Bilva (scientific name: Aegel mermelos) is from the Rutaceae family. This tree (also called Bel tree) is native to India and also found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In Sanskrit, this tree is called Shivadruma (tree of Shiva), in Hindi, it is known as Bel or Bael, and in English, it is called wood apple, stone apple, golden apple, holy fruit, Bengal quince or Indian quince.
Bilva leaves are an integral part of worshipping Lord Shiva and Hindus widely use these leaves in their daily puja, as well as in religious ceremonies, especially those linked with Lord Shiva. Bilva patra (Bel leaves) have been mentioned in many Hindu scriptures and carry a spiritual as well as medicinal importance.
Sadhguru’s Guidance on Utilizing Bilva Leaves for Worship
On the spiritual path, every supportive element is crucial. In Indian culture, even the Bilva leaf is recognized for its unique resonance, not because it is inherently dear to Shiva, but because its reverberation is said to be closest to the spiritual essence referred to as Shiva.
You may use the Bilva leaves during your daily puja or while worshipping Lord Shiva. The unique trident-shaped Bilva leaves add a beautiful touch to your worship. When offering Bilva leaves to Shiva, it’s important to take the leaf with you after the offering. The Bilva leaf has a unique ability to absorb and retain the reverberation from the worship. Keeping these leaves, energized by the Shivalinga, in your pocket is believed to fill you with positive energy, promoting overall well-being.
Bilva leaves possess some amazing properties and find uses in spiritual practices and Ayurvedic medicine. Here we will look at the religious and spiritual significance of Bilva leaves and their scientific importance.
Spiritual Significance of Bilva Leaves
Hindu scriptures say that the Bel tree emerged from the drops of sweat of goddess Parvati. According to Skanda Purana, droplets of sweat fell from devi Parvati’s forehead, from which a tree emerged on the Mandrachal mountain. Goddess Parvati named it as Bilva. It is believed that the goddess Bilva resides in the Bel tree in all her forms.
In the roots of the Bilwa tree, she is believed to manifest as Girija, in its trunk as Maheshwari, in its branches as Dakshayani, in its leaves as Parvati, in its fruit as Katyayani, and in its flowers as Gauri. Hence, the Bilwa tree is considered sacred as it is believed to host the various forms of Parvati, symbolizing her divine presence in nature. Thus, every part of the tree is said to be containing Goddess Parvati, which is why the leaves of this tree are considered ideal for the worship of Lord Shiva.
The trifoliate leaves are also representative of the three syllables in Aum, widely recognized as the sound of the creation of the universe.
Bilva leaves have a trifoliate structure, where the tripatra (three leaves) are believed to signify the trinity of creation, preservation and destruction.
Bilva tree is believed to have the essence of celestial light.
The three leaves are also said to represent the three gunas, rajas, tamas and sattva.
According to Puranas, if you worship Lord Shiva with Bilva leaves, he grants all your wishes.
It is believed that Bilva leaves absorb Lord Shiva’s energy, so if you use these leaves during worship, even you gain some of Lord Shiva’s energy.
It is said that touching the Bel leaves can help you get rid of negativity and disease, and free you from sins.
It is believed that if you worship the roots of the Bel tree, you can gain knowledge of the truth.
Lighting a lamp (diya) under a Bel tree is said to usher positivity into the house.
Planting a Bel tree can help in preventing lunar problems in the house.
Having a Bilva tree in the house is believed to keep evil eyes away, help prevent conflicts in the family and aid in maintaining well-being of everyone in the house.
Health Benefits of Bilva Leaves in Ayurveda
The unripe Bel fruit helps relieve gut health disorders. It has an astringent and bitter taste. It improves digestion.
Bilva fruit is a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, and C. It is also a good source of fibre, potassium and calcium.
Bilva leaves help in reducing blood sugar levels. Consumption of the juice of crushed Bel leaves can help control blood glucose levels.
Bel leaves juice is also effective against hair fall. Drinking this juice can help you combat hair loss and give you smooth, shiny hair.
Bel leaves can be effective in controlling cholesterol levels.
The Bel tree has certain medicinal properties. Some Hindu scriptures say that bilva leaves have antibiotic and antifungal properties, and can benefit overall health.
Owing to the antifungal and antiviral properties of Bel leaves, they can be used in treating infections.
Bilva leaves can be used in treating skin rashes and give relief from excessive sweating. They can help in removing body odour.
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of Bilva, it helps reduce inflammation in the joints and bones. Bel stem finds uses in treating arthritis.
Applying a paste of Bilva leaves on an inflamed region can help give fast relief.
Oil extracted from bel is said to be helpful in treating respiratory problems like cold and asthma.
The Bilva leaf, considered Shiva’s favorite, is renowned for its medicinal properties and is traditionally used in ancient Indian science for its therapeutic benefits, particularly as a natural cleanser.
