Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam was composed by Jagad Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam is a powerful chant that speaks of the power and glory of offering bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. They are to be offered in a group of three leaves and are said to have features that identify them with Lord Shiva himself. Bilva Patra shares a very special relationship with Lord Shiva.
Shiva is very fond of Belpatra or the Bilva leaves. If a person prays to Shiva with a clear mind and offers a Belpatra to the Shivalinga, the Lord blesses them with whatever they desires. Hence, Belpatra is one of the most important ingredients which is used for the worship of Lord Shiva. Bilva leaves is from the wood apple tree. This leaf is trifoliate which signifies the holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It also signifies the three eyes of Shiva. According to Shiva Purana, The bilva is the symbol of lord shiva. It is adored even by the gods. it is difficult to understand its greatness. Blessed are the ones who offer Bilva. One Bilva is equal to a thousand lotus, says the Siva Purana. According to the Skanda Purana, the Bel tree grew from the sweat droplets of Parvati which fell on the Mandrachal mountain. From there the Bel tree emerged. Hence, it is believed that the Goddess resides in this tree in all Her forms. She resides as Girija in the roots of the tree, as Maheshwari in its trunk, as Dakshayani in its branches, Parvati in its leaves, Katyayani in its fruit and as Gauri in its flowers.
Therefore as Parvati resides in Her various forms in this tree, Shiva is extremely fond of its leaves. According to Sri Bilva Shtakam, bel tree grew from the breast of Lakshmi. Those who offer one leaf of Bilva to Śiva is possibly equal to the spiritual bliss attained by the offer of a śāligrāma stone to a Brahman. Giving millions of elephants in charity, performing hundreds of Vājapeya sacrifice, or giving away millions of daughters in marriage equal the offering of one Bilva-leaf to Śiva. Those who recite this sacred Bilvāṣṭkam near Śiva shall be freed from all the sins and will attain the abode of Śiva.
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