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Sawan 2026: In worship of Lord Shiva Belpatra The place is considered very special. Shiva worship is considered incomplete without offering water, Dhatura, Bhasma and Belpatra on Shivalinga. Belpatra is so dear to Lord Shiva that even by offering one of its leaves, the devotee gets virtue. But do you know that there are some days mentioned in the scriptures when plucking Belpatra is considered prohibited?
Often people pluck fresh Belpatra and offer it to Lord Shiva on Monday or on any special Shiva festival, whereas the scriptures give different instructions in this regard. Let us know what are the rules for breaking Belpatra and what can a devotee do if breaking Belpatra is prohibited on any day.
On which days should Belpatra not be plucked?
Linga Purana There is a famous verse in relation to breaking Belpatra –
Amariktasu Sankrantiamashtamyaminduvasare.
Bilvpatram na cha chhindyacchindyachennarkam vrajet॥
meaning of the verse
According to this verse, Belpatra should not be broken on Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, Sankranti and Monday. The scriptures consider these days especially revered. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to damage the Bel tree during these dates. The word “Narakan Vrajet” has been used in the verse to explain the importance of this rule. This means that a person who deliberately disobeys religious rules becomes guilty of sin.
In religious tradition, this verse is quoted in various worship scriptures and conduct collections and is mentioned under the rules of Shiva worship.
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Then where to get Belpatra for Shiva puja on Monday?
Then this question comes to mind that from where to bring Belpatra on Monday, because Monday is considered to be the favorite day of Lord Shiva himself. If plucking Belpatra is prohibited on that day then how will the puja take place?
The answer to this is also found in the scriptures. One day before the days on which it is supposed to be plucked, the belpatra should be plucked and kept safe. Belpatra kept in advance can be offered to Lord Shiva. Due to this, the rules are not disrespected and the puja is also completed as per the procedure.
Can old Belpatra be replanted?
Very few people know that a special exemption has also been given regarding Belpatra in the worship of Lord Shiva. If you do not have new Belpatra, then you can also offer the Belpatra offered earlier.
about this Skanda Purana stated in-
Arpitanyapi Bilvani Prakshalyapi again again.
Shankarayarpaniyani na navani if kvachit.
meaning of the verse
The meaning of this verse is that if new Belpatra leaves are not available at any place then the Belpatra leaves offered earlier to Lord Shiva can be washed with clean water and offered again. This rule is specifically mentioned only in Shiva puja and it shows the simplicity of Lord Shiva and his compassion towards the devotees.
That is, for Lord Shiva, not only freshness but the feeling of being a devotee is considered more important.
Why is Belpatra special?
According to the Puranas, the three leaves of Belpatra are considered to be the symbol of the three eyes of Lord Shiva, the Trinity and the three Gunas. Therefore, offering Tripatra Belpatra on Shivalinga has been given special significance. It is believed that even one Belpatra offered with devotion can provide virtue equal to many yagyas.
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