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Paan – Betel Leaves And Goddess Lakshmi

Betel leaves or paan leaves is considered sacred by Hindus and is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. It is also known as Tambuli, Nagavalli and beeda leaves. In Tamil, it is known as Vetrilai and Vetillai in Malayalam.

The popular belief in Hindu religion is that the betel leaf is the personification of the palm of Goddess Lakshmi. Betel leaf is associated with health, wealth, peace and prosperity.

The leaves are indispensable item in social, religious and family functions. It is given as part of respect. Distribution of betel leaves usher in prosperity to the donor.

According to Sushruta (1st century BCE), betel leaf is aromatic, stimulant, carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac and antiseptic.