At Astro Beyond Stars, we believe in preserving and respecting nature. In this comprehensive blog post, we write about plants and their importance.
Plants have long been revered for their powerful influence on physical and spiritual well-being. In astrology, they are linked to specific celestial bodies, guiding our emotional and spiritual paths. We can please our planets by worshipping certain plants and reducing their adverse effects. Plants offer healing properties, from calming herbs to potent remedies for common ailments. This intersection of cosmic energy and medicinal benefits explains why humans have worshipped plants throughout history, seeing them as vital allies for balance and health.
Although there are many plants, trees, and flora that we revere, let’s explore some of the significant plants and trees we worship and understand their astrological and medicinal benefits.
Astrological and Medicinal Benefits of Tulsi
The Tulsi plant holds various spiritual and religious significance. Tulsi is regarded as the earthly form of Goddess Lakshmi and symbolises wealth, health, and prosperity. In Hindu rituals, it purifies offerings to Lord Vishnu and Krishna. Revered in Ayurveda for its healing properties, Tulsi promotes well-being. The plant also purifies the air, creating a positive atmosphere in the home. Ancient texts describe Tulsi as a bridge between heaven and earth, embodying divine blessings. Worshipping Tulsi is believed to enhance Jupiter’s power, bringing prosperity and positive change.
Preserving and Respecting Tulsi
In Indian culture, Tulsi is revered as a sacred plant. We show our respect and intentions of preserving it through daily rituals, including offering water, chanting mantras, keeping the surroundings of the Tulsi clean, and lighting a diya in devotion. During Tulsi Vivah, the plant is married to Lord Vishnu, celebrating its divine status. The ceremony involves decorating the Tulsi plant with flowers, applying turmeric and vermilion, and offering prayers for prosperity and the family’s well-being. During the tulsi vivah, we wrap a chunari around the plant to protect her from the frost of the winter settling in.
Worship and Preserve the Peepal Tree to Get Good Luck
The Peepal tree, called Vasudeva, is sacred and believed to house deities on every leaf. Worshipping it, especially on Saturdays, invites blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, bringing prosperity, happiness, and the pacification of ruling planets. If you have angry Shani in your chart, you must offer water to the Peepal tree.
By worshipping the peepal tree, you can minimise kaal sarp dosh. Additionally, you can eliminate planetary defects by touching the tree with both hands and chanting the “Om Namah Shivay” mantra 108 times.
During the Shani Jayanti, devotees worship the Peepal tree by circumambulating and tying the sacred thread around it to show devotion to Lord Shani. Peepal is said to be one of the oldest trees on this Earth, producing a large amount of oxygen even after sunset, protects the ozone layer and also helps in maintaining biodiversity.
Importance of Banyan Tree
The Banyan tree, also known as Kalparviksha, simply means the tree capable of fulfilling the wishes of devotees and giving material gains. The Banyan tree symbolises Lord Vishnu, and he is said to reside in its bark, Lord Brahma in its roots, and Lord Shiva in its branches, representing the three aspects of the divine, which is why it is called the Trimurti.
In India, primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, married women worship the Banyan/ Vat tree on the day of Vad or Vat Savitri for the longevity of their spouses and children. Worshipping the Banyan tree can reduce the harmful effects of Saturn and Rahu. It is also said that if a person worships the Banyan tree at night before bed, it can bring them a fortune. By offering water to the Banyan tree, one can minimise the various negative impacts of Navagraha on their lives. It also stands for longevity and resilience in spiritual traditions.
Benefits of Banana Tree
In Hindu culture, the entire banana plant is considered sacred and is referred to as ‘Kadali’ in Sanskrit. The leaves, in particular, hold special significance and are considered holy for various reasons.
In Hindu mythology, Rishi Durvasa cursed his wife to become a banana tree after she disturbed his sleep. She pleaded for the tree to be considered sacred, and Rishi Durvasa granted her wish. Since then, Hindu culture has considered banana tree leaves auspicious and holy.
We often use banana leaves as a plate to offer Prasada to the temple’s devotees. Hindu marriage is complete with worshipping the tree. One should worship the Banana tree to please Jupiter and get good fortune.
On the day of Varalaxmi Pooja, people primarily worship the banana tree in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The Bengalis worship her as the bride of Lord Ganesha. Having a banana tree in the house is said to bring in a lot of fortune and positivity.
Importance and Benefits of Shami Plant
The Shami plant is a highly valued indoor plant. It is said to offer stability, protection, and spiritual growth. By worshipping the Shami plant, a person can minimise the ill effects of Lord Shani (Saturn planet).
The Shami plant has religious significance. In the Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga, Lord Rama and the Pandavas worshipped this plant before the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata wars. People in the north worship the Shami plant during Dussehra or Vijayadashmi to symbolise victory, success, and power. This plant is very helpful in curing itching skin disease, scorpion bites, and bleeding disorders.
Final Thought
Our ancient scriptures described plants and forests divine. The sanatan drama believes that the trees are the origin of life and every tree has a deity inside. Hence, we show our gratitudes by worshipping and preserving them for all the things they provide like foods, flowers, medicines and more and also the protection they give to us and our earth.
