By Dr. Manisha Bhardwaj
Subtle, omnipresent, universal, indestructible – these are some words that describe Shiva, in whom the entire universe is contained. Shiva is also the immutable, desireless, embodiment of knowledge, the healer of all, and the supreme physician who knows all great medicines. The Shivling is the symbolic and formless representation of Lord Shiva.
According to the Shiva Purana, the manifestation of this formless lingam occurred on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalguna, i.e., on Maha Shivaratri. Some mythological stories also indicate that Maha Shivaratri symbolizes the marriage of Lord Chandramouli and Goddess Parvati.
The compassionate Lord Ashutosh is pleased even with just the leaves of the Bael tree. According to Baelshtakshari and Shiva Purana, the Bael tree is also known as the ‘Shreevṛkṣa’, ‘Shivadruma’, and ‘Kalpavṛkṣa’. The roots of the Bael tree are said to contain Goddess Girija, the trunk contains Maheshwari, the branches contain Dakshayani, the leaves contain Parvati, the flowers contain Gauri, and the fruits contain Goddess Katyayani.
According to Hindu mythology, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Lord Neelkanth drank the poison (Halahal) to save the Earth from destruction. To soothe the burning sensation caused by the poison, the gods offered Bael leaves to Lord Shiva. At that time, Lord Shiva, pleased with the offering, blessed the Bael tree and declared it his favorite tree.
त्रिदलं त्रिगुणाकारं त्रिनेत्रम् च त्र्यायुधम् ।
त्रिजन्मपापसंहारम् एकबिल्वं शिवार्पणम् ।।
The above verse reveals that the significance of the Bael leaf is not just religious but also symbolic, representing various meanings. The three leaves of the Bael tree symbolize Lord Shiva’s three eyes, the three deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), the three Gunas—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance), the three weapons (Trishul, Damaru, and Pasha), and the three worlds—Earth, Heaven, and Netherworld, all of which are ultimately destroyed by Shiva. The Bael leaf is said to destroy the sins of three lifetimes.
The tradition of offering Bael leaves to Lord Shiva, followed for centuries, not only has spiritual significance but also conveys a deep connection with nature. It also highlights the religious, mythological, historical, and scientific importance of the Bael tree.
The history of the Bael tree is known from the Vedic period, and it is mentioned in ancient Indian texts like Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita, and Sushruta Samhita, as well as in ancient Buddhist and Jain literature. The images of Bael fruits are also carved in the Ajanta caves. In ancient times, the Bael tree was used in religious rituals and worship.
The Bael tree is a sacred and medicinal plant that holds great importance in Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma. The Bael tree is known by various names in different languages and regions, such as ‘Bael’ in Sanskrit, ‘Shreephal’ in Hindi, ‘Bel’ in Marathi, ‘Bael’ in Gujarati, ‘Vilvam’ in Tamil and Malayalam, and ‘Indian Bael’ or ‘Stone Apple’ in English. The scientific name of the Bael tree is Aegle marmelos, and it belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus fruits.
The height of the Bael tree can range from 10-15 meters, but typically it grows between 8-12 meters. Its trunk is straight and strong, with a diameter of 30-60 cm. The bark of the Bael tree is thick and brown. The leaves are opposite, trifoliate, and 4-8 cm long. The color of the leaves is yellowish-green, and their shape is oval or elongated.
The flowers of the Bael tree are small, yellow-green in color, and grow in clusters. These flowers measure about 1-2 cm and bloom during the spring season. The fruit of the Bael tree is a spherical berry, measuring 5-10 cm in diameter. The color of the fruit is yellowish-green, and it has a sweet and slightly sour taste. The fruit ripens in the summer. This tree has been used in ancient Indian medicine to treat various ailments.
“बिल्वं मधुरं शीतं च पाके कटुकं प्रियं प्रियं।”
भावप्रकाश निघंटु, अध्याय १, श्लोक १३
This means: The Bael fruit is sweet, cool, and pleasant, and when it ripens, it turns slightly bitter. It is a tree whose every part is useful and is considered a remedy for the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The fruit, leaves, and bark of the Bael tree help balance the three doshas.
Various parts of the Bael tree—fruit, leaves, bark, root, and flowers—are used in Ayurveda to treat a range of diseases. Several research papers have been published regarding the medicinal properties of the Bael tree. According to these studies, the Bael tree possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the body and prevent bacterial growth.
Additionally, it has anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties that protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. These medicinal qualities are attributed to the various nutrients, phytochemicals, and minerals found in the Bael tree, such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, flavonols, flavones, phenolic acids, tannins, terpenes, and sterols, which boost the immune system.
The Bael leaves contain saponins, which help improve the digestive process. Furthermore, the leaves of the Bael tree are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Besides, the tree contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, selenium, as well as amino acids and fiber. The ripe fruit of the Bael tree is also a good source of Vitamin A, B, protein, carotene, and mineral salts.
The amount of Vitamin B in Bael fruits is higher than that found in apples, mangoes, and bananas. Due to the phytochemicals and nutrients present in the tree, it is used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and homeopathic medicine for treating various health conditions. The fruit, leaves, and trunk of the tree help maintain a healthy digestive system, and the flavonoids and phenolic acids in the leaves help regulate diabetes. The potassium, magnesium, and fiber in the Bael fruit and leaves contribute to a healthy heart.
The antioxidants and flavonoids found in the leaves and fruit help prevent cancer. Vitamin C and zinc present in the Bael fruit and leaves strengthen the immune system. The vitamins and minerals present in the fruit and leaves also promote healthy skin, hair, and mental health, while helping to resolve kidney issues.
The fiber and vitamins from the Bael tree help alleviate digestive problems. The potassium, magnesium, and fiber present in the fruit and leaves prevent heart diseases. Various parts of the Bael tree, including its root, bark, flowers, and leaves, are used in Ayurvedic medicines such as Baelgiri, Baeldi Vati, Baeldi Kwath, Baeldi Avaleh, and Baeldi Ark.
The Bael tree is also important in ecology and botany. It helps preserve plant biodiversity, as it provides an opportunity for various other plants to grow around it. For example, plants like Tulsi, Neem, and Amla grow under the Bael tree. The Bael tree plays a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle, controlling air pollution, and preserving soil, as its roots help stabilize the soil.
The Bael tree symbolizes patience and self-control. The Bael tree is not just a tree but a carrier of our faith, nature, and tradition. It teaches us how even small things can bring positivity into our lives.
(The author is an educationist and botanist)
