Vishnu and Lakshmi
Yes, we can always willingly offer the Bilva Leaves even to Lord Vishnu, since Bilva leaves are also considered to be an aspect of Ma Lakshmi Devi. In one of the Holy Texts of Hinduism, it is written that Ma Lakshmi Devi resides in the Bilva Tree, and Lord Shiva is also considered be a devotee of Ma Lakshmi Devi.
All of knows that Bilva leaves are very favourite to Lord Shiva, and apart from offering it to him,offering of Bilva leaves to Ma Lakshmi Devi and Lord Vishnu is also considered to be an act of sanctifying them.
As per ancient legend,once when Lord Indra, was defeated in the hands of the demons, he sincerely worshipped Ma Lakshmi in order to restore his position in the Swarga Loka. Pleased by Indra’s sincere devotion, Ma Lakshmi Devi helped Indra in regaining his powers.
As per the Holy Text, Sri Mahalakshmi Mahatmyam, it was mentioned that, Ma Lakshmi likes the Holy bilva leaves, and those whoever worships her by adorning Bilva leaves on her idol, would attain all sorts of prosperity in their lives.
In Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Lord Venkateswara is specially worshipped with Bilva leaves, since his lovely consort Ma Lakshmi Devi likes that leaves so much.
It is also mentioned in the Holy Text, Sri Narasimha Mahatmya, that once when Prahalada was defeated by his cousin and demon Andhakasura, he worshipped his beloved Lord Narasimha by adorning him a big garland containing Bilva Leaves, and due to that, he was able to defeat Andhakasura, and he also restored back his kingdom.
Bilva leaves resemble to that of the holy Trident of Lord Shiva, and since it contains cooling effect, they are offered to Shivalingam, and it also removes the heat which prevails in the Holy Shivalingam. There is also a famous mantra which would be recited during the time of Shiva puja, and the Mantra is “Eka Bilvam Shivarpanam”, which means, let me adorn the Holy Bilva Leaves to Lord Shiva.
Hence let us offer Bilva Leaves even to Lord Vishnu in his temples, in order to please both Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
“OM SRI SHIVANARAYANAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR