ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
The story of Ganesha and the mango.
Of the many Hindu myths, there is one that stands out, sublimely showing the importance of love in building family bonds.
The protagonist of this story is Ganesha, typically depicted with an elephant’s head with a single tusk, a pronounced belly and four arms.
In this case, Ganesha is in the guise of a child (Bala Ganapathi) and in his four hands he holds: a sugar cane, a sweet, a branch and a fruit of the mango tree.
And it is this mango tree that’s at the centre of the story, a divine fruit, whose name is Jnana palam.
One day, little Ganesha was at home with his brother Kartikeya, a lanky young man riding a beautiful Indian peacock, and his parents, his father Shiva and mother Parvati, when the traveller Narada arrived to visit the family.
In Hindu mythology Narada is wise, but often behaves mischievously.
He is known to be a bit of a meddler and frequently provokes conflicts between the gods for his own amusement.
On seeing him arrive, Shiva and Parvati immediately smelled trouble, but their hospitality meant that they opened their home and welcomed him.
“Thank you for welcoming me! In return I will offer you this beautiful fruit,” Narada said, pulling a beautiful mango out of his pocket and offering it to Shiva. “Thank you Narada,” replied Shiva, “but let me give it to the one I love, Parvati.
” Shiva handed the fruit to Parvati, who, seeing that her two sons seemed intrigued by the beautiful fruit, in turn said, “Thank you, but this gift would make me much happier if my sons were to receive it”.
She then took the fruit and was about to divide it equally, when Narada stopped her.
“This fruit cannot be divided! It must be eaten by only one person.”
Shiva and Parvati realised Narada’s trick, because both their sons wanted the fruit for themselves.
“Why don’t we have a contest,” Narada suggested, “and the winner will get the fruit. Shiva and Parvati, sighing, accepted the proposal.
“It will be a race: the first of the two children to run three times around the world will win the precious mango”.
Hearing these words from Narada, little Ganesha saw himself doomed.
How could he, with his small legs, compete in speed with his brother Kartikeya, who was so agile, slender and capable of riding that swift peacock?
But by now it was decided, and Narada gave the go-ahead.
Kartikeya set off as fast as the wind to quickly complete three laps around the world and return home.
When he returned he found Narada, his parents and his brother Ganesha holding the mango.
Stunned by this, as he thought he had victory in his pocket, he exclaimed: “How did Ganesha win the fruit?”.
“You see Kartikeya,” his mother Parvati answered him, “while you were running swiftly around the world, Ganesha completed three small laps around me and your father Shiva, because we represent the whole world, for him.”
Mango & its Spiritual Significance
Mango – The king of fruits
The mango is known as the ‘king of fruit’ throughout the world.
The name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’.
When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as ‘manga’.
Mango in Hinduism
The significance of this finds mention in the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. The mango as a fruit is a symbol of love and fertility.
The leaf of the tree is used during most religious and social ceremonies of the Hindus.
Mango leaves symbolizes life
A “Purnakumbha” is a pot filled with water and topped with fresh mango leaves and a coconut and considered to be the “staphna” of the puja.
The pot symbolizes Mother Earth, water is the life giver, coconut the divine consciousness and the mango leaves symbolizes life.
The whole “Purnakumbha” is symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi and good fortune.
Buddhism & Mango Tree
The tree is also sacred to the Buddhists because it is believed that Lord Buddha performed during his lifetime the instantaneous creation of a large mango tree from the seed at a place called Shravasti.
Jainism & Mango tree
The Jain goddess Ambika is traditionally represented as sitting under a mango tree.In Hinduism, the perfectly ripe mango is often held by Lord Ganesha as a symbol of attainment, regarding the devotees potential perfection.
Mango blossoms are also used in the worship of the goddess Saraswati.
Mango in design
Mango motifs and paisleys are widely used in different Indian embroidery styles, and are found in Kashmiri shawls, Kanchipuram silk sarees, etc.
Paisleys are also common to Iranian art, because of its pre-Islamic Zoroastrian past.
Mango Wood
Wood of this tree is useful in pooja and hawan and it is also considered as sacred because at the time of funeral people use wood of mango trees.
The Hindus dedicate tree flowers to the Moon on the second day of the Bengalis Magha month.
With all these importance and uses of mango trees it holds a huge place among the Indians.
Mango as medicines
Every part of the mango is beneficial and has been utilized in folk remedies in some form or another.
Whether the bark, leaves, skin or pit; all have been concocted into various types of treatments or preventatives down through the centuries.
A partial list of the many medicinal properties and purported uses attributed to the mango tree are as follows: anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, anti-tussive (cough), anti-asthmatic, expectorant, cardiotonic, contraceptive, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, laxative, stomachic (beneficial to digestion).
Mango in contemporary world
The mango is the national fruit of India,Pakistan and the Philippines.
It is also the national tree of Bangladesh.
significance of mango tree
India has a long history of worshiping trees, plants and for the ancient Aryans nature was revered.
Many trees like Ashoka, Peepal, Banyan Tree, Bael tree, Neem and Sandalwood tree, Bamboo, banana, coconut and most of all Mango trees are some of the most significant ones.
Mostly all these trees have medicinal properties as well as socio-religious significance.
All of them are large shady trees and perennials.
Hot summer day.
A rope swing on the strong branch of a lush green mango tree, intoxicating fragrance of the mango flowers and the delicious fruit makes the Mango tree is one of the most loved trees in India.
Smooth luscious, velvety and juicy that’s a mango, the king of all fruits as far as India is concerned.
This tropical fruit lives up to its name.
The mango tree is thick and shady therefore excellent for planting in avenues parks etc.
Everything from this tree is used in one form or the other.
It has a religious importance as well as medicinal one.
Mango is our National fruit and rightly so for it has a whole culture of mango eating associated with it.
In north India the land owners who harvested mangoes took pride in their crop.
Mango festivals and mango eating sessions and contests were held all through the summers.
Big drums of water were filled and ripe mangoes were soaked in them to cool.
The families gathered and amidst fun and laughter sucked the mango pulp and juice directly from the fruit by rubbing the ripe mangos with hands loosening the flesh.
The dripping juices the sweet taste and the intoxicating aroma were all part of the ritual.
It is still fun to eat mango like that instead of cutting and eating it with fork or spoon.
They were the connoisseurs of the fruits. Baskets of the best ripe mangoes were exchanged as gifts.
The mango has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years and is an important part of the Indian heritage and culture. It is almost an object of veneration in Hindu households. It is also considered a symbol of love and fertility.
During the long hot summers mangoes are relished all over India especially in the North.
We have hundreds of varieties with exquisite flavors, exotic names and unmatched deliciousness.
There is dashahree, langra, tota pari, safeda, alfanso and neelam all known for there distinct flavor, shape and color.
Religious significance
In the Hindu religion, mango tree has a lot of importance.
To the Hindus, it is a symbol of the Lord of all creatures.
The twigs are used as toothbrushes and the leaves as spoons for the pouring of libations.
The rooms in which marriage ceremonies are held are festooned with Mango leaves.
It is considered auspicious.
The wood is also considered as sacred because it is included in funeral pyres.
Hindus also dedicate the flowers of the tree to the Moon on the second day of the month of Maagh.
The flowering and the fruit-bearing species symbolizes reproduction as they don’t stop growing.
Other uses of the tree
Apart from the delicacy of the fruit, the tree has some other valuable properties as well. The timber of this tree is kiln-dried or seasoned in saltwater.
It is quite soft and durable and thus very good for planking and making packing cases and tea boxes.
It is gray or greenish-brown, coarse-textured, hard, easy to work and finishes well.
In India, it is used for raft making, window frames, agricultural implements, for boats and boxes, including for making crates for shipping.
The wood makes excellent charcoal.
The bark possesses 16% to 20% tannin and is used for tanning hides.
