Bilvashtakamबिल्वाष्टकम्
Devoted to Shiva
Source: Traditional Shaiva Stotra
Transliteration
tri-dalam tri-gunakaram tri-netram ca tri-yayudham tri-janma-papa-samharam eka-bilvam sivarpanam
Meaning (English)
I offer to Shiva a single bilva leaf — three-lobed representing the three gunas, the three eyes of Shiva and His three weapons — which destroys the sins of three births. With three-branched bilva sprigs unbroken and auspicious, I perform Your worship; one bilva leaf is my offering. Offering a single bilva leaf equals giving away crores of maidens in marriage, mountains of sesame and gold-laden hills as charity, dwelling in Kashi, beholding Kala Bhairava, seeing Madhava at Prayag, surpasses offering Indra vajra-like flowers to the Devi, equals the merit of donating saligrams, ten wells, a thousand-crore yajnas, hundred ashvamedha sacrifices.
Benefits (Phal)
Chanting Bilvashtakam while offering bilva leaves on the Shiva Linga is considered equal in merit to performing innumerable yajnas and great charities. Washes away sins of three births, removes obstacles caused by past karmas, brings prosperity, longevity, good health, grace to reach the abode of Shiva. Householders gain harmony and progeny; sadhakas experience deepening of meditation and dispassion. Especially powerful during Pradosham, Shravan Mondays and Maha Shivaratri abhishekam.
When to Chant
Morning Shiva puja, every Monday, Pradosham evenings, throughout Shravan, on Kartik Purnima, throughout Maha Shivaratri night while offering bilva leaves on a Shiva Linga.
How to Chant
Collect fresh unbroken three-lobed bilva leaves smooth side facing the Linga. After bathing and lighting a lamp, invoke Shiva with three Oms. Recite each verse and at the refrain gently place one bilva leaf at the base of the Linga with a few drops of water. Continue till all eight verses and at least 108 leaves are offered, then chant Om Namah Shivaya and prostrate.
Book a pandit for Bilvashtakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.