The Meaning Behind Festive Practices (Part 9)
In the previous column, we looked into the significance of mango and neem leaves in Hindu rituals. Trees (also inclusive of plants for the rest of the column) in general are an integral part of Hindu devotion system. In fact, there are specific festive days to celebrate different trees and plants. Let us see why this special significance.
Why are trees and plants revered in Hindu devotion system?
Sanatana Dharma, a way of life established on scientific spirituality, has special significance to trees. Hindus consider trees as representation of divinity and worship trees as Vriksha Devata meaning tree gods. Forests are revered as Vana Devata meaning forest gods. Vedas prescribe protecting trees.
Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitaha
-Vedas
Translation: Protect trees, trees will protect you.
Most Hindus start their day by offering pooja to Tulsi (or Tulasi) plant.
Yenmoole Sarvatheerthaani Yenmadhye
Sarvadevatha
Yadagre sarva vedaascha tulaseem-tham
namamyaham
Translation: All sacred places reside in the roots, all the deities reside in the middle, and all the Vedas occupy the top tips of the Tulasi plant and I am offering my salutations to such sacred plant.
According to Devi Bhagavata Puranam, Tulasi is a representation of Lakshmi - the goddess of prosperity and principal consort of Lord Vishnu. In general, worship of Lord Vishnu is incomplete without adding Tulasi leaves to the pooja.
Hindus pray to different seasonal trees on festive occasions throughout the year in appreciation of and to nurture the symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature. Here is a list of lunar months and specific trees that have special significance in each.
Lunar months |
Gregorian months |
Tree/ plants With Special Significance
|
Significance |
Chaitra |
March- April |
Mango, Neem |
Ugadi, Amra-pushpa bhakshana vrata,
|
Vaisakha |
April-May |
Banana |
Banana trees are planted and worshiped on Vaisakha, Magha or Kartika sukla chaturdasi |
Jyeshta |
May-June |
- Bilva
- Banyan
|
- Bilva Tri-ratri vrata
- Vat Savitri vrata
|
Ashada |
June-July |
Henna |
Women decorate their palms with henna designs as a good omen |
Sravana |
July-August |
Bilva |
Offering obeisance to Bilva tree on Sravana Krishna Ekadasi
|
Bhadrapada |
August-September |
- Bilva
- 21 diverse types of leaves
|
Offering Bilva leaf to Lord Ganesh on Bhadra Sukla Chaturthi
- Ganesh Chaturthi
|
Aswayuja |
September-October |
- Bilva
- Prosopis cineraria
|
- Lord Shiva worshipped with Bilva leaves on Bilva Saptami/ Navami / Nimantrana
- Vijaya Dasami
|
Karthika |
October-November |
- Tulsi & Indian gooseberry (Amla)
- Banana
|
- Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi
- Banana trees are planted and worshiped on Vaisakha, Magha or Kartika sukla chaturdasi
|
Margasira |
November-December
|
Tulsi |
Margasira poornima
|
Pushya |
December-January |
New crop |
Makara Sankranthi (Festival of Harvest)
|
Magha |
January-February
|
- Banana
- Bean leaf, Swallow-wort |
- Banana trees are planted and worshiped on Vaisakha, Magha or Kartika sukla chaturdasi
- On Radha Saptami rice porridge is offered to the Sun God in bean leaves. Swallow-wort leaves that transmit sun rays better are placed on the body while praying to Sun God.
|
Phalguna
|
February-March
|
Amla |
Amala Ekadasi |
Alongside these trees on special occasions, there are trees that are special for every day worship. For example coconut and sandalwood are used as a part of daily offerings to deities. Ashoka, kadamb, peepal, banyan, neem are some of the trees with divine significance for Hindus. Ashoka tree is pious for Hindus because it is said that Sita Devi waited, with piety and unflinching devotion for Lord Sri Rama, under the tree. Kadamb tree is said to be dear to Lord Krishna during his past times in Vrindavan. Peepal tree is believed to be the abode of trinity - the root is supposed to represent Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and the leaves represent Shiva. It is also said that Gouthama Buddha attained enlightenment under the peepal tree. Banyan tree represents the immortality of soul. In general, Shiva Lingam is placed under the banyan tree as an indication that the soul cannot be destroyed. Neem tree represents the energy of Goddess Durga.
With these highlights about the religious significance of tress, I take leave of you for now. Next month let us continue with some more on the religious significance followed by the scientific justification for the significance of trees and what it translates to in the spiritual realm.