Latest news with #BelPatra
Time of India
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
5 Vastu Plants that attract success
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural science, aids in the creation of aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Using Vastu plants is one of the best ways to bring success and auspicious energy into your house. These plants are thought to bring luck and money. According to Vastu, you can optimize these plants' benefits by strategically placing them throughout your house. From the lucky bamboo to the money plant, these five Vastu plants provide unique advantages. Five most auspicious Vastu Plants to attract luck and success: Bael Plant (Bel Patra) Bael plant holds a great spiritual importance in Hinduism. Bel Patra, or the auspicious leaves, are regarded as one of the most revered and are offered to Lord Shiva. It is believed that planting a bael plant at home during Sawan month will increase abundance and eradicate poverty. It also exudes positive energy in accordance with Vastu principles, which aids in reestablishing harmony and balance in the living area. Tulsi According to Hindu Scriptures, Tulsi plant holds a great religious and spiritual significance. It is also considered as the most sacred herb that fills a home with calm, prosperity, and health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Well-known for its spiritual meaning, it is believed to bring success in all pursuits, happiness, and financial security. Tulsi is suggested by Vastu to purify the space's energy and create a positive, auspicious atmosphere. It is believed to improve relationships and assist in removing roadblocks to achievement. Money Plant The Money Plant is perhaps the most well-known plant associated with wealth and prosperity in both Vastu and Feng Shui. It is believed to attract financial prosperity and positive energy. It stands for stability, growth, and vitality—all of which are necessary for attaining financial success. It is also believed to protect the home or place of business by eliminating negative energy and creating a calm environment that is favorable to prosperity. Bamboo Tree Lucky bamboo is a common Feng Shui plant that is believed to attract wealth, good fortune, and health. The plant is believed to balance energies and bring prosperity into one's home or place of employment. Place Lucky Bamboo in the northeast for spiritual development, southeast for wealth, or east for health to attract positive energy. Jade Plant The jade plant, commonly known as the money plant, is a common succulent with coin-like thick, round leaves. When positioned correctly, it is believed to provide prosperity and financial stability to a home or workplace, particularly in the southeast corner, also known as the wealth corner. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Beeline of devotees at Shiv temples in Prayagraj marks 1st ‘Somvar' of Shrawan
1 2 3 4 5 6 Prayagraj: All prominent Lord Shiv temples in Sangam city witnessed a huge rush of devotees on the occasion of the first 'Somvar' of the ongoing Shrawan month, considered to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. All the temples reverberated with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Om Namah Shivay'. Prominent Lord Shiv temples across the city, including Mankameshwar, Someshwar Mahadev and Padila Mahadev, witnessed long queues of devotees waiting for their turn to offer prayers to Lord Shiv. Barricading by police around prominent Lord Shiv temples, including Mankameshwar and Padila Mahadev, helped the police as well as temple authorities to regulate the crowd. There were separate entry and exit points, and a network of CCTV cameras kept a constant watch on the activities of devotees. The devotees offered milk, honey, sandalwood paste, and leaves of wood apple on the 'shivaling'. Throwing light on the importance of Shrawan 'Somvar', noted religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour says, "Lord Shiv showers blessings on devotees, and this motivates scores of Shiva devotees, especially kanwariyas, to travel hundreds of kilometres barefoot and offer prayers at the Shiva 'jyotirlinga'." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shimoga: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo He further said, "Mondays, or Somvar, in the month of Shrawan are considered highly auspicious for praying to Lord Shiv. As it is believed that the worship of Lord Shiv during the Shrawan month is 108 times more powerful than worshipping during normal days, scores of devotees keep Vrat (fasting) and perform puja and other purification rituals. The devotees offer Bilva leaves (Bel Patra), white flowers, water, honey, and milk. "
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why Bel Patra Is Dear to Lord Shiva: The Sacred Leaf of Salvation, Symbolism, and Divine Power in Hindu Worship - Symbolism, Stories & Spiritual Significance
