Pancha pallava is widely used in Hindu puja. It is a twig with five leaves or twigs of five trees. The five trees are:
- Mango
- Banyan (Vata)
- Fig (pipala)
- Bakul (maulsari)
- Jackfruit (katahana)
- Lemon tree leaf is used instead of jackfruit leaves if it is a semi tantric puja.
 |
| Bakula - Spanish Cherry - Elengi |
Leaves used in Regular home puja
A mango twig with five leaves should be used in every day puja and worship at home (nitya puja).
Importance of Pancha Pallava
- Pancha Pallava is an essential element of all kinds of worship.
- In an elaborate puja, the five different types of leaves are used.
- Symbolically the leaves represent five senses. As per some scholars, it represents the five sheaths that have to be given up to reach the core.
- The five leaves are to be placed atop a water vessel.
- The five leaves and water vessel is a symbol and signifies the Goddess.