By Podhghar – Bridging the Gap Between Nature and Culture Always in Style

Spiritual India Digs Deep — Nature has always intertwined with the country’s extensive religious and cultural heritage. In India, the flora is not simply a landscape feature, but integrated into the very essence of the religion and rituals of the country. India’s spirituality and culture have always imbibed nature in everything it does, be it worshipping the deities or serving as a mark multiplying wellness. At Podhghar, we explore the plants with deep spiritual and cultural significance in India.

Podhghar aims to connect you with nature and tradition by compiling a list of 10 plants which have cultural or spiritual resonance and will help enhance the decor as well as energize the home.

Digging Deeper Into Plants and Devotion w/ India

Tulsi (Holy Basil) – The Queen of Herbs

Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum
Why It’s Sacred: Tulsi or holy basil is a prized plant within an Indian household. This herb is held in high reverence not only for its medicinal qualities but also for its spiritual significance. In Hinduism, Tulsi is viewed as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity, which gets connected with Lord Vishnu. It is said that having a Tulsi plant within a household helps in improving the energies, clearing out negatives, and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. At Podhghar, we celebrate the spiritual importance of Tulsi and its role in nurturing positive energy
Cultural Significance: The Tulsi is placed in flower pots kept at the entrance of the house, and they are also seen planted within open spaces of the house. With every morning and evening prayers, the leaves of the plant are offered to God. Moreover, these leaves are used to prepare herbal tea known as tulsi tea that is said to help with multiple ailments.
Podhghar Tip: Put Tulsi on a windowsill facing east, and in a few days, your surroundings and soul would feel light. All you need to do is shower love and water it daily.

Peepal Tree – The Tree of Enlightenment

Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa
Why It’s Sacred: The Peepal tree is regarded as sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is important in Buddhist culture because it is the tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In Hinduism, the Peepal is revered as the Tree in which the Holy Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—reside. The tree is worshipped to attain peace and divine insight. At Podhghar, we explore the deep spiritual significance of the Peepal tree and its cultural importance in various traditions.
Cultural Significance: As a part of Hindu custom, it is encouraged to pray beneath the Peepal tree, with Saturdays being the most popular day. The leaves of the Peepal tree are also used in rituals and are believed to represent God’s grace and wisdom.
Podhghar Suggestion: Although the Mahabodhi Peepal trees would be suitable to outdoor locations, a Peepal bonsai would be a perfect indoor addition. It would provide spiritual value as well as tranquility to the house.

Banana Plant – A Symbol of Prosperity

Botanical Name: Musa spp.
Why It’s Sacred: In Indian culture, the banana plant is emblematic of prosperity and abundance. It is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune. Their fruits and leaves serve as offerings during important religious functions.
Cultural Significance: In South India, the use of banana leaves is also prevalent in many important cultural events, such as weddings and housewarming functions. It is celebrated during Onam and Navratri. The leaves are religiously revered and utilized as divinely disposed during traditional feast lunches.
Podhghar Idea: A container with a dwarf banana plant will serve as a refreshing addition to the terrace. It will boost the spiritual look of your garden while serving fresh fruits.

Neem – The Healer Tree

10 Plants with Spiritual or Cultural Significance in India – Podhghar

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica
Why It’s Sacred: Due to its many healing properties, neem is often referred to as a “village pharmacy” in India. Culturally, Neem is associated with Goddess Durga, believed to shield households from evil spirits and malevolent forces. Traditionally, neem’s leaves, bark, and oil were utilized to treat health ailments.
Cultural Significance: The neem tree is revered, with its leaves utilized to ‘cleanse’ the air in various religious practices. Moreover, it is thought to promote good health and general well-being for those who cultivate it around their residences.
Podhghar Insight: Consider mounting a neem sapling in your garden or backyard. Apart from enhancing the spiritual atmosphere, it aids in air purification and the warding off of harmful pests.

Ashoka Tree – The Tree of Love and Grace

Botanical Name: Saraca asoca
Why It’s Sacred: The Ashoka tree is a symbol of love and sorrow in Indian folklore. Its very name, “Ashoka”, which means devoid of sorrow in Sanskrit, signifies the liberation from pain and the arrival of love. The tree is also said to be associated with goddess Parvati, making it a symbol of good fortune and joy.
Cultural Significance: The Ashoka tree has deep connections with Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. She is believed to have waited under an Ashoka tree for Rama’s return. The tree is also known for its fragrance, and red and orange flowers which are deemed auspicious, and the blooms are planted during marriages.
Podhghar Tip: Planting the Ashoka tree at the entrance of your house or in your garden would be a cherished sign of devotion and offer spiritual tranquility.

Bael (Bilva) – Revered by Lord Shiva

Botanical Name: Aegle marmelos
Why It’s Sacred: In Hinduism, the Bael tree is one of the most important trees worshiped particularly in relation to Lord Shiva. Its leaves are held in great reverence and are offered to Shiva during worship, especially on Mahashivaratri. Additionally, the fruit is frozen in a special way during summer so it can be prepared into a refreshing beverage, Bael sherbet.
Cultural Significance: The leaves and fruit also serve a religious purpose. The leaves, when offered to Lord Shiva, are said to bestow good fortune and protection. In addition, it signifies fertility along with longevity.
Podhghar Tip: Having a Bael plant growing in your garden or courtyard is a simple way to enrich the spiritual vibe in your home, along with offering plenty of health advantages.

Sandalwood – Wood of the Gods

Botanical Name: Santalum album
Why It’s Sacred: Sandalwood is a highly revered wood in Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Jainism. Its aroma is likened with spirituality, purification, and meditation. Sandalwood is used for making paste, which is applied on the forehead during puja. It is said to calm the mind and body.
Cultural Significance: The use of sandalwood in puja, shrines, and temples is mandatory as it becomes an integral part of idol and deity anointing. Used for preparing incense, it is imperative in ayurvedic medicine, known for its tranquil and healing properties.
Podhghar Suggestion: Indoors, sandalwood poses a challenge to grow due to its sluggish growth; but it can be planted in gardens as a long-term investment. Ethically sourced sandalwood plants or oils should be pursued.

Mango Leaves – Auspicious and Protective

Botanical Name: Mangifera indica
Why It’s Sacred: Both Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are symbolically anchored to mango leaves. They find usage in several rituals and mark as prosperity and welfare. During Diwali, mango leaves are commonly seen used in toran decoratives on doors.
Cultural Significance: Mango leaves are used during festive occasions to make wreaths and are used in religious ceremonies. The leaves are said to bring calmness and safekeeping to the home.
Podhghar Idea: For spiritual and aesthetic purposes, it is suggested to grow a mango tree in your garden or in a pot on your balcony.

Lotus—Symbol of Spiritual Awakening

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Why It’s Sacred: In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the lotus is among the most revered symbols. They use it to represent spiritual awakening and purity. Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Lakshmi are depicted sitting on lotus flowers. It is also linked with resurrection and divine illumination.
Cultural Significance: The lotus is employed in religious imagery and architecture, and its meaning is universal. It features in lotus-shaped offerings and is placed on temple altars, serving as a metaphor for the human soul’s rise.
Podhghar Tip: You may cultivate a lotus in shallow water containers or ponds.