Shivaji's favorite 'Bilvapatra'.

- It is said that bilvavriksha is a form of Mahadev. And the gods also praise it

Bhagwan has given an important place in the worship of Vishnu and in the worship of Shiva. Durva is also given a special place in the worship of Ganesha and Tulsi in the worship of Vishnu. It is said about this bill

At the root of the bill is Brahmarup, in the middle is Vishnurup and in Agratvag is Shivarup. Greeting such a bill, I hold this one bill at Shankar's feet. Also, I offer to Shankara this three-leafed Sattva, Raj and Tamo Gun Swarup, Trinetravala, Three Ayudh Swarup and this bill which destroys the sins of three births. '

Explaining the importance of Bilvapatra in Bilvashtak, he also said that Shaligram should be offered to Brahmins. And the virtue that is obtained from it and the virtue that is obtained from Somayagna is obtained by offering a bill to Mahadev Shankar. Not only that but its sight and touch also destroys the sins of all three births. Even by reciting this bill near Shiva, man becomes free from all sins and dies in Shivlok.

The billboard is triangular. So it has three leaves. Which is a symbol of knowledge-devotion- and karma. While worshiping Shivaji, Shivaji must be pleased by keeping these three values ​​in mind and worshiping with a billboard.

If Lord Shiva is worshiped with God-given intellect in these three stages of human virginity, youth and Zara (war), then human being becomes a definite Shiva form and makes life beneficial. As a symbol of this, a three-party bill has been offered to Shivaji.

- Mythological significance: There is also a mythological reason for the importance of the bill. Once upon a time there was a point of sweat on the forehead of Goddess Parvati. The goddess threw the khankheri on the ground and a huge tree fell out of it.

One day while walking around, the goddess saw a deciduous tree. Sahiyar Jaya, who came with him, said, 'Why? I don't know but the mind is very happy to see this tree.

Giving the reason, his friend said, Goddess! It has grown from your perspiration point. Hence its name 'Bilv' (Shivpuran-Prathamakhand)

There is also a myth that the root of this tree is Shiva Parvati, Gauri in the bark, Umadevi in ​​the flower, Parvati in the leaves and Kavyayani in the fruit. In short, the goddess resides in different forms throughout the tree, so the billboard is of special importance in the worship of Lord Shiva.

It is said that Bilvavriksha is a form of Mahadev. And the gods also praise it.

All the tirthas in the three worlds reside in the original part of the bilva, which is the place where human beings worship the linga form Mahadevji. That determination takes the place of Shiva. The one who takes off the leaves of the bilberry tree and worships it. He is free from all sin.

In Ayurveda, Bilva is called 'Rogan Vibhati Bijati' which destroys diseases, hence it is called Bilva. It has been shown to be useful in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the digestive system, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Bilwadichurna is available in the market.

In this way the health and spiritual importance of the bill-tree is shown in the scriptures. (Our cultural heritage)

- Dr. Umakant J. Joshi