We are all aware of the fact that Bel leaves have always been used as offerings to Lord Shiva. But the question here is why is this leaf considered to be sacred. The famous Bilvashtakam extols the virtues of the Vilva leaf and Lord Shiva’s love for it. However, the common belief is that the tree has been held sacred for many millennia and offerings made to Lord Shiva are incomplete without Vilva leaves.
There have been many symbolisms attributed to this leaf, one being that the trifoliate or the tripatra are believed to be representing the three main trinities viz the creator Brahma, the preserver Lord Vishnu and the destroyer Lord Shiva. It even represents the three gunas or qualities the sattva, rajas and tamas or is a significance of the three syllables which formulate the word Aum, the primordial sound that resonates Shiva’s essence. The three leaves are also attributed to be the three eyes of Lord Shiva or the trishul, his emblematic weapon. All these are legendary beliefs relating to the sacred Bel leaves but what makes it so sacred is yet to be proven.
As Dr. Chawla puts it, all the three leaves of the Vilvapatra come from the same soil, then why is it so that one leaf is more sacred than another? Is it some kind of a prejudice? After all, everything comes from the soil. Both the neem fruit and the mango fruit come from the same soil but they taste very different? How one particular life processes the same soil and how another life processes the same soil is different. What is the difference between a worm and an insect, and one and another human being? It is all the same stuff but still what we make out of it is different.
Dr. Chawla explains that when people are on the spiritual path they are constantly looking for support in every possible manner because it is an unknown terrain. In Indian culture, every little thing that can provide support is identified through observation and meditation. Even nature, including flowers, fruits and leaves are not left out. Why is the vilva in particular considered sacred? It has always been said that the vilva is dear to Shiva. What does he care? It’s not that it is dear to Shiva. When we say it is dear to Shiva, we mean that in some way its reverberance is closest to what we refer to as Shiva.
When we say it’s dear to Shiva, we mean that in some way its reverberance is closest to what we refer to as Shiva.
We identified many things like this and only those things are offered because they become the means to get in touch with the Almighty. When we offer the vilva to Shiva, we are not going to leave the leaf with him. We are supposed to take it with us after it is offered because this particular leaf has the highest capability to absorb that reverberance. If we place it on the linga and take it, it has the ability to retain the reverberation for a long period of time. It stays with us and provides and enriches us with health, wealth, well being and a relaxed mental state.
Dr. Chawla says that there are many such materials which are recognized sacred tools that people use. This is not about Gods, this is about us and our ability to access something with faith and determination.
There have been many symbolisms attributed to this leaf, one being that the trifoliate or the tripatra are believed to be representing the three main trinities viz the creator Brahma, the preserver Lord Vishnu and the destroyer Lord Shiva. It even represents the three gunas or qualities the sattva, rajas and tamas or is a significance of the three syllables which formulate the word Aum, the primordial sound that resonates Shiva’s essence. The three leaves are also attributed to be the three eyes of Lord Shiva or the trishul, his emblematic weapon. All these are legendary beliefs relating to the sacred Bel leaves but what makes it so sacred is yet to be proven.
As Dr. Chawla puts it, all the three leaves of the Vilvapatra come from the same soil, then why is it so that one leaf is more sacred than another? Is it some kind of a prejudice? After all, everything comes from the soil. Both the neem fruit and the mango fruit come from the same soil but they taste very different? How one particular life processes the same soil and how another life processes the same soil is different. What is the difference between a worm and an insect, and one and another human being? It is all the same stuff but still what we make out of it is different.
Dr. Chawla explains that when people are on the spiritual path they are constantly looking for support in every possible manner because it is an unknown terrain. In Indian culture, every little thing that can provide support is identified through observation and meditation. Even nature, including flowers, fruits and leaves are not left out. Why is the vilva in particular considered sacred? It has always been said that the vilva is dear to Shiva. What does he care? It’s not that it is dear to Shiva. When we say it is dear to Shiva, we mean that in some way its reverberance is closest to what we refer to as Shiva.
When we say it’s dear to Shiva, we mean that in some way its reverberance is closest to what we refer to as Shiva.
We identified many things like this and only those things are offered because they become the means to get in touch with the Almighty. When we offer the vilva to Shiva, we are not going to leave the leaf with him. We are supposed to take it with us after it is offered because this particular leaf has the highest capability to absorb that reverberance. If we place it on the linga and take it, it has the ability to retain the reverberation for a long period of time. It stays with us and provides and enriches us with health, wealth, well being and a relaxed mental state.
Dr. Chawla says that there are many such materials which are recognized sacred tools that people use. This is not about Gods, this is about us and our ability to access something with faith and determination.
As always a very good tip sir
ReplyDeletegood advice
ReplyDeleteso attractive Thoughts
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