Bel Patra (Bilva leaf) is one of the most sacred offerings to Lord Shiva, symbolising purity, his three eyes, and total devotion. It holds deep mythological and spiritual meaning, believed to please Shiva more than flowers or fruits. Apart from its religious value, Bel Patra has Ayurvedic benefits and is a central part of rituals, especially during Sawan and Shivratri. Live Events The Three Eyes of Lord Shiva — The Sun, the Moon, and the Fire The Three Gunas — Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia) The three syllables of AUM — they represent the cosmic vibration of creation, preservation, and destruction Hindu rituals are rich with symbolism. Even the simplest offerings carry deep spiritual meaning. Among these, the Bel Patra (Bilva leaf) holds a special place in the worship of Lord Shiva, who is the Supreme Being known for his asceticism and boundless compassion. The Bel Patra is believed to be dearer to Lord Shiva than flowers or fruits. This leaf is offered with great reverence, especially during the holy month of Sawan and on Shivratri. It is used in daily puja in Shiva temples across origin of Bel Patra's sanctity can be traced back to various ancient texts. The reference to Bel Patra is in the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and the Padma Purana. According to one legend, the Bel tree was created from the sweat of Goddess Parvati, who is considered the divine consort of Lord Shiva. It is said that the goddess resides in every part of the tree. The roots, branches, leaves, and fruit. This makes the Bel Patra a direct embodiment of her divine story tells of a poor tribal devotee who was unaware of any formal rituals. He plucked Bel leaves and threw them onto a Shiva Linga out of pure love. The act was casual, but Lord Shiva was so pleased with the devotee's intention that he granted him salvation. This story illustrates that true devotion is more important than the ritual, and is what pleases the most common Bel Patra used in worship has three leaflets. These leaflets are deeply symbolic in Shiva worship:By offering the Tripatra ( three-leafed Bel Patra ). The devotees seek to harmonise these energies within themselves. They also offer their body, mind, and soul to the is also believed that offering Bel Patra can cleanse even the gravest sins. The Shiva Purana states:"Bilvapatram prayacchami tripatraṁ shuddhaṁ uttamamShambhoh preetikaram devi bilvapatram upasmahe"'I offer the sacred Tripatra Bel leaf to Lord Shiva, which brings him immense joy.'Beyond its spiritual symbolism, the Bel tree and its leaves are valued in Ayurveda. They have immense medicinal properties. The Bel Patra has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. In ancient times, sages who lived in forests often used parts of the Bel tree for health and longevity. This may be another reason it is associated with Shiva, as he is the eternal yogi and cool nature of Bel Patra is also believed to calm the fiery energy of lord Shiva. He holds intense cosmic power, including the destructive third eye. Offering the leaves is seen as a way to soothe his cosmic force. This can help in gaining his Shiva temples, Bel Patra is placed on the Shiva Linga during Abhishekam (ritual bathing). It is used along with water, milk, honey, and other sacred items. The devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya" while placing the leaf. The devotees should ensure that the leaves are clean and unbroken. The leaf should be offered with the stalk facing away from the deity, as per the ritual significance is given to this offering on Mondays. During the Sawan month, lakhs of devotees perform rituals and Kanwar Yatras to offer Ganga water and Bel Patra to the Shiva Linga.A Humble Leaf with Divine PowerThough small and simple, the Bel Patra represents the essence of devotion, humility and spiritual surrender. It is a reminder that God is not pleased by grandeur, but by sincerity and purity of heart. Offering Bel Patra to Lord Shiva is not just a ritual. It is also a soulful gesture that bridges the gap between the human and the by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Sawan Somwar 2025: Food rules to follow during the month-long celebration
The holy month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, begins on July 11, 2025, and lasts until August 9, 2025. Devotees observe fasts on Mondays, perform Kavar Yatra, and offer prayers for prosperity. Auspicious rituals include offering Panchamrut, Bel Patra, and reciting the Shravan Somwar Vrata Katha, while adhering to specific dietary guidelines and avoiding certain foods and spices. The holy month of Sawan/Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu calendar, this year the month began on Fri, 11 Jul, 2025 and will continue till Sat, 9 Aug, 2025. It comes after Aashad month and it is considered as an auspicious month during which devotees observe fast on every Monday (Somvar) and pray to Lord Shiva to ensure prosperity and happiness in life. According to mythology, during this month devotees also carry out a Kavar Yatra to Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri and Devghar to perform abhishek with Ganga water. Following are the Sawan Somvar vrat dates for the year 2025 14th July, 21st July, 28th July, and 4th August and the Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on 23rd July. Significance of Sawan Somvar Sawan Somvar vrat is considered auspicious and is observed by people of all age groups who follow Lord Shiva. According to mythology, it is observed by unmarried women to get a desired life partner. During this month, women even apply mehndi on their hands and continue the Somvar Vrat for 16 weeks (Solah Somvar Vrat) to please Lord Shiva and attain a happy married life. Key rituals of Sawan Somvar The followers of Lord Shiva during this month, bathe early morning, pay a visit to a temple, and offer prayers. During this holy month, on every Monday devotees visit Lord Shiva temple, offer prayer with Panchamrut, which is a mixture of gangajal, milk, ghee, yoghurt, and honey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo They also offer Bel Patra, Datura Phool, Bhang, and fruits to Lord Shiva. Also, the Shravan Somwar Vrata Katha is also recited and worshippers chant the Maha Mrutyunjay mantra to please Lord Shiva. What to eat and avoid 1. Devotees who observe fast eat fruits, sweets made with milk or mawa, drink milk and water. For devotees who can't avoid salt intake, consumption of sendha namak is allowed once in a day and they often enjoy it in the form of Vrat Wale Aloo, ShakarKandi Chaat or even fruit salad, but they strictly avoid grains. 