It yields a yellow dye or when mixed with turmeric and lime, a bright rose-pink.
The bark produces a somewhat resinous, red-brown gum that is used in medicine.
Medicinal Uses:
Dried mango flowers, contain 15% tannin and serve as astringents in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery and many other ailments.
The resinous gum from the trunk is applied on cracks in the skin of the feet.
Various parts of the tree are used to stop bleeding and prescribed in cases of snakebite and scorpion-sting as well.
The immature fruit is used to treat certain eye ailments and some people believe that a tonic prepared from the ripe fruit can be proved good for the liver.
Mango kernel concoction and powder are used as astringents in hemorrhages and bleeding hemorrhoids.
A combined concoction of mango and other leaves is taken after childbirth.
Nutrients
It is a rich source of vitamin A C D and has only 70 calories per 100 grams, despite its powerful sweet taste.
Mango also contains beta carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9, a lot of vitamin C, and some traces of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and potassium, lot of antioxidants.
Both raw and ripe mango is used in various food preparations as appetizers, fruit smoothies, deserts, salads, jams squashes and also used in main dishes .
Raw fruits are used for making chutney, pickles and juices.
Sun dried raw mango slices are powdered and used in Indian cooking.
Mango Tree
Mango tree is a native Tree of India.
It can also be found in all tropical countries and has a lot of religious significance and various other usages.
Mango Tree is one of the best known and most popular trees of India.
The scientific name of Mango tree is Mangifera Indica.
Mango tree bears some very large and tasty fruits.
A native to India, mango tree is popularly found in almost all the tropical countries.
Though Mango tree does not have scented flowers, still the tree can be identified by its leaves, bark and the shape.
The tree can retain its leaves all round the year.
Generally, this tree spreads to a great extent to surplus its height.
The tree absorbs carbon dioxide from the environment, using it to form the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit of the mango tree.
Mango tree produces oxygen and releases it into the environment during this process.
Different Names of Mango Tree
There are several names of this popular tree in the different languages of the country. Both in Bengali language and Hindi language, it is popularly known as Aamâ. In Telugu language, Mango is known as ˜Mamidâ or ˜Mamadaâ; and the Tamil people know it as Mangasor Maâ
Structure of Mango Tree
Mango tree can grow up to almost 120-130 ft in height, with a radius of 33 ft at the top. The root of the mango tree goes down to around 20 ft, in deep soil.
The roots are usually plentiful and wide-spreading.
The evergreen leaves of the mango tree contain a specific aroma and are almost 15-35 cm in length and 6-16 cm in width.
In the initial stages, the leaves are orange coloured, but turn dark red and eventually dark green as the leaves mature.
Flowering takes place generally in between January to March.
The flowers have 4 or 5 petals and are 5-10 mm in length.
The mango flowers are yellow-greenish in colour.
The petals have orange stripes on them.
Amongst the thousands of flowers that appear in the tree, only a few have the ability to produce fruits.
The flowers are pollinated by insects and less than 1 percent of the flowers will mature to form a fruit.
The stems of the tree are fat, green in colour and wavy.
They can bear numerous retreating side stems.
Each of these stems has a lot of little and stalked flowers.
Fruit of Mango Tree
The Mango fruit takes 2 to 3 months to get matured and they vary from one tree to another.
The normal fruiting period of the Mango tree is from the month of May to July, but one can obtain fruit from them almost every month of the year.
The tree has some varieties that produce fruits twice and even three times in every 12 months.
The Mangoes can be of different weights.
Starting from 170 gm to 1.4 kg, the fruit has a tough and thin skin that can be of green or yellow or red in colour.
They contain luscious flesh that is creamy white, yellow or deep salmon in colour.
Sometimes the flesh is like fibres and sometimes it is very smooth.Usage of Mango Tree
Apart from the delicacy of the fruit, the tree has some other valuable properties as well.
The timber of Mango tree is quite soft and durable and thus very good for planking and making packing cases and tea boxes.
The bark can produce a gum that is used in medicine.
The immature fruit can also be used, as a treat to Ophthalmia and some people believe that a tonic prepared from the ripe fruit, is good for the liver.
Not only these, various parts of the tree are used to stop bleeding and prescribed in cases of snake-bite and scorpion-sting as well.
Religious Significance of Mango Tree
In Hindu religion, mango tree holds a lot of religious importance.
To the Hindus, it is an alteration of the God Prajapati, the Lord of all creatures.
Further, the rooms in which marriage ceremonies are held are festooned with Mango leaves.
The wood is also considered as sacred because it is included in funeral pyres.
It is also depicted that a ripe Mango fruit is held by Lord Ganesha.
The Hindus also dedicate the flowers of the tree to the Moon on the second day of the Bengali month, Magha.
With all these significances and uses, Mango tree holds a vital position among the people of the country.
Importance of mango tree in Hinduism
In Hinduism, the importance of the mango tree has been explained in many ways. Mango is important in every form, whether it is wood, fruit or leaf, all these things are important.
Mango twigs, wood and leaves are used in all religious rituals in Hinduism.
It has been said in religious texts that by performing Havan with mango wood, there is a flow of positive energy.
In today’s article, we will tell about the importance of the mango tree and why it is used in religious rituals.
For auspicious works
It has been told in the scriptures that the mango tree is the factor of Mars.
This tree is considered to be the sign of Aries, so mango leaves and wood are used in all auspicious works.
No religious work is considered complete without mango leaves.
For archway construction
Mango leaves are used for the construction of pylons in auspicious works.
It is said that Hanuman ji resides in the toran, so by putting it in the main door of the house, negative energy does not enter the house and happiness and peace remains in the house.
For Urn making
Mango leaves are specially used for making Kalash.
Keep coconut on top of 7,5,9 or 11 mango leaves in bronze, brass and copper kalash, also prepare the kalash by putting a coin, Ganga Jal, turmeric and betel nut inside the Kalash.
To decorate mandap and sacrificial altar
The marriage pavilion and the sacrificial altar are incomplete without mango leaves. That’s why in Manglik and religious rituals it is used for worship besides decorating.
For worship
Mango leaves have an important place in all types of worship and havan.
Mango leaves are used to perform AachamanKriya during the Puja.
Mango leaves are known to flow auspiciousness and positive energy.
For Havan
Mango wood is used for Havan.
Havan made of wood without mangoes is considered incomplete.
Apart from this, Surva is prepared from mango wood to add ghee.
Mango wood and leaves are used to make Surva.
A Puja to the Great Mango Tree
The Monks recently held a farewell puja for the media studios magnificent mango tree. We tried so hard to not take it down, but it is tearing apart the Media Studio with its powerful roots.
It was planted in 1959 and is the only one of 20 or so mango trees on the monastery lands that gives edible mangos.
It has fed us many breakfasts over the years.
For this we are grateful.
The wood will be milled by the monks with our portable Cook sawmill, then it will be cured and later used in the construction of the monastery.
“At the base were placed three pots holding mango trees that will be planted to carry on the tradition.
They will be planted elsewhere where buildings will not be an issue in their future life.
We have done a special puja to thank the tree and to bless the arborist who will remove it safely.
He is a Tongan named Phillippe.
We have given him the traditional offering tray, shawl and dakshina.”
Sadasivanathaswami read from the Kamika Agama where it discusses removing trees and how it is to be properly done:
“The sacred Agamas, Hinduism’s scripture on temple worship, are very comprehensive. They include all there is to know on the subject, from the loftiest metaphysics of the high planes of existence,
where the Gods reside, to instructions about how to get the right lumber to build a new temple.
The Kamika Agama says, ‘You must select only trees growing outside the village or the city.
From the place where the temple will be built, the tree should be east, north,
west or any direction in between these three, but other directions are to be avoided.
The tree should not be poisonous.’
Ahimsa, the dharmic law of not harming any living being, is followed carefully.
‘Even to build the most beautiful chariot for God, you must not select trees where birds make nests.
Once the tree is selected, you have to propagate 3, 4 or 5 saplings from it and make sure they grow well.
Only then you may proceed to cut it down, performing the essential rituals.”
A puja was then performed to sanctify the process and tell the tree spirits to move to another residence.
The Sacred Significance of Mango Leaves in Puja Ceremonies In the rich tapestry of Hindu rituals and traditions, the use of mango leaves in puja ceremonies holds a special place of reverence.
Beyond their delicious fruit, mango trees are considered sacred in Hindu culture and are often associated with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Mango leaves have been an integral part of religious practices for centuries, adding a touch of sanctity and symbolism to various pujas.
Lets explore the significance of mango leaves in puja ceremonies and their importance in religious rituals.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of Mango Leaves
Mango leaves are regarded as symbols of purity, fertility and abundance.
The evergreen nature of mango trees signifies the eternal cycle of life and death, making them an ideal choice for sacred ceremonies.
During pujas, the presence of mango leaves is believed to invoke positive energy, remove negative influences and bring harmony to the surroundings.
Traditional Use in Decorations
In Hindu households and temples, mango leaves are commonly used for decorations during festive occasions and religious ceremonies.
They are intricately woven into torans (garlands) and hung above the entrance doors, symbolizing a warm welcome to guests and divine blessings for everyone who enters.
Ratha Yatra and Mango Leaves
During the Ratha Yatra festival, which celebrates the chariot journey of Lord Jagannath, the chariot is adorned with mango leaves.
The act of decorating the chariot with mango leaves signifies prosperity and invites divine protection for the auspicious procession.
Mango Leaves in Weddings and Festivals
Mango leaves play a vital role in Hindu weddings and other significant festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
They are used to embellish mandaps (wedding altars) and various puja spaces.
The presence of mango leaves in these celebrations represents a blessed union, fertility, and a prosperous beginning.
Medicinal Properties of Mango Leaves
Beyond their religious significance, mango leaves possess several medicinal properties.
They are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
In Ayurvedic practices, mango leaves are used to treat various ailments, including diabetes, respiratory issues and digestive disorders.
Environmental Benefits of Mango Leaves
The usage of mango leaves in pujas promotes environmental consciousness.
These leaves are biodegradable, and their incorporation in rituals reduces the demand for non-biodegradable materials, thus contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to religious practices.
Importance & Significance of Mango Leave in Hindu Culture
Mango leaves hold a sacred and symbolic place in Hindu culture and are an integral part of puja ceremonies.
Their presence in various religious rituals enriches the spiritual experience and adds a touch of natural elegance to the surroundings.
Beyond their religious significance, mango leaves also offer various health benefits and promote eco-friendly practices.
As we continue to embrace our traditions, let us also cherish the wisdom and meaning behind the use of mango leaves in puja ceremonies.
King of Fruits
Mango Facts
• The mango is known as the ‘king of fruit’ throughout the world.
• The name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’.
When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as ‘manga’.
• Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Around the 5th century B.C., Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the mango to Malaysia and eastern Asia – legend has it that Buddha found tranquility and repose in a mango grove.
Persian traders took the mango into the middle east and Africa, from there the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies.
Mango cultivars arrived in Florida in the 1830’s and in California in the 1880’s.
• The Mango tree plays a sacred role in India; it is a symbol of love and some believe that the Mango tree can grant wishes.
• In the Hindu culture hanging fresh mango leaves outside the front door during Ponggol (Hindu New Year) and Deepavali is considered a blessing to the house.
• Mango leaves are used at weddings to ensure the couple bear plenty of children (though it is only the birth of the male child that is celebrated – again by hanging mango leaves outside the house).
• Hindus may also brush their teeth with mango twigs on holy days (be sure to rinse well and spit if you try this at home – toxic).
• Many Southeast Asian kings and nobles had their own mango groves; with private cultivars being sources of great pride and social standing, hence began the custom of sending gifts of the choicest mangos.
