Bilvashtakam
A Hymn by Adi Shankaracharya
Painting of Bilva leaf by Kathie Kemp
During the week of Mahashivaratri, I was feeling so much divine energy and whenever I chanted the mantra, I would feel so much love and the presence of the Lord.
One morning when I was walking to my car, I saw a branch with three leaves on it next to my car. I felt a gentle presence and love, like it was a secret message. A few days later I saw another branch with three leaves lying in front of my back door, and I felt the same gentle, secret message. The leaves felt sacred.
Today I was happily surprised and touched when I read the verses of this hymn. I had been blessed by God’s presence in the sweetest, simplest, and most humble way! It just made me smile and smile.
California, United States
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 Lord 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
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
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 for such wonderful knowledge and grace.
Noida, India