Bilvashtakam
Bilvashtakam in English · English
Origin & Story
Traditional Shaiva stotra · Traditional (attributed in the Shaiva canon) · Ancient / medieval
The Bilvashtaka is a traditional hymn recited during the offering of bilva (bel) leaves — the foremost leaf in Shiva worship. It celebrates a belief found across the Puranas: that Shiva, the simplest of gods to please (Bholenath), is delighted by even a single bilva leaf offered with love, granting in return blessings far beyond the costliest sacrifice.
✦ As told in scripture
The Shiva Purana abounds with stories of devotees — even unknowing hunters — who attained liberation merely by letting bilva leaves fall upon a Shiva Linga through the night. The Bilvashtaka enshrines this promise: one humble leaf, offered with devotion, outweighs a thousand sacrifices and carries the soul to the abode of Shiva.
Listen & Chant Along
Complete Text with Meaning
Tap any line — or the ▶ button — to hear it recited
Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram cha triyayudham Trijanmapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:Three leaves in one, three-fold in nature (the three gunas), like the three eyes and three weapons of Shiva, the destroyer of the sins of three births — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Trishakhaih bilvapatraishcha hyachchhidraih komalaih shubhaih Shivapujam karishyami hyekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:With three-lobed bilva leaves, whole, soft and auspicious, I shall perform the worship of Shiva — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Akhanda bilva patrena pujite nandikeshvare Shuddhyanti sarvapapebhyo hyekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:When Nandikeshvara (Shiva) is worshipped with an unbroken bilva leaf, one is cleansed of all sins — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Shaligrama shilamekam vipranam jatu charpayet Somayajna mahapunyam ekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:Equal in merit to gifting a shaligrama stone to the brahmins, and to the great merit of a Soma sacrifice — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Dantikoti sahasrani vajapeya shatani cha Kotikanya mahadanam ekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:Equal to gifting a thousand crore elephants, a hundred Vajapeya sacrifices, and the great gift of a crore maidens in marriage — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Lakshmyastanuta utpannam mahadevasya cha priyam Bilvavriksham prayachchhami hyekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:Born from the body of Goddess Lakshmi and most dear to Mahadeva, I present this bilva tree — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Darshanam bilvavrikshasya sparshanam papanashanam Aghorapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:The very sight of the bilva tree, and its touch, destroy sin; it destroys even the gravest (aghora) sins — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Kashikshetranivasam cha kalabhairavadarshanam Prayagamadhavam drishtva hyekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:It grants residence in holy Kashi, the vision of Kala Bhairava, and the darshan of Madhava at Prayag — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Mulato brahmarupaya madhyato vishnurupine Agratah shivarupaya hyekabilvam shivarpanam
Meaning:At its root is the form of Brahma, in its middle the form of Vishnu, and at its tip the form of Shiva — this single bilva leaf I offer to Shiva.
Bilvashtakamidam punyam yah pathet shivasannidhau Sarvapapa vinirmuktah shivalokamavapnuyat
Meaning:Whoever recites this holy Bilvashtaka in the presence of Shiva is freed from every sin and attains the abode of Shiva (Shivaloka).
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting Bilvashtakam
Recited while offering bilva (bel) leaves to the Shiva Linga — each leaf is said to wash away the sins of three lifetimes.
The Bilvashtaka declares that one bilva leaf offered to Shiva equals the merit of great sacrifices and immense charity.
Even the sight and touch of the bilva tree destroy sin, including the gravest (aghora) sins.
Promises residence in Kashi, the vision of Kala Bhairava, and ultimately the abode of Shiva (Shivaloka).
Especially powerful during the month of Shravan, on Mondays, Pradosh and Maha Shivaratri.
Short and easy to chant during daily Shiva puja and abhishekam.
How to Chant Bilvashtakam
Recite the Bilvashtaka while offering fresh, unbroken three-lobed bilva (bel) leaves to a Shiva Linga, one leaf with each verse if possible. Choose leaves that are whole, soft and free of holes, with the smooth side touching the Linga. Offer with water and a calm, devoted mind, ending with 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Frequently Asked Questions
You May Also Like
ॐ
Read the full Bilvashtakam with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts