SACRED HINDU TREES AND PLANTS

SACRED TREES AND PLANTS
WORSHIPED IN HINDUISM

www.boldsky.com - In Hinduism, many trees and plants are worshiped. In ancient scriptures too, it is mentioned that plants and trees are worshiped and it is practiced by Hindus since ages. The Aryans worshiped the nature and we all in some or the other way still practice this tradition. 
Banana: Though banana is not a tree, its size and structure makes it count as a tree. This sacred Hindu tree is used in many religious ways. The trunk is used for pujas, the leaves are hanged on the entrance of the gate, and also used to serve food. The fruit is offered to Lord Ganesha. 
Mango: This sacred tree in Hinduism has been mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. The fruit is a symbol of love, purity and fertility. According to the ancient believers, mango leaves symbolise life.

Peepal tree: It represents Trimurti; Brahma (root), Vishnu (trunk) and Shiva (leaves). It is the Bodh tree (tree of enlightenment), under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Tulsi: Every married Hindu woman worships this sacred tree that is planted in front of the courtyard. Tulsi beads can be seen on the necks of yogis and mystics. It is worn to purify the body, mind and soul. In religious terms, no puja can be commenced without tulsi leaves.
Bael tree: In Shivratri, you can easily see many bael leaves and fruit offered to Lord Shiva. The trifoliate leaf or tripatra, bael flowers and fruit are all offered to Lord Shiva. Sandalwood tree: Its paste is considered holy and pure and it is applied on Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati used sandalwood paste to create Lord Ganesha.

Many trees and plants are considered sacred in Hinduism and they are worshiped in India. Amrisha, the author of this article, explains that from basil (tulsi) to banana tree, religious plants hold a special spiritual significance in Hinduism. As an example, she notes that banana trees are widely worshiped on Thursdays to impress Lord Vishnu. The mango tree leaves are used in several rituals and pujas. Peepal tree is also sacred to Buddhists. Tulsi is said to be loved by Lord Vishnu and Vrinda Devi. Bael is a sacred Hindu tree which is always associated with Lord Shiva. It is believed that the offering of bael leaves is good to please Him. Sandalwood tree and its paste are considered sacred, too.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Respect for plants and the resources that we depend on is a basic premise of the Vedic culture. ... However, there are some specific plants that are given more respect for particular reasons. The Tulasi tree is very special. It is not unusual to find it in many temples in India in the courtyard, or even in homes. A leaf from the Tulasi plant is placed on the food that is offered to Lord Vishnu or Krishna. It is His favorite tree. ... During worship or rituals, leaves from some select trees are used as essential accessories, but among them all, the Betel leaf (pana) enjoys a place of pride in India. The Betel leaf is symbolic of freshness and prosperity. The use of Betel leaf in India is mentioned in the great epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as in Buddhist and Jain literature.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Vedic Culture / Hinduism: A Short Introduction”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/vedic_culture_hinduism_a_short_introduction.htm
“Basic Points About Vedic Culture / Hinduism”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/basic_points_about_vedic_culture_hinduism.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com

 

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/