Significance Of Sacred Trees In India

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India is widely recognised for the amalgamation of various religions and cultures. India is known as a land of spirituality and people across the world visit the country for spiritual solace. It is a country where you find the essence of religion and spirituality in every state including the age old architectures and temples. On a factual note, people in India especially Hindus are known to pay their respects to the nature, including animals and trees. For example, if you visit the temples of India, you would not be surprised to find the presence of peepal tree, which holds a significant place in the Hindu religion.

Worshiping trees is not a strange practice in India. Few trees are said to be sacred, filled with spiritual powers and sometimes associated to the supreme deities. Trees such as peepal, coconut, bhang and sandalwood are worshiped in many states of India and have high regards in Hindu religion. The sacred trees are famously referred as 'kalpa-vriksha'. Apart from being worshiped, it also has certain medicinal benefits.

We give you a list of scared trees which are worshipped and holds a significant place in Indian society.

Bael tree
Bael tree, also referred to as 'bilupatre' is associated with 'Lord Shiva', the God of Destroyer. Offering the leaf of this tree to the almighty is said to be very beneficial. The trifoliate leaves symbolise the functions of the almighty that is creation, preservation and destruction.

Peepal Tree
Peepal tree are found in almost every temple of India; especially in South India. Peepal tree holds the highest rank among all holy Hindu trees. This tree is associated with Lord Vishnu, as the Puranas says that this tree is home to the trinity of Gods, the root being Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and leaves represent Lord Shiva. Interestingly, peepal tree is also associated with Lord Shani too.

In order to invoke the blessings of Shani Dev, water the Peepal tree on Thursday or Saturday. Apart from that wrapping sacred thread around the Peepal tree for seven times and enchanting Shani Mantra is said to take away the troubles of Saadhe Saatee. After wrapping the holy thread dont forget to light a lamp under the peepal tree.

Bamboo tree
Bamboo tree is associated with Lord Krishna. According to the myths, the flute of Lord Krishna is said to be made of bamboo. Hence, bamboo tree is a symbol representing Lord Krishna and his flute.

Sandalwood Tree
Sandalwood Tree, is not just known for its aroma and beauty benefits, but is also associated with the supreme powers. This tree is associated with Goddess Paravati because it is believed that she created Lord Ganesha out of sandalwood paste and her sweat. Hence it is considered to be very sacred. Sandalwood paste is widely used to worship Gods and Goddesses.

Bhang Tree
If you visit any place associated with Lord Shiva, you ought to find the sadhus having bhang. However, bhang tree is known to be really auspicious as it brings wealth and prosperity. You can find abundance of bhang leaves being offered to Lord Shiva during Mahashivratri festival. They are also used for making 'prasad'.

Coconut Tree
In India, chopping down coconut tree is considered to be a bad omen. Coconut tree also called as "Kalpa Vriksha" is a well known scared tree, and is used for all auspicious moment of any pooja. This tree also represents Lord Shiva.

These are the significance of sacred trees in India.