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How to Worship Banyan Tree in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide

In Hinduism, the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is highly revered for its symbolic representation of longevity, fertility, and divine protection. Worshiping the Banyan tree is said to bring good health, longevity, prosperity, and blessings. The tree is associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and plays a key role in several Hindu festivals, like Vat Savitri Vrat and Vat Purnima. Below is a detailed guide to performing Banyan tree worship, including the significance, rituals, items needed, and benefits.


Importance and Significance of Worshiping the Banyan Tree

  • Symbol of Longevity: The Banyan tree represents immortality due to its long lifespan and ever-growing roots and branches. In mythology, it is known as "Akshaya Vat," the immortal Banyan tree.
  • Connection to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva: In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is said to reside in the Banyan tree, while Lord Shiva is worshipped in its roots. The tree is also linked to Goddess Lakshmi and Savitri.
  • Blessings of Prosperity and Good Health: Worshiping the Banyan tree is believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and good health. It is also linked with fertility and harmony in marriage.

Cleanliness and Preparation

Before starting the Banyan tree worship, cleanliness is crucial for ensuring a pure and sacred atmosphere:

  • Bathing: Take a bath to cleanse yourself before performing the puja.
  • Clothing: Wear clean, modest clothing. Light-colored traditional attire such as sarees, dhotis, or salwar kameez is recommended. Avoid wearing black or blue clothes during this ritual, as these colors are often associated with negative energies in Hinduism.
  • Area Cleanliness: Clean the area around the Banyan tree. Sweep away debris and wash the space with water, preferably adding some Ganga water (if available) to purify the surroundings.

Best Time to Worship the Banyan Tree

  • Time of Day: Worship should be performed either in the early morning or during the evening when the atmosphere is peaceful.
  • Day: Worshiping the Banyan tree on auspicious days like Vat Savitri Vrat, Vat Purnima, or Somvar (Monday), which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, enhances the benefits.
  • Tithi (Lunar Calendar): Perform the puja on Amavasya (New Moon) or Poornima (Full Moon) for special blessings.

Puja Items Required

Here’s a list of essential items needed for the Banyan tree worship:

  1. Fresh Water (preferably Ganga Jal) for cleaning the tree.
  2. Milk for abhishek (ritual bathing).
  3. Kumkum (vermilion) and Haldi (turmeric).
  4. Flowers (fresh flowers, preferably red or yellow marigold or jasmine).
  5. Roli or Sindoor (red powder).
  6. Akshata (unbroken rice mixed with turmeric).
  7. Sacred Thread (Moli): Yellow, red, or white cotton thread for tying around the tree.
  8. Fruits like bananas, coconuts, and other seasonal fruits.
  9. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Camphor (Kapoor).
  10. Oil Lamp (Diya) with ghee or oil.
  11. Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts.
  12. Sweets or homemade Prasad such as kheer, laddoos, or halwa.

Simple Steps of Banyan Tree Puja

  1. Clean the Tree: Sprinkle water around the Banyan tree and sweep the area to purify the surroundings.
  2. Perform Abhishek: Pour fresh water and then milk over the roots of the Banyan tree, symbolizing the act of purification.
  3. Apply Haldi and Kumkum: Smear a bit of haldi and kumkum on the roots and the trunk of the tree. You can also place a small tilak on your forehead.
  4. Offer Flowers and Akshata: Present fresh flowers and akshata (rice mixed with turmeric) to the tree as a symbol of devotion.
  5. Tie Sacred Thread (Moli): Take a sacred thread (red or yellow moli) and tie it around the trunk of the Banyan tree while chanting mantras. Traditionally, women tie the moli for the longevity of their husbands during Vat Savitri or Vat Purnima.
  6. Light the Lamp and Incense: Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks near the tree. Walk around the tree three, five, or seven times in a clockwise direction, reciting prayers or mantras.
  7. Offer Prasad: Place fruits, betel leaves, nuts, and sweets at the base of the tree as an offering to the deities residing within it.
  8. Aarti: Perform aarti with camphor or the lit diya to honor the divine presence in the Banyan tree.

Prasad Preparation

  • Simple Sweets: Prepare traditional sweets like laddoos, kheer, or halwa.
  • Fruits: Seasonal fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and pomegranates can also be offered as prasad.

Mantras and Prayers

You can chant the following mantras during the worship:

  1. Mantra to Worship the Banyan Tree:

    Om Mahavrikshaya Namah

    (I bow to the great Banyan tree)

  2. Mantra for Lord Vishnu:

    Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

    (Salutations to Lord Vishnu)

  3. Mantra for Lord Shiva:

    Om Namah Shivaya

    (I bow to Lord Shiva)

  4. Savitri-Satyavan Prayer (During Vat Savitri Puja):

    Savitri Satyavan Vrata Katha

    (Recite the story of Savitri and Satyavan for blessings in married life)

  5. Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat

Conclusion of the Puja

  • Distribute Prasad: After completing the puja, distribute the prasad (fruits and sweets) to family members, neighbors, and other devotees.
  • Prayer for Forgiveness: Offer a silent prayer asking for forgiveness for any mistakes made during the worship.
  • Aarti: Perform a final aarti to conclude the ritual and offer your final prayers.

Benefits of Banyan Tree Worship

  • Longevity and Health: Regular worship of the Banyan tree is believed to bestow long life and good health.
  • Fertility and Prosperity: The tree is symbolic of fertility and growth, making it auspicious for women seeking blessings for children or couples hoping for prosperity.
  • Protection and Peace: The Banyan tree offers spiritual protection and mental peace, connecting the devotee to the divine.

What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items?

  • Sacred Thread: Let the thread tied around the tree stay there; it will eventually fall off naturally.
  • Flowers and Akshata: These can be left at the base of the tree or immersed in a river or lake, if available.
  • Camphor and Incense Ash: Dispose of the ash in flowing water or bury it in the soil near the tree.
  • Prasad: Consume the prasad with family or share it with others.

By following this guide, devotees can ensure a respectful and meaningful worship of the Banyan tree, bringing blessings and positive energy into their lives.