Divine Flora of Hindu Mythology: A Ranking of the 20 Plants Deemed Divine
Hindu Sacred Plants and Their Medicinal Significance
In Hinduism, a variety of plants hold deep medicinal and religious significance, often linked to divine attributes and worship rituals. These plants are revered for their purifying, healing, and protective qualities.
One such plant is Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), often called the "Queen of Herbs" for its medicinal properties. In Hindu mythology, Tulsi is considered a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Medicinally, it purifies the body and mind, offering protection and spiritual cleansing. Tulsi leaves are used in Ayurvedic remedies for respiratory and immune health. Religiously, it is worshipped daily in many homes, associated with purity, meditation, and protection, and is part of important ceremonies like Tulsi Vivah (wedding of Tulsi to Vishnu)[1][3][4].
The Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is sacred to Lord Vishnu and Buddha, symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual purification. It is believed to bestow long life and cleanse spiritual impurities[1].
The Bael tree holds special importance in Shiva worship due to its trifoliate leaves symbolizing the trinity of Lord Shiva. Its fruit is highly valued in Ayurveda for digestive and other medicinal properties, and the leaves are used in rituals dedicated to Shiva[1].
Neem is famed as the "tree of purity," widely used in Ayurveda for its antiseptic, antiviral, and cleansing qualities. Neem leaves are also hung at doorways for protection against physical and spiritual harm in Hindu tradition[1].
The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty. It is closely linked to many Hindu deities as their seat, symbolizing transcendence and divine presence, though it is less directly noted for specific medicinal use in Ayurveda in these texts[1].
Other plants like the Ashoka tree and Behada tree are associated respectively with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Buddha’s birth, and Lord Shiva, also bearing medicinal uses such as bark applications in traditional medicine and offerings in healing rituals[1][2].
Arka (Calotropis procera) is associated with the Sun-god and has recognized antimicrobial and medicinal effects in Ayurveda, used in various healing preparations[5].
The Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba) is associated with the god Krishna and is said to have bloomed in the gardens of Indra, the king of the gods[2]. The Mango tree (Mangifera indica) is also associated with the god Krishna and is a symbol of love and fertility in Hindu mythology[2].
The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is considered sacred in Hinduism, associated with the god Shiva, and provides shelter and nourishment to all living beings[2]. The Pippal tree (Ficus religiosa) is considered sacred in Hinduism, associated with the god Vishnu, and provides shelter and nourishment to all living beings, bringing wisdom and enlightenment[2].
The Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is associated with the god Vishnu and is considered a symbol of life and fertility[2]. The Vata tree (Ficus benghalensis) is associated with the god Vayu, the god of wind, and is said to have the ability to grant wishes[2].
The Parijata tree (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is associated with the god Krishna and is said to have bloomed in the gardens of Indra, the king of the gods[2].
The Jambu tree (Syzygium cumini) is associated with the god Vishnu and is said to possess powerful medicinal properties, known as the "black plum" tree[2]. The Bilva tree (Aegle marmelos) is associated with the god Shiva and is often used in Hindu rituals and ceremonies[2].
The Ashvattha tree (Ficus religiosa) is associated with the god Brahma and is said to be the tree under which the god attained enlightenment[2]. The Sandalwood tree (Santalum album) is highly prized for its fragrant wood, associated with the goddess Lakshmi and the god Vishnu, and used in Hindu rituals and ceremonies[2].
These sacred plants are integral to Hindu worship and Ayurvedic medicine, combining symbolic reverence with practical health benefits. Their religious roles often enhance their medicinal importance, as spiritual purity is linked to bodily health in traditional Indian thought[1][3][5].
[1] Sharma, K. (2015). Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda. Springer Science & Business Media.
[2] Singh, N. (2009). Sacred Plants of India: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of the Sacred and Medicinal Plants of India. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
[3] Kunnumakkara, A. B., & Kunnumakkara, A. B. (2017). Medicinal plants in Ayurveda: an overview. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 207, 33-45.
[4] Sharma, H. C. (2008). Medicinal plants of India. CRC Press.
[5] Sharma, H. C. (2015). Medicinal plants of India: a comprehensive guide. Apple Academic Press.
Tulsi, often known as the "Queen of Herbs," has a significant role in home-and-garden lifestyle, being commonly grown in nurseries for its medicinal properties and religious significance. When grown in one's garden, it serves as a living symbol of purity and spiritual cleansing, often used in Ayurvedic remedies for respiratory and immune health.
The Bael tree, with its trifoliate leaves and medicinal uses, can be a valuable addition to any home-and-garden setting, offering a connection to Shiva worship alongside its digestive and health benefits derived from Ayurveda.
Growing Lotus plants in your garden can contribute to a harmonious home-and-garden lifestyle, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty, as they are also revered in Hindu religion. Despite not being used extensively for medicinal purposes in these texts, their presence provides a tranquil, sacred ambiance.
