Real Beal fruit, also known as Bel Phal or Wood Apple, holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hindu rituals and traditions.
Offering to Deities: The Beal fruit is considered sacred and is often offered to various Hindu deities, especially Lord Shiva. Devotees offer the fruit as a symbol of devotion, seeking blessings, and expressing gratitude.
Prasadam: Beal fruit is used as prasadam (blessed food) in temples. After being offered to the deity, it is distributed among devotees as a divine offering, believed to carry the blessings and grace of the deity.
Religious Fasting: Beal fruit is included as part of certain religious fasts and vrats (observances). Devotees may consume the fruit or its juice during fasting periods as a form of sustenance and as an offering to the deity being worshipped.
Pujas and Rituals: The Beal fruit is used in various pujas (religious rituals) associated with Lord Shiva or other deities. It may be placed on the altar or used in ceremonial bathing (abhishekam) of the deity, accompanied by prayers and mantras.
Symbolic Representation: The Beal fruit is considered a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. It is often associated with Lord Shiva and is believed to represent the divine consciousness and the unity of duality.
Medicinal and Purifying Properties: Apart from its religious significance, Beal fruit is known for its medicinal properties. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive, cooling, and purifying qualities. In this context, consuming the fruit is believed to have health benefits and detoxifying effects on the body.