Kaala Bhairava Stotram

Kaala Bhairava, Varanasi

Hi Viewer,

Welcome to my blog on Kaala Bhairava, a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva. 

Let us first listen to Shiva Thaandava Stotram in the following link, to take us nearer to the Bhairav manifestation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZmXrPIkcEo&list=WL&index=24

Bhairava is a protector god, who guards the eight directions. He is also the protector of women, especially the timid ones. Bhairava is also the Guardian of Travelers, particularly those who travel at night. He is also believed to grant protection from sadness, premature death, debt, and tragedy. You can find Bhairava idol in almost all temples, situated in the North-East corner. Literal meaning of Kaal Bhairav would be guardian or controller of time. He is considered as a protector and destroyer of evil.  He is the chief of security of the temple premises and on a daily basis, the key of the sanctum sactorium is placed at his feet in the night and is taken back in the next morning. He is often depicted with a dog as his vehicle, a rod or "danda" or Trishul to punish sinners, and adorned with snakes. 

Mythology

There is a myth associated with this deity as detailed in Shiva Purana. When creation started, Lord Vishnu was lying on Adisesh snake bed in the Milky Ocean. From his naval, a lotus sprouted upwards into the sky and Lord Brahma came into existance. Brahma did not know his origin or the reason why he was created. He heard a voice which ordered him to meditate to know his origin and purpose. After spending thousands of years in meditation within the lotus stem, He found himself standing by the side of Lord Vishnu. He still did not realise his origin. He asked Vishu who he was. Vishnu replied that he was Brahma's father. Brahma refused to accept this statement and went on to argue with Vishnu that Brahma was the first one to be created as there was no one visible at that time. It ended up with both of them fighting with each other. Suddenly there was a huge column of fire, which appeared from nowhere. Both Brahma and Vishnu stopped their fighing as they were awestruck by this sudden appearance.

A voice came out from the fire column ordering them to stop their fight and hailing that it was Lord Shiva, who is the father of them both. Both Vishnu and Brahma refused to accept it and asked the fire column to prove it. Lord Shiva asked them to find out the ends of the fire column before he could prove himself. Lord Vishnu was asked to find the bottm end, while Brahma was asked to climb up. Vishnu went down in the form of a boar and Brahma went up as a swan. Both of them travelled for thoudans of years but could not reach the edges. 

While Vishnu conceded his defeat and retracked to his original place, Brahma continued his journey upwards. On seeing this Lord Shiva laughed, which resulted in some Ketaki flowers falling down from his head. Brahma caught hold of these flowers and claimed to Lord Vishnu that he has reached the top and seen the head of Lord Shiva. He asked the Ketaki flowers to support his false claim to which the flowers agreed. Brahma informed Vishnu that Shiva had five heads (which he had learnt from the Ketaki flower). Brahma further went on to say that Brahma himself has five heds and therefore he is equal in status to Shiva.

Then, suddenly there was a loud OHM sound which rocked the entire space. Lord Shiva came out of the linga of fire and was furious with Lord Brahma for such a false statement. From the fury, a fierce form of Bhairava came out of the third eye of Lord Shiva. Shiva ordered Bhiarava to severe the head of Brahma for uttering a lie. Bhairava plucked the fifth head of Brahma. Lord Vishnu interfered and pleaded not to severe the other four heads as Brahma happens to be his son. Brahma also fell down to Bhairav's feet for pardon. Shiva ordered that from then on, Brahma would not be worshipped in temples  and that ketaki flowers (Thazhampoo) should not be used for his worship. From then on Ketaki is banned for Shiva worship.

Bhairava & Brahma

Ketaki or Thaazhampoo

While this happenned, Kaala Bhairav had a problem as Brahma's head got stuck in his hand due to brahmahathi dosha, for beheding a brahmin. He could not get it detached and he went on roaming the three worlds in vein. When he came to the holy city of Kashi kshetram, the head fell down on its own, due to the very holy nature of the city of liberation. From then on Kaala Bhairav started residing in Kashi as its Ksethrapalaka and presiding deity. As directed by Shiva he became the controller in all temples to identify and punish those who are evil minded and protecting the good souls by eating their sins. Even today, those visitng Kashi would first visit the temple dedicated to Kaala Bhairav first. He is the Kotwal of Kashi, the guardian policeman. 

Bhairav Worship:

Worshipping Kala Bhairava is believed to grant success, prosperity, and protection from premature death, as he is the one who controls the inexorable march of time. There are many temples dedicated to Kaal Bhairava including the ones at Varanasi, Ujjain, Adichunchanagiri Hills, Karnataka, many in Andhra Pradesh and one in Tamil Nadu at Erode.

