Him helps absolve sins and purify the soul.
Key Benefits:
- Spiritual Growth: Fosters inner peace and mental clarity.
- Health Benefits: The Bilva fruit and leaves are used for various Ayurvedic remedies.
- Prosperity: Brings harmony and wealth to the household.
2. Cleanliness & Preparations
Before starting any religious ceremony, maintaining physical and environmental cleanliness is essential:
- Bathe and wear clean clothes. It is considered important to begin the worship in a purified state.
- Clean the area around the Bilva tree. Remove any fallen leaves and dirt.
- Keep your mind calm and free from negative thoughts. You can meditate briefly to focus.
3. What to Wear – Color of Clothes
For the Bilva tree puja, it’s important to wear clean, simple, and respectful clothes.
- Blue or black clothes are generally avoided during auspicious occasions in Hinduism as these colors are often associated with mourning or negativity.
- Prefer wearing white, yellow, or saffron-colored clothes, which are considered pure and sacred.
- Women may wear a saree or salwar-kameez, while men may wear a dhoti or simple kurta.
4. Puja Items Required
You will need the following items for the Bilva tree worship:
- Bilva leaves (fresh and intact, with three leaflets in a group)
- Water in a copper or brass vessel
- Milk
- Honey
- Panchamrit (a mix of five sacred substances: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar)
- Kumkum (red powder for tilak)
- Haldi (turmeric)
- Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Akshata (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric)
- Flowers, especially white or yellow
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- Ghee lamp (Diya)
- Fruits (especially Bilva fruits if available)
- Naivedyam/Prasad (sweets, milk, or anything you wish to offer)
5. Simple Steps to Perform Bilva Tree Puja
Here are the step-by-step instructions for worshipping the Bilva tree:
- Clean the surroundings of the Bilva tree and sprinkle water around the area.
- Offer water to the roots of the Bilva tree, as it symbolizes purification and nourishment.
- Apply Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum to the trunk of the tree.
- Light a Diya near the tree and burn incense sticks.
- Chant the Om Namah Shivaya mantra or any Shiva-related mantra while sitting near the tree.
- Offer Bilva leaves at the base of the tree. Hold the leaf with its stalk facing towards the tree and the tip of the leaf towards you.
- Pour Panchamrit (a mix of milk, honey, and ghee) on the base of the tree, symbolizing the nourishing of the divine.
- Offer flowers at the base of the tree.
- Offer Naivedyam/Prasad (fruits or sweets) to the tree as a symbolic gesture to Lord Shiva.
- Conclude the puja by chanting Shiva mantras or Bilvashtakam (a hymn dedicated to the Bilva leaf).
6. Mantras and Prayers
The following mantras are commonly chanted during the Bilva tree worship:
Mantra for Offering Bilva Leaves:
Tridalam Trigunakaram Trinethram Cha Triyayudham, Trijanma Paapa Samharam Eka Bilvam Shivarpanam.(This leaf of Bilva with three leaves representing the three aspects of divinity—destroyer, creator, and preserver—is offered to Lord Shiva to destroy sins.)
Shiva Mantra:
Om Namah Shivaya(This mantra is a powerful chant in praise of Lord Shiva.)
Bilvashtakam: Reciting the Bilvashtakam (a set of eight verses dedicated to the glory of the Bilva tree) is considered auspicious. You may find the full text in traditional prayer books or online sources.
7. Prasad to Be Prepared
Typically, the following are offered as Prasad to the Bilva tree and Lord Shiva:
- Fruits (Bananas, coconuts, or Bilva fruit itself if available)
- Milk and Panchamrit
- Sweets like Laddu, Payasam, or Kheer.
- You can offer simple food made without onion and garlic, such as rice, pulses, and ghee.
8. How to Conclude the Puja
- Aarti: After offering all the items, perform an aarti with a ghee lamp in a clockwise direction around the tree while chanting mantras or the Shiva Aarti.
- Prayers for Blessings: Seek blessings for health, peace, and prosperity by offering a silent prayer or repeating Shanti Mantras.
- Circumambulation (Pradakshina): Walk around the Bilva tree three or five times in a clockwise direction, showing your reverence.
9. What to Do with the Leftover Puja Items?
- The leftover Bilva leaves used in the puja should be placed respectfully under the tree or offered into a flowing river. They should not be discarded randomly.
- The Panchamrit or Prasad can be consumed by the devotees and family members as a blessing from Lord Shiva.
- Any unused flowers or incense can be placed near the roots of the tree.
10. Importance and Benefits of Worshipping the Bilva Tree
- Spiritual Purification: Offering Bilva leaves is said to wash away sins from previous births.
- Connection to Lord Shiva: The worship of the Bilva tree brings one closer to Lord Shiva, increasing spiritual devotion.
- Physical Healing: The Bilva tree is known for its medicinal properties, such as treating digestive issues and improving immunity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Worshipping the Bilva tree is also said to bring prosperity and harmony to the household.
By performing this puja with sincerity and devotion, you can receive the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual and physical benefits of this sacred practice.