She resides as Girija in the roots of the tree, as Maheshwari in its trunk, as Dakshayani in its branches, Parvati in its leaves, Katyayani in its fruit and as Gauri in its flowers. Hence, it is believed that the Goddess resides in this tree in all Her forms. According to the Skanda Purana, the Bel tree grew from the sweat droplets of Parvati which fell on the Mandrachal mountain. One Bilva is equal to a thousand lotus, says the Siva Purana. it is difficult to understand its greatness. According to Shiva Purana, The bilva is the symbol of lord shiva. It also signifies the three eyes of Shiva. This leaf is trifoliate which signifies the holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Bilva leaves is from the wood apple tree. Hence, Bilva Patra is one of the most important offerings used for the worship of Lord Shiva. If a person prays to Shiva with a clear mind and offers a Belpatra to the Shivalinga, the Lord blesses them with whatever they desire. Shiva is very fond of Belpatra or the Bilva leaves. Bilva Patra shares a very special relationship with Lord Shiva. They are to be oп¬Ђered in a group of three leaves and are said to have features that identify them with Lord Shiva himself. Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam stotram is a very powerful chant that describes the power and glory of offering bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam stotram was composed by Jagad Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Shiva lingashtakam