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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be
true.

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Swami Vivekananda

SAMSKAARAM

NITYA KARMA

NATURE & SPIRITUALITY

NUMBERS IN VEDIC LIFE

ABOUT US

DHARMA SPEAKS

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Nitya KarmAs
abhivAdanam
Achamanam

Bilva
WHAT?

WHY?

WHO?

WHERE?

HOW ?

WHEN?

EXCEPTIONS

DHARMA SPEAKS

prANAyAmam
sandhyAvandanam
samidAdhAnam
brahma yagyam
bhojana vidhi
pitru tarpaNam

Bilva is a sacred tree and most loved by Lord ShivA. It is called bael in hindi and vilvam in tamil.
Its fruit is also called Sri phala, meaning plenty.
The Bilva tree (Aegle Marmeolus), also called wood apple tree/stone apple
tree grows in almost all parts of India, irrespective of the nature of the soil,
and is bitter, astringent and dry by nature. Its leaves are used in the worship
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mahalakshmi. Bilva leaves are said to be the
vegetal form of Lord Shiva.

upAkarmA
gAyatree japam

A confluence of three leaves (trifoliate) is called bilva dala. It is a symbolic

representation of Lord Shivas weapon Trident (trishool) which destroys the
sins of past 3 births. There are also penta-foliate Bilva dalAs having 5 leaves
known as panchadaLa patra found on some Bilva trees and we may find 7 or
11 leaves also.
Lighting a lamp under the tree bestows knowledge and enables the devotee
to merge in Lord shiva.

In chapter 1.1.21, Shiva PurAnA, Sage Romaharshana

expounds to the sages of naimishaaranya :
1.

Bilva fruit is considered to be an embodiment and manifest form of Lord Shiva himself. It is believed that all the
places of pilgrimage dwell at the base of Bilwa vrukshA The sacred tree can only be known to a limited extent
Adored by all the Gods, its importance is difficult for anyone to comprehend. If a devotee removes a new leaf fr
the branches and worships the tree with it then, he would be free from vice.
2. The famous poem Bilvaashtakam, Verse 6 says:

lakshmyaascha stana utpannam mahaadeva sadaa priyam, bilva vriksham prayachchhaami eka
bilvam shivaarpaNam

Born from the breasts of Goddess Lakshmi, the Bilva tree is always dear to Mahadeva. So Lord
Lakshmi is also worshipped with an archanA of bilva leaves, especially on Fridays and especially
shraavan month. This would shower the worshipper with abundant wealth and prosperity.
3. The shree sooktam eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as

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