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Bilva Leaf

The bilva-leaf, the leaf of the tree Aegle marmelos has long been associated with the worship of siva and his consort. It represents his vegetal form and is said to be very dear to him. Amulets prepared out of bilva leaves are believed to be endowed with supernatural powers. Medicines prepared out of the unripe bilva fruit are said to be very efficacious cures for certain diseases. A pledge taken over the bilva leaf is too sacred to be broken.