• The Tahis like to munch mango buds, with Sanskrit poets believing they lend sweetness to the voice.
• Burning of mango wood, leaves and debris is not advised – toxic fumes can cause serious irritation to eyes and lungs.
• Mango leaves are considered toxic and can kill cattle or other grazing livestock.
• In India, a certain shade of yellow dye was attained by feeding cattle small amounts of mango leaves and harvesting their urine. Of course as stated above, this is a contraindicated practice, since mango leaves are toxic and cattle are sacred. It has since been outlawed.
• Mangos are bursting with protective nutrients. The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit, when the mango is green the amount of vitamin C is higher, as it ripens the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases.
• There are over 20 million metric tons of mangos grown throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world.
The leading mango producer is India, with very little export as most are consumed within the country.
Mexico and China compete for second place, followed by Pakistan and Indonesia.
Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Philippines and Haiti follow in order.
• According to the Foreign Agricultural Organization, the top mango exporters reported in 1997 are as follows in order: Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Haiti, Guatemala, Venezuela, Peru, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic.
• The fruit of the mango is called a Drupe – consisting of the mesocarp (edible fleshy part) and endocarp(large woody, flattened pit).
• The mango is a member of the Anachardiaceae family. Other distant relatives include the cashew, pistachio, Jamaica plum, poison ivy and poison oak.
• The over 1,000 known mango cultivars are derived from two strains of mango seed – monoembryonic (single embryo) and polyembryonic (multiple embryo). Monoembryonic hails from the Indian (original) strain of mango,
polyembryonic from the Indochinese.
• Dermatitis can result from contact with the resinous latex sap that drips from the stem end when mangos are harvested. The mango fruit skin is not considered edible.
• Every part of the mango is beneficial and has been utilized in folk remedies in some form or another.
Whether the bark, leaves, skin or pit; all have been concocted into various types of treatments or preventatives down through the centuries.
A partial list of the many medicinal properties and purported uses attributed to the mango tree are as follows: anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, anti-tussive (cough), anti-asthmatic, expectorant, cardiotonic, contraceptive, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, laxative, stomachic (beneficial to digestion).
• Mangiferin – rich in splenocytes, found in the stem bark of the mango tree has purported potent immunomodulatory characteristics – believed to inhibit tumor growth in early and late stages.
Hindus- Why mango leaves are being used in all religious functions:
1. Tying a mango leave “”Thoranam“” in the main entrance
2. Using mango leaves on the Kalasam and putting a cocanut in the middle of them
3. Using mango leaves for pouring ghee into the Homa Kundam
4. Any many more
Is there any spiritual and scientific reasons for the use of mango leaves ?
The huge response to my earlier question “”Use of Plantain leaves“” has inspired me to ask this question.
Mango Tree-
Mango or Aam tree is one of the sacred tree symbols of Hinduism.
Five leaves of this tree in a pot which are besmeared with sindoor or vermilion is a common site in any Hindu religious ceremony.
Throughout India this tree is planted and worshipped by devouts.
With the passage of time this tree acquired many names.
In Sanskrit mango tree is called Amra and in Hindi and Bengali this is called Aam.
In Gujarat this tree is called Amlo and Tamilians call it Mamaran.
Telugu-speaking people describe it as Arnramu.
In Kerala this is called Mram or Mavu.
Since the days of the Puranas the aam tree is personified with various Gods, Goddesses and spirits.
According to the research scholars, in Aam Vriksha, Lakshmi, Govardhan, Gandharva and fertility God reside.
1. Tying a mango leave “Thoranam” in the main entrance-
Leaves of mango are used for the control of evil spirits.
Mango leaves in bunches are said to absorb the negative energy from anyone entering your home.
It is just to eliminate the drushti – i.e. the negative effects, at a place the celebrations are held – be it at home or any public place.
So it is placed in the entrance. Mango leaves have antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria.
