Top 15 Religious Plants Of India

India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, each with its unique traditions and rituals. Many Trees and Plants hold immense religious significance in various faiths across the country. These religious plants are not only integral to religious ceremonies but also play a vital role in the cultural fabric of India. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 15 religious Trees and Plants of India and their spiritual importance.

1. Peepal Tree

The Peepal tree is popularly known as the Bodhi tree. It is believed that Gautam Buddha gained enlightenment under this tree.

This tree represents three main gods in Hinduism- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The leaves represent Shiva, the trunk represents Vishnu and the roots represent Brahma. Therefore, it represents the Holy Trinity in the scriptures. A red thread is tied around the tree to worship it. According to Skanda Purana, Lord Vishnu resides under this tree. The Peepal tree is considered the ‘Tree of Life’ not only among Hindus but also among Jains and Buddhists.

The three doshas, vāta, pitta, and kapha fluctuate in the body due to various factors and health exists when an equal amount of these elements are present in one’s body. Peepal keeps the balance of these three elements.

This sacred tree finds uses in different ayurvedic medicines and is known to treat various ailments.

2. Banyan Tree

The Banyan tree is the national tree of our country and is also known as ‘bargad’. It provides a vast field of shade due to its lush and large foliage. It is highly worshipped and is believed to fulfill wishes as per Hindu mythology. This sacred tree is found commonly near a temple and homes and is known to regulate the balance of the three doshas as peepal does. It is known as the kalpa vriksha. It is generally considered as the humble abode of Krishna.

3. Bael Tree

Bael is a very sacred tree of India and is associated with the almighty Lord Shiva. The bael leaves are always offered to Shiva. The religious ceremonies are considered incomplete if the Bael leaves and fruits are not offered to him.

4. Ashoka Tree

Ashoka tree is sacred to Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus and is known to be associated with Kama Deva (the god of love). It is heard that Shakyamuni Buddha took birth under an Ashoka tree situated in Lumbini Garden. Hanuman meets Sita in the garden of Ashoka trees (Ashoka Vatika) which is mentioned in the Ramayana.

This tree has elegant flowers and is an evergreen species. A Toran of Ashoka leaves is hung on the main door on an auspicious occasion as it creates a positive atmosphere in the house.

5. Mango Tree

The Mango tree and its fruit are considered a vital ingredient for any puja or religious ceremony. The leaves are hung in the house to mark an auspicious occasion as it is said that the leaves mark goddess Lakshmi. Also, these are placed on the Kalash rituals during Purnakumba (a Hindu ceremony). The coconut on the top of Kalash symbolizes the head of the god and the leaves symbolize limbs. The tree has also been quoted in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. The sacred fruit symbolizes fertility and purity and is known as the ‘King of fruits’.

6. Neem Tree

The neem tree is known to be associated with the goddess Durga and is believed to protect against evil spirits. It is highly respected in India. It has various health benefits and ayurvedic uses.

A special puja is held on Chaitra Navaratri when prayers are offered to the Neem tree, symbolizing the worship of goddess Shitala. People often bathe newborn babies in water boiled with neem leaves because of their medicinal and sacred properties.

7. Banana Tree

The sacred banana tree is used in many religious ceremonies. The leaves are hung near the entrance to mark an auspicious occasion and are also used as plates to give prasad. The fruit of the banana tree is offered in religious ceremonies to gods and goddesses, in particular, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu.

8. Coconut

The coconut tree of South India is also one of the most worshipped trees. It is used in religious ceremonies and distributed as a prasad at various holy places. Coconuts are worshipped by the lord at auspicious occasions and are considered sacred and lucky.

9. Lotus

Of all the beautiful and alluring flowers found in our country, lotus is the purest of them all. It is the national flower of our country and every inch of this flower is pure beauty. It generally has a pink color and is an emblem of knowledge and prosperity. The goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati sit on red and white lotuses. The lotus is also associated with Brahma.

10. Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood, used in temples, as a sign of Hindu custom, can be seen on a Hindu forehead, on any average day. Since eons, sandalwood is famous for its enchanting scent and hence, is widely used in perfumery. Sandalwood paste is advised by almost every other skin doctor when it comes to skincare. One of the sacred plants, that is acclaimed all over the world.

11. Kunda (Star Jasmine)

Jasmine, also identified with Lord Shiva, according to the Vedic texts, is effective in controlling the mind, by acting on the receptors in the mind through its aroma. Jasmine, as a sacred plant, also has ample medicinal qualities, such as, it offers a cure for breast cancer, by acting on the lymphatic system. The part of jasmine, most extensively used, is its flowers.

12. Kadamba

Also known as the Burflower tree, this Kadamba tree is linked with Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishan spent his early years here, where he also learned to play the flute under this sacred tree. Also, a favorite of Goddess Durga is the Kadamba tree. Goddess Durga is said to have lived in the Kadamb jungle in the past.

13. Plumeria

Champa is a dazzling and sweetly scented yellow or red flower, used in religious ceremonies and worship of gods. It is sacred to Krishna. It is believed to be a part of one of the five darts of flowers of Kama Deva.

14. Tulsi

Tulsi is one of the most common sacred plants in our country. Many people have Tulsi’s planted in their backyards. Tulsi is always needed in religious ceremonies and is also popular for its medical applications. Tulsi is loved by Lord Vishnu and in Hinduism, Tulsi vivaah is a very popular religious practice. Apart from this, yogis wear Tulsi beads to purify their mind, body, and soul.

15. Parijaat

In Hindu mythology, Parijaat is not only very significant, but it also bears delicate, exquisite white blossoms with a pleasant scent.

This tree’s blooms fall to the ground naturally when the night comes to an end. Thus, even if they are plucked from the ground, these are the only flowers fit to be dedicated to God.

The blooms are often referred to as “Night Jasmine” since they typically release their scent at night.

India is a multi-religious country. In this multi-religion, there has been a common belief that God resides in trees. Worshipping plants as a part of nature is an age-old practice. People respect nature and the natural resources of land, water, and air in worshipping trees in India. Therefore, tree worship in India is a very important aspect.

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Top 15 Religious Plants of India