Kaal Bhairav uses dog as his vahana (Vehicle), as dog is a symbol of loyalty and watchfulness with full alert. Many believe that caring for a dog keeps Bhairava happy.

Maha Kaala Bhirava Stotram 

(Teekshana Damstra Ashtakam)

Reciting the following Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam is said to eliminate unfounded fears, instil courage, destroy negative energies and bestow protection from evil. This Ashtakam contains several Bija mantras such as : Yam, Lam, Ram, Sham, Aim, Aam, Vam, Ham, Tam,  and Pam. 

Click the following link to listen to this lovely slokam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rv6JG4uoVw&list=WL&index=4

The text and meaning are given below. The text, also called as Teekshana Damstra Ashtakam, is inclusive of several Bija Mantras. The transliteration in Tamil has some unavoidable errors and viewer is requested to follow the sanskrit verses as in the video recital. 

Vrese 1

यं यं यं यक्षरूपं दशदिशिविदितं भूमिकम्पायमानं
सं सं संहारमूर्तिं शिरमुकुटजटा शेखरंचन्द्रबिम्बम् ।
दं दं दं दीर्घकायं विक्रितनख मुखं चोर्ध्वरोमं करालं
पं पं पं पापनाशं प्रणमत सततं भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ १॥

Yam Yam Yam Yaksha Roopam Dash Dishi Viditam Bhoomi Kampaayamaanam.

Sam Sam Samhaar Moortim Shira Mukuta Jataa Shekharam Chandra Bimbam.                     Dham Dham Dham Deergha Kaayam Vikrita Nakha Mukham Jordhvaromam Karaalam.              

Pam Pam Pam Paap Naasham Prannmat Satatam Bhairavam Shetrapaalam.

 யம் யம் யம் யக்ஷ ரூபம் தஷ் திஷி விதிதம் பூமி கம்பாயமானம். 

ஸம் ஸம் ஸம்ஹர மூர்திம் ஶிர முகுட ஜடா ஶேகரம் சந்த்ர பிம்பம் । 

தம் தம் தீர்க காயம் விக்ரித நக முகம் ஜோர்த்வரோமம் கராளம். 

பம் பம் பம் பாப நாஷம் ப்ராந்மத் சததம் பைரவம் ஷேத்ரபாலம்.

Bhairavam is of the form of a Yaksha, the clan of Kubera, the god of wealth. He is well known in all ten directions and is so powerful that he can shake the earth. He is the destroyer, wears the crescent moon upon his matted crowned hair. He is tall, has long nails, fierce face, upright hairs  and terrifying over all. He is the destroyer of our sins. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Verse 2

 

रं रं रं रक्तवर्णं, कटिकटिततनुं तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राकरालं

घं घं घं घोष घोषं घ घ घ घ घटितं घर्झरं घोरनादम् ।

कं कं कं कालपाशं द्रुक् द्रुक् दृढितं ज्वालितं कामदाहं

तं तं तं दिव्यदेहं, प्रणामत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ २॥

RaM RaM RaM rakta varnam, katikatitatanum Teekshna Danstra Karalam!

Gham Gham Gham Ghosha Ghosham GHa GHa Gha Gha Ghatitam GHarghaaram Ghoora naadham!

Kam Kam Kam Kaala Paasam Dhruka Dhruka Dhri kritam Jwalitam Kaamadeham!

Tam Tam Tam divya Deham, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!

ரம் ரம் ரம் ரக்த வர்ணம், கடிகடிதாடனும் தீக்ஷ்ண டன்ஸ்ட்ரா கராலம்! 

Gham Gham Gham Ghosha Ghosham GHa GHa Gha Gha Ghatitam GHarghaaram Ghoora Naadham! 

கம் கம் கம் கால பாசம் த்ருகா த்ருகா த்ரி கிருதம் ஜ்வலிதம் காமதேஹம்! 

தம் தம் தம் திவ்ய தேஹம், பிராண மதம் சடதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!!

He has a fearsome form, blood red in colour, wearing a cloth on his waist, with sharp venomous fangs like a snake. He makes terrifying sounds, roars like thunder. He holds the noose, like Yama, to control time. He blazes with fire around his head, which burns all unwanted desires. His body is very divine in all aspects. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Verse 3

लं लं लं लं वदन्तं ल ल ल ल ललितं दीर्घ जिह्वा करालं

धूं धूं धूं धूम्रवर्णं स्फुट विकटमुखं भास्करं भीमरूपम् ।

रुं रुं रुं रूण्डमालं, रवितमनियतं ताम्रनेत्रं करालम्

नं नं नं नग्नभूषं , प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ३॥

Lam Lam Lam Lam Vadantam la la la la Lalitam Dheergha Jehvaah Karalam!

Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhoomra Varnam Spoota vekata mukham Bhaskaram Bheemaroopam,

Rum Rum Rum Roondamalam, ravitanum neyatam tamra netram karalam!

Nam Nam Nam NagnaBhoosham , PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!

லம் லம் லம் லம் வதந்தம் ல ல ல லலிதம் தீர்க ஜெவாஹ் கராலம்! 

தூம் தூம் தூம் தூம்ர வர்ணம் ஸ்பூத வேகட முகம் பாஸ்கரம் பீமரூபம், 

ரம் ரம் ரம் ரூண்டமாலம், ரவிதானும் நீயாதம் தாம்ர நேத்ரம் கரலாம்! 

நம் நம் நம் நக்னபூஷம், பிரண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம் !!! 

He has long tusks sprouting out of his mouth, projecting his long tongue out. He is of smoky-cloured complexion and has a wide and ferful face. He is radiant like many Suns and has a strong body. He wears a garland made of skulls and is decorated with gems and naked ornaments. His eyes are copper-red and offer a fierce look. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Verse 4  

वं वं वायुवेगं नतजनसदयं ब्रह्मसारं परन्तं

खं खं खड्गहस्तं त्रिभुवनविलयं भास्करं भीमरूपम् ।

चं चं चलित्वाऽचल चल चलिता चालितं भूमिचक्रं

मं मं मायि रूपं प्रणमत सततं भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ४॥

Vam Vam vaayuvegam natajana sadayam Brahma saaram param tam

Kham Kham khadga hastam tribhuvana vilayam bhaskaram bheema roopam

Cham Cham chalitva chala chala chalita chaalitam bhoomi chakram

Mam Mam maayi roopam pranamata satatam bhairavam kshetra paalam

வம் வம் வாயுவேகம் நடஜன சதயம் பிரம்ம சாரம் பரம் தம் 

கம் கம் கட்க ஹஸ்தம் த்ரிபுவன விளையம் பாஸ்கரம் பீம ரூபம் 

சம் சம் சலித்வா சல சல சலித்த சாலைதம் பூமி சக்கரம் 

மம் மம் மாயீ ரூபம் ப்ரணமத சததம் பாலம்

He moves swifly like stormy winds, very compassionate to the humble beings, much like the essence of Brahman Himself, the ultimate Truth. He holds a sharp sword in his hands, and is the detroyer of the three worlds. He is radiant like the Sun with a strong body. He shakes the round earth and is of the form of Maya. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

 

Verse 5

शं शं शं शङ्खहस्तं, शशिकरधवलं, मोक्ष सम्पूर्ण तेजं

मं मं मं मं महान्तं, कुलमकुलकुलं मन्त्रगुप्तं सुनित्यम् ।

यं यं यं भूतनाथं, किलिकिलिकिलितं बालकेलिप्रदहानं

आं आं आं आन्तरिक्षं , प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ५॥

Sham Sham Sham Shankha Hastam, Sasi kara dhavalam, Mooksha Sampoorna Tejam!

Mam Mam Mam Mam Mahantam, Kula macula kulam Mantra Guptam Sunityam!

Yam Yam Yam Bhootanadham, Kili Kili Kalitam Baalakeli Pradhanam,

Aam Aam Aam Aantariksham , PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!

ஷம் ஷம் ஷம் ஷங்க ஹஸ்தம், சசி கர தவளம், மூக்ஷ சம்பூர்ண தேஜம்! 

மம் மம் மம் மம் மஹாந்தம், குல மகுல குலம் மந்திர குப்தம் சுனித்யம்! 

யம் யம் யம் பூதநாதம், கிளி கிளி கலிதம் பாலகேளி பிராதனம், 

ஆம் ஆம் ஆம் அன்டரிக்ஷம், பிராண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!! 

He holds conch in his hand, shines like the moonlight and brilliantly shines offering moksha (liberation) to devotees. He is great and endless, with known and unknown lineage. He is the custodian of secret mantras. He is the lord of all beings and is playful, making all kinds of sounds. He pervades the entire space. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Verse 6

 

खं खं खं खड्गभेदं, विषममृतमयं कालकालं करालं

क्षं क्षं क्षं क्षिप्रवेगं, दहदहदहनं, तप्तसन्दीप्यमानम् ।

हौं हौं हौंकारनादं, प्रकटितगहनं गर्जितैर्भूमिकम्पं

बं बं बं बाललीलं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ६॥

Kham Kham Kham Khadga Bhedam, Visha Mamruta Mayam Kaala Kaalam Karalam!

