Bilvashtakam Lyrics
Tridalam triguNaakaaram trinetram cha triyaayudham
trijanma paapasamhaaram eka Bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Akhanda bilvapatreNa poojite nandikeshware
shudhyantii sarva paapebhyo eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Shaaligram shilaama ekaam vipraaNaam jaatu charpayet
somayadnya mahaapuNyam eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
DantikotisahasraNi vajape shataanicha
kotikanyaa mahaadaanam eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Laxmyaa stnam unpanam mahadevasya cha priyam
bilva vruksham prayachchhaami eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Darshanam bilva vrukshasya sparshanam paapanaashanam
aghorapaapa samhaaram eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Kashi kshetra nivasam cha kalabhairava darshanam
Prayaage maadhavam drushtvaa Ekabilvam shivaarpanam ॥
Moolato brahma roopaaya madhyato Vishnu roopiNe
agrataha shiva roopaaya eka bilvam shivaarpaNam ॥
Bilvashtakam is a sacred Hindu hymn dedicated to God Shiva, composed by Adi Shankaracharya. The title “Bilvashtakam” means “Eight Verses to Bilva (leaf which is dear to God Shiva)” in Sanskrit.
This Ashtakam:
- Praises God Shiva’s glory and majesty
- Describes the Bilva leaf (Aegle marmelos) as a symbol of spiritual growth and liberation
- Praises the virtues of offering Bilva leaves to God Shiva
- Seeks his blessings, protection, and guidance
- Celebrates his role as the destroyer of evil and the bestower of liberation
The Bilva leaf is considered sacred in Hinduism, representing the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva is believed to symbolize the surrender of the three aspects of an individual’s life: the physical, mental, and spiritual.