Bilvapatra, Bilva-patra, Vilva-patra, Vilvapatra: 6 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Shaivism
See also

Introduction:

Bilvapatra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र).—A serpent born in the family of Kaśyapa prajāpati. (Mahābhārata Udyoga Parva, Chapter 103, Stanza 14).

Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study

Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) refers to Aegle marmelos, forming part of a common diet in ancient Kashmir (Kaśmīra) as mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—Bilvapatra is recommended as an offering to the deities (verse 787). Caraka knows it. Most of the references to the articles of diet occur in the Nīlamata in connection with the offerings made to the gods but it is not difficult to infer from them the food and drink of the common people because “what a man eats his gods eat”.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

1) Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) or Bilvapatrasamarpaṇa refers to the “offering of bilva leaves” and is mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20, while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] flower (puṣpa) offerings shall be made with the mantra ‘Namaḥ Pāryāya’ etc. Bilva leaves shall be offered with the mantra ‘Namaḥ Parṇāya’ etc.”.

2) Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) refers to “Bilva leaves” which are used in the worship of Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.13:—“[...] lotuses, rose, Śaṅkha, and Kuśa flowers, Dhattūras, Mandāras grown in a wooden vessel, holy basil leaves or Bilva leaves shall be offered to each of the faces in accordance with the previous meditation or according to one’s wish. By all means Śiva favourably disposed to His devotees shall be worshipped with great devotion. If other flowers are not available, Bilva leaves (bilvapatra) shall be used exclusively in the worship of Śiva. With the offering of Bilva leaves alone, the worship shall be performed. Then scented powders, sweetsmelling oil etc. of various sorts shall be offered to Śiva with great joy. Then incense, Guggulu (the fragrant gum resin) and Aguru (the fragrant Aloe wood) shall be offered”.

3) Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) refers to the “leaves of the Bilva plant”, which are used in the worship of Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.14:—“[...] with Nirguṇḍī flowers (kusuma), his mind becomes pure (nirmalatā) in the world. A hundred thousand Bilva leaves (bilvapatra) used for worship will secure the fulfilment of all desires (sarvakāma)”.

Source: JatLand: List of Mahabharata people and places

Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. V.103.14) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Bilvapatra) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study

Bilvapatra (बिल्वपत्र) or Vilvapatra represents the food taken in the month Bhādrapada for the Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī-Vrata, according to the 10th century Saurapurāṇa: one of the various Upapurāṇas depicting Śaivism.—Accordingly, the Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī-vrata is observed in honour of Śiva. [...] It starts from the month of Mārgaśira. It is observed on the eighth tithi of the dark fortnight and for a year.—In the Bhādrapada the deity to be worshipped is Tryambaka the food is vilvapatra, result is the same as that of consecration in all sacrifices (sarvadīkṣāphala).

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study (shaivism)

Vilvapatra (विल्वपत्र) refers to the “leaf of the Vilva tree” and represents an important object used in the worship of Śiva.—The leaf of the vilva tree [viz., Vilvapatra] is a special offering noted at various places but on the day called śivarātri, in Māgha or in Caitra, a vilva leaf is very important offering for Śiva. If a person worships Śiva with devotion by offering vilvapatra with the five-syllabled mantra [viz., Pañcākṣara-mantra] attains the abode of Śiva. Further the text glorifies vilvapatra in a passage.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Relevant text

Search found 8 books and stories containing Bilvapatra, Bilva-patra, Vilva-patra, Vilvapatra; (plurals include: Bilvapatras, patras, Vilvapatras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Starting with V

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Section CIII < [Bhagavat-Yana Parva]

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Chapter 255 - Greatness of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]

Chapter 4 - The Greatness of Aruṇācala < [Section 3b - Arunācala-khaṇḍa (Uttarārdha)]

Chapter 11 - The Previous Births of the Tortoise < [Section 2 - Kaumārikā-khaṇḍa]

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Pāṇḍuroga (anemia) according to Caraka < [Chapter 4 - Diseases and Remedial measures (described in Caraka-saṃhitā)]

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Chapter 21 - Number of phallic images of Śiva used in worship < [Section 1 - Vidyeśvara-saṃhitā]

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