Ksham Ksham Ksham Kshepra Vegam, Daha Daha Dhanam, Tapta Sandeepya Maanam,

Houm Houm HoumKaara Nadam, Prakatita Gahanam Garjitai Bhoomi Kampam,

Vam Vam Vam Vaala Leelam, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!

கம் கம் கம் கட்க பேதம், விஷ மம்ருத மயம் கால காலம் கராலம்! 

க்ஷம் க்ஷம் க்ஷம் க்ஷேப்ர வேகம், தஹ தஹ தனம், தப்த சந்தீப்ய மானம், 

ஹௌம் ஹௌம் ஹௌம்கார நாதம், பிரகதீத கஹனம் கர்ஜிதை பூமி கம்பம், 

வம் வம் வம் வால லீலம், பிராண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!! 

He is destroyer of enemies and cuts them into pieces. He is poisonous to enemies and offers Amritam (Nectar) to devotees. He is fierce and destroyer of time. He is swift like lightning, burns sinners with intense raging fire. He emits terrible sounds which roar shakes the entire earth. Yet he likes playing like a child. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

 Verse 7

वं वं वं वाललीलं

सं सं सं सिद्धियोगं, सकलगुणमखं, देवदेवं प्रसन्नं

पं पं पं पद्मनाभं, हरिहरमयनं चन्द्रसूर्याग्नि नेत्रम् ।

ऐं ऐं ऐं ऐश्वर्यनाथं, सततभयहरं, पूर्वदेवस्वरूपं

रौं रौं रौं रौद्ररूपं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ७॥

Sam Sam Sam Siddhi Yogam, Sakala guna makham, Deva Devam Prasannam,

Pam Pam Pam Padmanabham, HariHara Mayam,Chandra SuryaAgni Netram,

Aim Aim AIshwarya nadham, Sata ta bhaya haram,Poorvadeva Swaroopam,

Roum Roum Roum Roudra Roopam, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!

சம் சம் சம் சித்தி யோகம், சகல குண மகம், தேவ தேவம் பிரசன்னம், 

பம் பம் பம் பத்மநாபம், ஹரிஹர மயம், சந்திர சூர்ய அக்னி நேத்ரம், 

ஐம் ஐம் ஐஸ்வர்ய நாதம், சத தா பய ஹரம், பூர்வதேவ ஸ்வரூபம், 

ரூம் ரூம் ரூம் ரௌத்ர ரூபம், பிராண மதம் சதம் பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம் !!! 

He is the lord of lords, having yogic powers, filled with all virtues, and always joyful. With a lotus-like naval, he is the embodiment of both Vishnu and Shiva, having Moon, Sun and Agni (fire) as his eyes. He is the lord of all wealth and with his ancient form he extends his protective arms around his devotees. He has a fearful form yet. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Verse 8

 

हं हं हं हंसयानं, हसितकलहकं, मुक्तयोगाट्टहासं, ?

धं धं धं नेत्ररूपं, शिरमुकुटजटाबन्ध बन्धाग्रहस्तम् ।

तं तं तंकानादं, त्रिदशलटलटं, कामगर्वापहारं,

भ्रुं भ्रुं भ्रुं भूतनाथं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ८॥

Ham Ham Ham Hamsayaanam, Hasitakala Hakam, MuktaYogaatta haasam,

Dham Dham Dham Netra roopam, Seramukuta Jatabandha BandhAagra Hastam!

Tam Tam Taankaa nadham, Trida salata la tam, Kaama Garvaapa Haram,

Bhrum Bhrum Bhrum BHootanadham, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!! 

ஹம் ஹம் ஹம் ஹம்ஸயானம், ஹபிதகல ஹகம், முக்தயோகத்த ஹாசம், 

தம் தம் தம் நேத்ர ரூபம், ஶிரமுகுட ஜடாபந்த பந்தஆக்ர ஹஸ்தம்! 

தம் தம் தங்க நாதம், த்ரித சலதலதம், காம கர்வாப ஹரம், 

ப்ரும் ப்ரும் ப்ரும் பூதநாதம், பிரண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்ர பாலம்!!! 

He rides on a Swan as his vehicle,  ever smiling and joyful with yogic bliss in his eyes, holding in his hand a head crowned with a lock of hair, making divine sounds, dazzling the gods and removing the ego (pride) and desires. He is the lord of all beings. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.

Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam

(By Sri Adi Sankara)

The Kala Bhairav Ashtakam was composed by the great philosopher saint of the 8th century AD, Sri Adi Shankara. It has a selection of 8 Slokams hence called a Ashtakam. It is considered highly auspicious to chant Kala Bhairava Ashtakam during Kalashtami day. 

You can hear this Ashtakam in the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voSt9vDpX-g&list=RDvoSt9vDpX-g&start_radio=1

Let us pray to Lord Shiva to protect us from enemies and allay all our fears.

Let me end this blog with the following song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZCekGnT_c&list=RD3XZCekGnT_c&start_radio=1

Ohm, Nama Sivaya

*******************

BILVAASHTAKAM - A POWERFUL OFFERING TO LORD SHIVA

Offering holy Bilva (Vilvam) leaf

Lord Shiva is known to be a simple god who is pleased with even the modest offerings that can include water, milk, Bilva leaves and fruits. The true key to a successful offering to Shiva is the devotion and pure heart of the devotee, not the richness of the offering. 

Lord Shiva is known for his all-encompassing acceptance, which includes rejected creatures like demons, ghosts, animals, and the Halahala poison (during the Samudra Manthan). He likes wild flowers, which are normally not used by the society. He smears the residual ashes and wears tiger skin and snake garlands, instead of ornaments made of gems and precious metals. Pretty different is it not?

He embraces all aspects of life, whether accepted or rejected by society, and even accepts offerings like meat from his devotee Kannappa, demonstrating his inclusive and unconditional love for devotees.  He doesn't look at birth, caste, offerings of a person. He just loves without any demands. After all, he has created everything that exists and he is therefore the father of all creations.

He is ascetic and doesn't care about anything wordly. He would go to any extent of even kicking Yama to defend his devotee Markandeya. He is so powerful, but merciful at the same time, that he can re-write what is fated to happen. He is Mahadev. The God of gods.

Let us begin this blog with this song on Lord Shiva:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20YQgu057P0&list=RD20YQgu057P0&start_radio=1

Dear Viewer,

Welcome to my blog on Bilvaashtakam, composed by Sri Adi Shankara, which extols the virtues of the bilva leaf, the most powerful yet the simplest of offerings to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva has special liking for Bilva leaves and blesses the devotees with plentiful benefits in return. 

As per Skanda Purana, the bilva tree emerged out of the sweat of Goddess Parvathi and is therefore of the fofrm of Goddess herself. No wonder it is dearer to Lord Shiva. Further, the leaves are trifoliate and resemlbles the thriguna form of Lord Shiva.

Bilva (Aegle marmelos) or Baelis is the Indian wood apple tree. It is referred to in Sri Suktam as a Vanaspathi that belongs to Sri (vanaspatis tava vrikshó’ tha bilvah). In the Indian texts, Vanaspathi is described as a class of trees that bear fruit; but, with no blossoming of flowers (a-pushpah, phalavantah). 

“Shree Sooktam” eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as…

“aadityavarne tapasodhijaato vanaspatistava vrukshotha bilvaha tasya phalaani tapasaa nudantu maayaanta raayaashcha baahyaa alakshmeehi ||”

Oh Lakshmi, who is as bright as the sun, that noble tree, Bilva was brought forth by your devout austerities (tapas). May the fruits of the tree drive away my misfortunes and poverty both internal and external.

In “Maha Lakshmi Ashtothara Shatanaama Stotram” we find Goddess Lakshmi described as “bilva nilayam” the one who dwells in the Bilva Tree. 

”Bilva nilayAm varArOhAm yashasvinIm”.

To overcome financial problems, devotees chant a powerful “stotra” called “Shree Venkateswara Mahishi Mahalakshmi Stotram” while offering Bilva leaves. 

Click on the link below to hear this slogan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQzsr_szchA&list=RDBQzsr_szchA&start_radio=1

In Sri Venkateshwara Ashtottara Sathanaamaavali, we find Lord Venkateswara referred to as “Bilvapatraarchana priyaaya nama:”!

At Tirumala temple there is a tradition to worship Lord Venkateswara with Bilva patram during “dhanurmaas” corresponding to “Dec-Jan period and also on Fridays.

A Garden of Bilva trees (Bilva Vanam) is equivalent to Kaashi kshetram. It is very auspicious to have a Bilva tree at home. According to Vastu-Sastra, a house with Bilva Tree in the North East  bestows all kinds of wealth & removes unforeseen dangers.

A conversation between Lord Vishnu and Paarvati, which occurs in Shiva Rahasya, named as “Bilva Ashtottara Shata Stotram”, goes like this:

“ashtaayaam somavaare cha pradhosha shiva raatrishu,

aardhraayaam guru vaare cha tridalai bilva patrai

ashtotara shatam karyam archanam Shiva mastake,
tena swargamavaapnoti Shiva saayujyamaapnuyaat”

If one worships with the three segmented Bilva leaf, on ashtami days (eighth phase of moon), Mondays and Thursdays, Pradhosha kaalams or Shiva raatiri days or on star Arudhra days, with 108 leaves on Lord Shiva’s head, He would reach heaven and would merge with Lord Shiva.

A confluence of three leaves (trifoliate) is called “bilva dala”. It is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva’s weapon Trident (trishool) which destroys the sins of past 3 births. There are also penta-foliate Bilva leaves, having 5 leaves, known as panchadala patra found on some Bilva trees and we may find 7 or 11 leaves also. Maha vilvam has 12 leaves.

It is mentioned in Puranas that when Lord Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison which emerged during the samudram Mandan process, he suffered from severe irritation in his throat, and he was cured by Devas by offering Bilva leaves which has a cooloing effect. Henceforth, bilva leaves became an essential offering to Lord Shiva.

The Bilva fruit, its trunk-skin, leaves and roots are said to be lively (sri-yukta), having great medicinal properties.

There is a story of a hunter who went up a tree to avoid a tiger and stayed up the tree the whole night as the tiger was still roaming around on the ground. To make sure he did not fall asleep, he started plucking the leaves one by one and throwed it down. He also washed his face frequently using the water in hand. He did not know that htere was a shiva lingam atthe bottom of the tree and it was a shiva rathri day. The tree on which he was stuck that night was a bilva tree and he had in fact been offering the bilva leaves to shiva lingam and offering water for abishekam too. In the morning he was transformed into a spiritually enlightened person by the grace of the Lord. Lord Shiva blessed the hunter, absolving him of his sins and granting him salvation. If such acts of accidental worship can benefit the person, one can understand the benefits if one purposelfully offers bilva leaves to the Lord.

Let us now proceed to understand the Bilvaashtakam, given to us by Saint Sri Adi Shankara.

Bilvaashtakam - Text and Meaning

Maha Vilvam with 12 leaves

This short slokam consists of ten verses, which are dedicated to the effect of offering bilva talam to Lord Shiva, while performing the archana. Each verse is a couplet, having two lines. The slokam goes on to praise the Lord's glory, before placing each bilva leaf on the Lingam.

You can recite Bilvashtakam along the following lines. Click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-MUK07CnXs&list=RDq-MUK07CnXs&start_radio=1

    त्रिदलं त्रिगुणाकारं त्रिनॆत्रं च त्रियायुधं 

    त्रिजन्म पापसंहारम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

tridaḻaṃ triguṇākāraṃ trinētraṃ cha triyāyudham ।

trijanma pāpasaṃhāraṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

த்ரிதளம் த்ரிகுணாகாரம் த்ரிநேத்ரம் ச த்ரியாயுதம்

                த்ரிஜன்ம பாபசம்ஹாரம் ஏக வில்வம் ஷிவார்ப்பணம்          ... 1

A Bilva dalam has 3 leaves as a cluster; may be it represents three Gunas (Satva, Rajas, Tamas). Or may be it represents the three eyes of Lord Shiva, namely, the Sun, Moon and Agni. It may also represent the Trishul (Trident). Lord Shiva has three weapons, the mace, trident and the bow (pinaka) to save his devotes. Hence the word 'triyayutham' is usd here.

What ever it may represent, the fact remains that the moment we utter Lord Shiva's name and offer him one bilva leaf, we are rid of all the accumulated sins of the past janmas. I therefore offer one leaf of Bilva to Lord Shiva. This is the merit of offering one bilva leaf.

                                  

त्रिशाखैः बिल्वपत्रैश्च अच्चिद्रैः कॊमलैः शुभैः 

तवपूजां करिष्यामि ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

                            triśākhaiḥ bilvapatraiścha achchidraiḥ kōmalaiḥ śubhaiḥ ।

       tavapūjāṃ kariṣyāmi ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥  ....2

I offer one shoot of bilva having three leaves, which are defect-free and softas well as tender, as these are considered auspecious for offering the the great Lord.

While offering the leaves, we should take care to remove those leaves which have holes, torn or dry and weather beaten.

