Why are belpatra and Ganges water offered to Lord Shiva?
The month of Sawan is very dear to Shiva. It is said that the churning of the ocean took place in the month of Savan, in which Halahal poison came out and Lord Shiva took it inside himself. After this, there was a burning sensation in his throat, after which all the gods, demons and demons bathed Baba Bholenath with the water of the Ganges. Along with this, Bilvapatra was offered. In the present times, the devotees offer Gangajal and Belpatra (Bilvapatra) to Baba Bholenath. But you know the reason behind it. If not, then let us tell you the reason behind it today.
Why is Bilvapatra offered to Baba Bholenath? (Sawan 2023)
Belpatra is very dear to Lord Bholenath. According to religious belief, if Belpatra is not offered in the worship of Lord Shiva, then the worship is considered incomplete. Three leaves of belpatra joined together are considered sacred. These three leaves are considered as Tridev. It is believed that the three leaves represent the trident of Mahadev. It is also believed that offering three joined leaves of belpatra on the Shivling gives peace to Lord Shiva and pleases Lord Shiva.
When Lord Bholenath drank poison (Sawan 2023)
When it came to drinking the poison, all the gods and demons retreated and prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of the poison. At that time Lord Shiva drank poison. When Lord Shiva wore poison, some drops of poison also fell on the earth, which were absorbed by snakes, scorpions and other poisonous creatures. Due to this they all became poisonous. Whereas Lord Shiva absorbed all the poison in his throat.
Why is Ganga water offered to Lord Shiva?
In Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, offering Ganga water in Sawan is considered to be of special importance. According to the legend, in the past when the terror of the demons increased and the demons took over all the three worlds. At that time the gods and sages went to Lord Sri Hari Vishnu, where he advised them to churn the ocean to get victory over the demons. After this, the deities along with the demons churned the ocean in Kshir Sagar with the help of Vasuki Nag and Mandar Parvat. From this, along with 14 gems, nectar and poison were obtained.
That’s why Jalabhishek is done with Gangajal
According to belief, Lord Shiva was in a lot of trouble during that time. To extinguish or reduce this pain, Ravana and the gods brought Gangalaj and gave them drink, which reduced the pain of poison. Since ancient times, Lord Shiva’s Jalabhishek is done with the water of the Ganges. In modern times, Kanwariyas travel to Kanwar carrying Ganga water and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva with Ganga water.
