The month of Sawan is considered very sacred and important in Hinduism. In this month, special worship of Lord Shiva is done. This year the third Monday of Sawan falls on 05 August. Worshiping Lord Shiva on Monday has special significance, and the tradition of offering Belpatra on Shivling on this day is very ancient and important. But do you know that there are some special rules for offering Belpatra, which are essential to follow. Let us know according to the beliefs, what things should be kept in mind while offering Belpatra on the third Monday of Sawan and what mistakes should not be made.
Importance of Belpatra
Belpatra is one of the main worship materials offered to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Belpatra is very dear to Lord Shiva. Tridev – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh reside in Belpatra. Therefore, offering Belpatra on Shivling on the third Monday of Sawan or anytime brings blessings of Lord Shiva and removes all the troubles of life.
Rules for offering Belpatra
1. Take care of cleanliness: Wash the Belpatra thoroughly before offering it. Offer only clean and fresh Belpatra to Lord Shiva. On the third Monday of Sawan and while offering Belpatra on Shivling, first of all you can apply tilak on the Belpatra with sandalwood or write Om. Belpatra should always be offered to Shivling from the smooth side.
2. Three-leafed Belpatra: Always offer three-leafed Belpatra. If three-leafed Belpatra is not available, then five or seven-leafed Belpatra can also be offered, but offering one, two or four-leafed Belpatra is prohibited.
3. There should be no defect on the Belpatra: There should not be any kind of hole or insect mark on the Belpatra. Such Belpatra is deemed impure and should not be presented to Lord Shiva.
4. Do not keep the Belpatra upside down: While offering Belpatra, the smooth side (shiny side) of its leaf should be towards the Shivling. The rough side of the leaf should not be upwards.
5. Do not re-use the same Belpatra: The Belpatra which has once been mounted on Shivling should not be reused. Be it the third Monday of Sawan or whenever you worship Lord Shiva, try to offer only fresh Belpatra to Baba Bholenath.
Third Monday of Sawan: Special mantra for offering Belpatra: Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivay” while offering Belpatra. Apart from this, one can also chant the following mantra: Namo billimine ca kavachine ca namo varmmine ca varuthine ca namah shrutaay ca shrutasenay ca namo dundubbhyay ca hanananyaya ca namo grishnve.
Darshanam Bilvapatrasya Sparshanam Papanashanam.
Aghor sin sahanaram bilva patraam shivarpanam.
Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram cha tridhaayudham.
Sins of three births are destroyed, Bilvapatra Shivarpanam.
Akhandai Bilvapatraischa worship Shiva Shankaram.
Kotikanya Mahadanam Bilva Patraam Shivarpanam.
Grihan Bilva Patrani Sapushpani Maheshwar.
Sugandhini Bhavanish Shivatvankusum dear.