अखण्ड बिल्वपत्रेण पूजिते नन्दिकेश्वरे ।

शुद्ध्यन्ति सर्वपापेभ्यो ह्येकबिल्वं शिवार्पणम् ॥३॥

akhaṇḍa bilvapatreṇa pūjite nandikeśvare .

śuddhyanti sarvapāpebhyo hyekabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ..3..

அகண்ட வில்வபத்ரேன பூஜிதே நந்திகேஷ்வரே

ஷுத்யந்தி சர்வ பாபேப்யோ ஏக வில்வம் ஷிவார்ப்பணம்

I offer one whole and defect free Bilva leaf of to Shiva, who is the Lord of   Nandikeswara. With this offering just one leaf, I am freed of all sins.

                        कॊटि कन्या महादानं तिलपर्वत कॊटयः 

                        काञ्चनं क्षीलदानॆन ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

kōṭi kanyā mahādānaṃ tilaparvata kōṭayaḥ । 

kāñchanaṃ śailadānēna ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥ 

 கோடிகன்யாமஹாதானம் கில பர்வத – கோடய:

காஞ்சனம் ஸீலதாநேந ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம். .......4

By offering one bilva dalam to Lord Shiva with devotion, I aqcuire the punya of having performed one crore Kanya dhananm (offering daughters in marriage), offerng  a mountain of gold and also mountains of sesame seeds as gift.

काशीक्षॆत्र निवासं च कालभैरव दर्शनं 

प्रयागॆ माधवं दृष्ट्वा ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

kāśīkṣētra nivāsaṃ cha kālabhairava darśanam ।

prayāgē mādhavaṃ dṛṣṭvā ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

காஸிஷேத்ர நிவாஸம் ச காலபைரவ தர்ஸனம்

ப்ரயாகே மாதவம் த்ருஷ்ட்வா ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம். ....5

By offering one bilva dalam to Lord Shiva, I become blessed the same way as if I stayed in holy city of Kasi and had dharshan of Lord Kalabhairava there; in addition, I get the benefit of a dharshan of Lord Madhava at Prayag. Such is the power of offering a bilva leaf to Lord Shiva. 

इन्दुवारॆ व्रतं स्थित्वा निराहारॊ महॆश्वराः

नक्तं हौष्यामि दॆवॆश ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

induvārē vrataṃ sthitvā nirāhārō mahēśvarāḥ ।

naktaṃ hauṣyāmi dēvēśa ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

இந்துவாரே வ்ரதம் ஸ்தித்வா நிராஹாரோ மஹேஸ்வர:

நக்தம் கௌஷ்யாமி தேவேஸ ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.....6

The Lord of Lords, Maheswara, willl bless us when we observe vratam on Mondays by not taking any food (fasting) in the mornings and have light food in the evening time. Such Somavara vratam will please the Lord. Let us offer one bilva leaf to Lord Shiva on Mondays .

रामलिङ्ग प्रतिष्ठा च वैवाहिक कृतं तधा 

तटाकानिच सन्धानम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

rāmaliṅga pratiṣṭhā cha vaivāhika kṛtaṃ tathā ।

taṭākānicha sandhānaṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

ராமலிங்க ப்ரதிஷ்டா ச வைவாஹிக க்ருதம் ததா

தடாகாதி ச ஸந்தானம் ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்....7

By offering one bilva leaf to Lord Shiva, we obtain the blessings same as that received by Lord Rama when he installed the Shiva Linga at Rameswaram. The merit of installing the Ramalingam (as Lord Rama did), and similarly, the merit gained by performing marriages and constructing lakes, is equal to that of offering a single bilva leaf to Lord Shiva

अखण्ड बिल्वपत्रं च आयुतं शिवपूजनं 

कृतं नाम सहस्रॆण ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

akhaṇḍa bilvapatraṃ cha āyutaṃ śivapūjanam ।

kṛtaṃ nāma sahasrēṇa ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

அகண்ட பில்வபத்ரம் ச ஆயுதம் ஸிவபூஜனம்

க்ருதம் நாம ஸஹஸ்ரேண ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

Lord Shiva should be worshipped with a whole (unblemished) Bilva leaf. Having chanted his name a thousand times I offer a Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva.

उमया सहदॆवॆश नन्दि वाहनमॆव च 

भस्मलॆपन सर्वाङ्गम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

umayā sahadēvēśa nandi vāhanamēva cha ।

bhasmalēpana sarvāṅgaṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

உமயா ஸஹதேவே ச நந்தி வாஹனமேவ ச

பஸ்மலேபன ஸர்வாங்கம் ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

Oh Lord Shiva, You are seated beside your consrt Goddess Uma, with Nandai as your vehicle. Your whole body is smeared with the holy ashes. I hereby offer one leaf of Bilva to you.

