What is Bel Patra?
Bel patra is a famous leaf from India. It comes from a plant which is also known as bilva patra in Sanskrit language. The word ‘bilva’ means bel tree, while the word ‘patra’ means leaf. Bel patra also have a fruit called the bel fruit. The fruit has a firm shell and its taste is sour.
Bel patra has several names and pronunciations depending on where you live in India. This herb is culturally, socially, and therapeutically significant.
Who do we usually offer Bel Patra?
Bel patra is one of the most significant samagri needed when we worship Lord Shiva. Bel patra leaves are believed to be Lord Shiva’s favourite. The three leaves of bel patra represented the three gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva).
There is also another saying that the three leaves of bel patra is nothing but the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
Not just the Hindu dharam, bel patra is also considered auspicious by Jains dharam. The 23rd Tirthankara, Parshavantha, is said to have gained enlightenment under the bel tree.
Does Bel Patra has medicinal benefits?
Can we chew Bel patra?
Bel patra has many medicinal benefits. The fruit of bel tree is high in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, fibre, Vitamin B1, B6, and B12. And as we know all these are required by the body for general growth and development.
Bel patra is so effective that Ayurveda proclaims that consumption of bel leaves can help in easing the effects of all there three doshas- Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha.
And if you dont know about Dhanvantri, Ayurveda doctor, who is still worshipped by Doctors in India. Must read the article.
Another benefit of bel patra is that its paste helps to reduce body odor and eradicate white spots. The bel patra juice helps to reduce hair fall.
Now if you are wondering what is so special about bel patra to be offered during rainy season?
5 places to offer powerful Bel Patra during rainy season
According to Hindu mythology rainy season an auspicious season as the it brings water to the land. India has been always a faming country. Most celebrations are around faming season. During rainy season when most field get water they deserve comes with many practices as an offering to the god.
Where all should you offer bel patra during rainy season?
Shiv Temple Door (entrance)
The first bel patra should be offered to in Shiva temple door . As this place is the house of our lord. Lord Shiva stays there and we are able to visit and worship him because if the temple. It is common in India where we are asked to offer gratitude to whoever made us reach our god.Shivlin
Nandi’s forehead
Second bel patra should be offered to lord Shiva’s vehicle, sawari- Nandi. Nandi is lord Shiva’s devotee. He was blessed by Lord Shiva to be his carrier. As a gratitude to take care of lord, devotee offer bel patra to Nandi.
Shivling water stream
Third bel patra should be offered to the water steam which is comes from head of Shivling to the ground. Its a way to show gratitude to Ganga Maa who flows from the head of Lord Shiva. She is the source was water to so many things in India.
Pot on Shivling
Fourth bel patra is offered to the pot which drops the water on Shivling. We are grateful to the pot as it gives water to shivling all the time and helps us fulfill are wishes to give water to Shivling.
Shivling head
Fifth bel patra is offered to Shivling. It is said that if you all the ritual of offering all the bel patra in series as mentioned, a devotee’s wish is granted by Lord Shiva.
What to keep in mind when offering bel patra to Lord Shiva
Remember to carefully wash the bel patra before giving it to Lord Shiva. Aside from that, there should be no blemishes or cuts in the bel patra. Offering fractured bel patra does not bring good fortune.
Leaf fragments should not be served.
Make certain that no leaf includes the chakra or the bajra. Insects leave a white imprint on the bel leaf known as a chakra. When presenting bel patra, bear in mind that three leaves should be provided to represent Lord Shiva’s three eyes.