BhaktiLoopBilva Patra Pooja (108/1008)
The Bilva Patra Pooja is a highly revered ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, where Bilva (Bael) leaves, considered sacred to Him, are offered to the Shiva Lingam. This puja is performed by offering either 108 (Ashtottarashata) or 1008 (Sahasranama) Bilva leaves, each accompanied by the chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya' or specific names of Lord Shiva from the Shiva Ashtottarashatanama Stotram (108 names) or Shiva Sahasranamavali (1008 names). It is believed that Lord Shiva is extremely pleased by the offering of Bilva leaves, especially on Mondays and during the month of Sawan (Shravan).
Purpose
To invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth, peace, prosperity, good health, removal of obstacles, fulfillment of desires (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), purification of mind and body, and attaining liberation.
Key Rituals
- Purvangam (Preparatory Rituals):**
- Sankalpa: Taking a vow or firm intention for performing the puja, stating the purpose, date, and location.
- Ganapathi Puja: Invocation and worship of Lord Ganesha for removal of obstacles.
- Guru Vandana: Offering respect to one's spiritual teacher (Guru).
- Deep Prajvalan: Lighting the traditional lamp (diya).
- Kalasha Sthapana (Optional for elaborate puja): Establishing a consecrated pot filled with water, representing divine presence.
- Pradhanangam (Main Rituals):**
- Shiva Avahanam: Invoking the presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Asana Samarpan: Offering a seat to the deities.
- Padya, Arghya, Achamaniya: Offering water for washing feet, hands, and sipping.
- Abhishekam: Ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar (Panchamrit), followed by pure water (Shuddhodaka Snanam).
- Vastropachar & Yagnopaveet: Offering new clothes and sacred thread (if applicable).
- Gandha, Akshata: Applying sandalwood paste and offering unbroken rice grains.
- Bilva Patra Samarpan (Core Ritual): The central part of the puja, offering 108 or 1008 fresh, unbroken Bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam, typically chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' with each leaf, or reciting the 108/1008 names of Lord Shiva (Ashtottarashatanamavali/Sahasranamavali) while offering a leaf with each name.
- Pushpa Samarpan: Offering other sacred flowers (Datura, Aak flowers are particularly dear to Shiva).
- Dhoop & Deepam: Offering incense and lighting a lamp (Arati).
- Naivedyam: Offering food items, fruits, and sweets (e.g., Modak, Laddoo, milk sweets).
- Tamboolam & Dakshina: Offering betel leaves with nuts and a monetary offering.
- Uttaranga Puja (Concluding Rituals):**
- Aarti: Waving the lamp in front of the deities while singing devotional songs.
- Pradakshina: Circumambulating the altar/deity (clockwise).
- Pushpanjali: Offering a handful of flowers as a final respectful gesture.
- Kshama Prarthana: Seeking forgiveness for any known or unknown errors during the puja.
- Visarjan (Optional for household puja): Symbolic bidding farewell to the invoked deities, requesting them to return to their abode.
- Post-Puja:**
- Prasad Vitaran: Distribution of the blessed offerings to devotees.
Common Offerings
Fresh Bilva leaves (especially three-lobed leaves)
Water (Gangajal if available)
Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar (for Panchamrit Abhishekam)
Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
Vibhuti (Sacred ash)
Dhoop (Incense sticks)
Deepam (Oil lamp/Ghee lamp)
Flowers (Datura, Aak, White flowers)
Fruits (especially seasonal fruits)
Sweets (Modak, Laddoo, Kheer)
Paan (Betel leaves with betel nuts and condiments)
Bhang (Cannabis - offered in some traditions, particularly during Shivaratri, with caution and in specific forms)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning
I bow to Lord Shiva. This is the Panchakshari Mantra, symbolizing the five elements and universal consciousness.
Benefits
Considered the primary mantra for Shiva worship, it brings peace, spiritual progress, purifies the mind, and fulfills desires.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe, Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.
Meaning
May we know that Supreme Purusha (being), the Great God (Mahadeva). May Rudra (Shiva) illuminate our intellect.
Benefits
This is the Shiva Gayatri Mantra, chanted for knowledge, wisdom, divine protection, and spiritual enlightenment.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
Meaning
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May he liberate us from the bondage of Samsara (birth and death) like a cucumber from its stalk, leading us to immortality.
Benefits
Known as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, it is chanted for longevity, good health, protection from diseases, accidents, and untimely death, and for spiritual liberation.
Auspicious Days
Maha Shivaratri (The Great Night of Shiva)
Sawan (Shravan) Maas (especially Mondays during this holy month)
Pradosham (Thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, especially when it falls on a Monday or Saturday)
Any Monday (Somvar), as Monday is considered Shiva's day
Masik Shivaratri (Shivaratri observed monthly on the 14th day of the dark fortnight)
Regional Variations
While the core ritual of offering Bilva leaves remains universal, regional variations may include: differences in the sequence of subsidiary rituals, specific hymns or Stotrams used (e.g., Lingashtakam, Shiva Tandava Stotram), inclusion of elaborate Abhishekam with various sacred items, the type of Prasad offered, and the involvement of priests versus self-performance at home. The number of leaves (108 vs. 1008) depends on the devotee's dedication, time, and resources.
Related Pujas
Rudrabhishekam (Elaborate Abhishekam to Lord Shiva accompanied by chanting of Sri Rudram)
Laghu Rudra / Maha Rudra (More extensive versions of Rudrabhishekam involving multiple priests and longer durations)
Shiva Lingam Puja (General daily or occasional worship of the Shiva Lingam)
Maha Shivaratri Puja (Annual grand celebration of Shiva's wedding and Tandava)
Somvar Vrat (Fasting observed on Mondays in honor of Lord Shiva)