सालग्रामॆषु विप्राणां तटाकं दशकूपयॊः 

यज्नकॊटि सहस्रस्च ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

sālagrāmēṣu viprāṇāṃ taṭākaṃ daśakūpayōḥ ।

yajñnakōṭi sahasrasya ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

ஸாலக்ராமேஷு விப்ராணாம் தடாகம் தஸகூபயோ:

யஞ்ஜகோடி ஸஹஸ்ரம் ச ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

Gifting of a Salagramam to a deserving person who does pooja daily is considered worthy. By offering one leaf of bilva to Lord Shiva, the devotee acquired such merits of offering a salagramam. Besides, the devotee also obtains the benefits of performing countless yagnyas. Thus, one acquires great virtue. 

दन्ति कॊटि सहस्रॆषु अश्वमॆध शतक्रतौ

कॊटिकन्या महादानम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

danti kōṭi sahasrēṣu aśvamēdhaśatakratau cha ।

kōṭikanyā mahādānaṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

தந்திகோடி ஸஹஸ்ரேஷு அஸ்வமேத ஸதக்ருதௌ

கோடிகன்யா மஹாதானம் ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

This verse mentions the benefits of giving away three gifts, namely, thousands of elephants, large number of sacrifices through Aswamedha  Yaga and performing many kanya dhaanams to eligible bachelors. The virtue derived by these gifts can be obtained simply by offering one bilva leaf to Lord Shiva.

बिल्वाणां दर्शनं पुण्यं स्पर्शनं पापनाशनं

अघॊर पापसंहारम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

bilvāṇāṃ darśanaṃ puṇyaṃ sparśanaṃ pāpanāśanam । 

aghōra pāpasaṃhāraṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

பில்வானாம் தர்ஸனம் புண்யம் ஸ்பர்ஸனம் பாபநாஸனம்

அகோர பாப ஸம்ஹாரம் ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

Bilva tree is so holy that even a mere dharshan of the tree is considered meritorious. Also even touching the tree destroys our sins. Even extreme sins committed by us gets washed away. The reason for this is that a bilva tree is the residing place of all the gods. I offer one bilva leaf to Lord Shiva.

The bilva tree is conceived as the supreme being who takes the forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva for creating, sustaining and finally resolves ahat is created. The vedic hymn Shri Rudram salutes the Lord saying नमो वृक्षेभ्यो हरिकेशेभ्यः । 

सहस्रवॆद पाटॆषु ब्रह्मस्तापन मुच्यतॆ

अनॆकव्रत कॊटीनाम् ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

sahasravēda pāṭēṣu brahmastāpanamuchyatē ।

anēkavrata kōṭīnāṃ ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

ஸஹஸ்ர வேத பாடேஷு ப்ரஹ்ம ஸ்தாபனமுச்யதே

அநேக வ்ரத கோடீனாம் ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

By offering one bilva leaf to Lord Shiva, one aquired the benefit of reciting the Vedas a thousadn times, which elevates one to great spiritual heights and it also offers the benefit of observing fasting many times.

अन्नदान सहस्रॆषु सहस्रॊप नयनं तधा

अनॆक जन्मपापानि ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

annadāna sahasrēṣu sahasrōpanayanaṃ tadhā ।

anēka janmapāpāni ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

அந்நதான ஸஹஸ்ரேஷு ஸஹஸ்ரோபநயனம் ததா

அனேக ஜன்ம பாபாநி ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

Offering one Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva bestows the benefit of donating food to thousands of people. It also bestows the benefit of performing thousands of Upanayanam (Thread ceremony) to brahmacharins. It wahses away the sins committed in previous births.

बिल्वस्तॊत्रमिदं पुण्यं यः पठॆश्शिव सन्निधौ

शिवलॊकमवाप्नॊति ऎकबिल्वं शिवार्पणं

bilvāṣṭakamidaṃ puṇyaṃ yaḥ paṭhēśśiva sannidhau ।

śivalōkamavāpnōti ēkabilvaṃ śivārpaṇam ॥

பில்வாஷ்டகம் இதம் புண்யம் ய: படேத் ஸிவஸந்நிதௌ

ஸிவலோக மவாப்நோதி ஏக பில்வம் ஸிவார்பணம்.

One who reads these verses in the proximity of the Lord, either in a temple or in one's puja room will get absolved of the sins and reached Shivalokam. It goes without saying that the reading should be done with faith and devotion. Let us offer one leaf of bilva to Lord Shiva and obtain his blessings.

Om Namasivaya

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