2. During the entire month, devotees avoid the consumption of alcohol, non-vegetarian food, egg, onion and garlic as well. 3. Fruits like mango, banana, papaya, grapes, pineapple, apple, jamun, pear, sweet potato, and plum are consumed. Along with this people also eat roasted peanut, makhana, curd, and amaranth seeds during the fast. Do's 1. On this day, fast honestly and follow the rituals diligently. 2. On this day take a bath, clean the house, and sprinkle Gangajal. 3. Place Lord Shiva's idol or picture in the northeast direction of the house, offer him Bael Patra, Chandan, Dhatura, Bhaang, and raw cow milk. Follow the pooja rituals and then perform the Aarti. 4. While fasting, do not starve yourself. Keep eating nuts and fruits every two hours. 5. On this day while fasting, devotees can eat nuts, fruits, dairy products like milk and butter, and selected flours like Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat flour), Singhare ka Atta (water chestnut flour) or Rajgira ka Atta (amaranth flour). 6. Drink water, milk, buttermilk, and fresh juices throughout the day to keep the body hydrated. 7. Replace table salt with rock salt or sendha namak for cooking recipes during the holy month. Also, while using spices stick to cumin seeds, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and black peppercorns. Don'ts 1. During worshiping Lord Shiva, avoid using ketki flowers and turmeric. 2. On this day and even during the entire month, the consumption of onion, garlic, and spices should be avoided. 4. Apart from these, the consumption of meat, egg, alcohol, and tobacco is also strictly prohibited during Sawan. 4. Avoid drinking packaged juices as they may contain added salt and preservatives to enhance the flavour. All Images Courtesy: istock
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sawan 2025: Grow these 5 vastu-approved plants to attract Lord Shiva's blessings
As the sacred month of Sawan began on July 11, 2025, and will continue until August 9, devotees across India have immersed themselves in devotion and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Bholenath. Known for its powerful spiritual energy, Sawan is a time when people fast, chant mantras, perform pujas, and align their lives with deeper spiritual intent. This monsoon period is not just significant for its religious observances, but also as a time to reconnect with nature. As per Hindu tradition and Vastu Shastra, planting certain sacred plants during Sawan is considered especially auspicious. These plants are believed to attract divine blessings, purify the surroundings, and invite peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth into the home. Here are five sacred Vastu plants to grow this Sawan 2025 to welcome positivity and Lord Shiva's divine grace: 1. Bael Tree (Bel Patra) Regarded as one of the holiest trees in Shaivism, the Bael tree is known for its trifoliate leaves, or Bel Patra, which are offered to Lord Shiva during worship. According to Vastu, planting a Bael tree at home during Sawan can help eliminate poverty, restore balance, and bring abundance into the household. 2. Tulsi Plant (Holy Basil) Though Tulsi leaves are not traditionally offered to Shiva, the plant is sacred in Hinduism and symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi. Growing Tulsi during Sawan and performing daily puja near it is believed to enhance positivity, attract wealth, and usher in domestic harmony. It also purifies the air and strengthens the Vastu of any space. 3. Shami Plant Also known as Prosopis, the Shami plant holds special reverence for both Lord Shiva and Shani Dev. Growing this plant during Sawan is said to help remove negativity and attract financial stability and spiritual protection. Regular worship of the Shami plant is thought to bring peace and karmic cleansing. 4. Aak Plant (Madar) The Aak plant, particularly its white-flowered variant, is closely associated with Lord Shiva. Offering its leaves and flowers during Shivling pujas in Sawan is believed to fulfil wishes and invite divine blessings. Planting Aak at home during this period is thought to bring success, wealth, and continuous divine grace. 5. Datura Plant A thorny plant with mystical associations, Datura is one of the most revered offerings to Shiva. During Sawan, devotees offer its flowers and fruit to the deity as a gesture of surrender and devotion. Keeping a Datura plant at home is said to offer spiritual protection, promote victory over adversities, and enhance household prosperity. A Season of Spiritual Gardening In Sawan, nature and divinity come together to create a powerful synergy. As the rains nourish the soil, planting these sacred species is not only a symbolic act of faith but also a practical step toward creating a peaceful and spiritually aligned home. For devotees, these plants serve as living prayers, rooted in the earth, reaching toward the divine. So as the skies pour their blessings, let your garden reflect your devotion. Embrace the sacred greens of Sawan and let Lord Shiva's grace bloom in every corner of your home. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
