I listened to this hymn for the first time on the night before Mahashivaratri, and something inside me started to melt and merge into the Absolute. I sat in front of my
puja, listening to the hymn again and again, and asking myself: Who am I? I felt an ancient connection with the melody and hymn, and I sensed Gurumayi’s presence strongly around me.
The next day I was given the
seva of cleaning the Bilva leaves that would later be used in the
abhishek at the Shiva Temple. It was
mahaprasad for me! I cleaned each leaf with an understanding of its worth, its purity and greatness. I cleaned each leaf with love for my beloved Lord Shiva! Since then I have been listening to this hymn every day, and each time I immediately connect with my deepest Self.
I'm thankful to Gurumayi ji for giving me this experience of my own greatness!
Gurudev Siddha Peeth, India
Many years ago, I visited Gurudev Siddha Peeth for six months to offer seva. The seva assignment I received was to gather fragrant flowers and sacred leaves for the Temple and Baba’s Samadhi Shrine. At the time, I was certain I wasn’t worthy of this seva, but I gave it my best. Often I needed to climb up to a limb of the Bilva tree for the best-formed leaves. I had no idea then of the Bilva leaf’s full significance; I just knew it was sacred.
Many years later, on Mahashivaratri, Gurumayi spent the whole night in the Temple. She sang the Bilvashtakam again and again, which moved me greatly. I experienced an indescribably full love. I’ve remembered the sound of this song ever since, with wonder and the longing to offer one Bilva leaf to Shiva, and to the Guru.
Now, having read the meaning of the verses, I realize that by touching the Bilva tree during all those months, my sins and obstacles were being cleansed. And I understand that by offering the triad form of this leaf, I am offering my physical body, my subtle body, and my causal body to Gurumayi and to Lord Shiva.
Oregon, United States
What a melodious hymn! As I listen to it again and again, feelings of immense love, devotion, and union with the Divine arise from deep within me.
Thane West, India
Seeing God in nature is something that is very dear to me. The tender green leaves of the Bilva tree represent for me pure love, pure life, and pure consciousness.
Hørsholm, Denmark
The melody that Gurumayi composed for this hymn has totally captivated my mind; I can't stop playing it. Listening to the words and melody opens my heart, and I find myself drawn into deep silence and peace. It's like a magic key that opens the abode of Shiva to me!
Farnborough, United Kingdom
The purity and precision of the music ensemble’s recitation is utterly enchanting! It envelops my whole being in deep stillness and feelings of tenderness. The meanings of the different verses are also a revelation, particularly the image of the Bilva tree as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
As I listen to this hymn, my mind becomes a reservoir of peace and my heart soars.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for composing this exquisite melody in praise of Lord Shiva.
Melbourne, Australia
I have a Bilva tree near my house. I offer a Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva every fortnight on Pradosha. But this is the first time in my life that I have come to know about the hymn Bilvashtakam. Now, after learning of the great merit of offering a single Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva, I feel connected with Lord Shiva, Gurumayi, and myself. I am grateful to Gurumayi for such wonderful knowledge and grace.
Noida, India
This exquisite essay drew my understanding so skillfully from the historical background, to the tangible power in offering the simple, natural beauty in the Bilva leaves, to bringing me into the timeless space of the writer’s own experiences in the gardens of Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Vicariously, I too was able to rest there in that magical space, slipping into my own heart and sweet silence. With skill and generosity of spirit, the writer allowed Lord Shiva to manifest tangibly beyond any specific time and place. I offer my deep gratitude for such a moment of darshan.
Washington, United States
This hymn gave me a new understanding, after many years of practice, about the symbolism of the Bilva tree and Bilva leaves. Now I have another context for the storied hunter who showered Bilva leaves on a shiva lingam and attained an enlightened perspective through grace.
I have always loved trees, especially in winter when you can really see their branches. The idea that the Bilva tree arises from the body of Lakshmi truly resonates with me.
After reading “Entering the Abode of Lord Shiva,” I went into meditation, imagining my body as the abode of the Guru. I envisioned the muladhara chakra as Brahma, like the roots of the tree; the svadhishthana chakra as Vishnu, like the trunk of the tree; and a fiery column of light as the pillar of Shiva rising to the leafy treetop in the sahasrara. I felt such sweetness of devotion in the tingling of my sahasrara and in the expansiveness of my awareness. I felt so connected to primordial existence, and to the interconnectedness of all beings.
California, United States