Shravan 2024: Find out why Bel Patra is offered to Lord Shiva

Updated July 22, 2024 at 7:18 PM IST

People fast for the entire day and then break their fast after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening during Shravan Somwar Vrats. One of the main components of the offerings made to Lord Shiva is Bel Patra. Read on to know more about Bel Patra and how it is offered to Lord Shiva.

Know why Bel Patra is offered to Lord Shiva

Shravan is an extremely important month in Hinduism. Also known as Sawan, it is considered as the month of Lord Shiva and people observe fast during this month. It is believed that fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati during this month will help in getting their blessings. The month of Shravan has started today, July 22 and will end on August 19.

This year there will be five Shravan Somwars and people will fast on all these Mondays. People fast throughout the day and then break their fast after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening. However, there are certain rules that you need to follow while worshipping Lord Shiva. One of the main elements of offerings to Lord Shiva is Beautiful Patra.

Read on to learn more about Bel Patra and how it is offered and more.

The bel patra is believed to be one of the favourite objects of Lord Shiva and is also a symbol of the Holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). The three leaves of the bel patra are also believed to represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva. According to Rudra Life, the Shiva Purana states that this leaf is among the six divine objects used to worship Lord Shiva.

“According to the scriptures, the Bel tree was born from the sweat drops of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The Skanda Purana mentions that the sweat drops from the forehead of the goddess fell on the Mandrachal mountain and a tree grew out of it. She named the tree Bilva and it is believed that she resides in all forms, in the tree.”

How is bel patra offered to Lord Shiva?

There is a certain way to offer bel patra to Lord Shiva. Before offering it to Lord Shiva, write ‘OM’ with chandan/sandal on the leaves and then offer it to Lord Shiva, as per Ganesha Speaks. It is also said that one should offer the bel leaves with the stem towards the Pindi and the upper part of the leaf towards oneself.