2. Using mango leaves on the Kalasam and putting a cocanut in the middle of them-
Purna Kumbha mainly contains & lsquowater & rsquo & ndash the veri life principle.
Thus it is a direct worship of Varuna &ndash the God of rain.
He is the harbinger of rain which ensures fertility on earth and which nourishes animals and human beings.
Apart from water, Purna Kumbha is filled with twigs or leaves of five trees & ndash Ashwatha (peepul), Vata (Banyan), Amra (Mango), Panasa (Jackfruit) and Bakula (Elengi).
The mouth of the pot is covered with a husked coconut, which is decorated from the sides with mango leaves.
Except for water, what goes in the pot varies from region to region.
Mango leaves and the coconut is a constant factor in most areas.
Mango leaves are placed to represent Kama or fertility God.
All the items used in the Purna Kumbha signify life in its bloom and plenty.
It also indicates that human beings are part of nature and when nature thrives human beings too flourish.
3. Using mango leaves for pouring ghee into the Homa Kundam-
For placing ghee, Purasu leaves are required.
If it is not available Palasha (Jackfruit) leaves can be used.
If that is also not available Mango leaves can be used.
4) Mangifera indica (Mango):
a large evergreen tree, with a heavy, dome-shaped crown.
The mango is the most popular fruit in India.
The unripe, fully developed mangoes of pickling varieties contain citric, malic, oxalic, succinic and two unidentified acids.
The ripe fruits constitute a rich source of vitamin
A some varieties contain fairly good amounts of vitamin C also.
ß-Carotene and xanthophyll are the principal pigments in ripe mango.
The leaves contain the glucoside mangiferine.
The bark of the mango tree contains tannin (16-20).
Mangiferine has been isolated from the bark.
The bark is astringent it is used in diphtheria and rheumatism it is believed to possess a tonic action on the mucous membrane.
It is astringent, anthelmintic, useful in hemoptysis, hemorrhage, nasal catarrh, diarrhea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and for lumbrici.
Leaves (immature) contents-
Moisture 78.2 Protein 3.0 Fat 0.4 Carbohydrates 16.5 Fiber 1.6 Ash 1.9 Calcium 29 mg/100 g Phosphorus 72 mg Iron 6.2 mg Vitamin A (carotene) 1,490 I.U.
Thiamine 0.04 mg Riboflavin 0.06 mg Niacin 2.2 mg Ascorbic Acid 53 mg/100g.
The leaves are given in the treatment of burns, scalds and diabetes.
Mangiferin from the leaves has been reported to possess antiinflammatory, diuretic, chloretic and cardiotonic activities and displays a high antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria.
It has been recommended as a drug in preventing dental plaques.
Mangiferin shows antiviral effect against type I herpes simplex virus (HSV-I).
Why Should You Keep Mango Leaves In Prayer Vase & House Entrance?
In Hinduism, trees are a highly sacred and respected element as they are worshiped as a manifestation of various Hindu Gods.
Especially mango trees or Aam (Amra) play a crucial role in Ayurveda.
Along with Bael leaves, Hindus consider mango leaves or Amra Pallava ‘Mangaldayak’ (salutary) and include those in various Pujas (worship).
Hindus decorate their house entrance with a garland of mango leaves.
Not only that, Hindu tradition shows us the use of mango leaves in various Hindu ceremonies, started from decorating the ‘Kalash‘ (vase of worship), the wedding pavilion to cradle of the newborn.
For Kalash, only five mango leaves are being used, called ‘Panchapallava.’
Hindus consider planting mango leaves will bring fortune to the work.
According to Hindu customs, if you use mango wood, ghee, and incense burner together, it makes the ambiance pleasant, pure, and felicitous.
So, when the outside air enters the house and touches the mango leaves, it becomes sanctified and brings positive particles in itself.
Such an atmosphere is responsible for intensifying the prosperity and happiness in the abode.
As per religious aspects, Lord Hanuman loves mango.
When you consider Amra Pallava, he specially bestows you his grace.
Mango
Introduction
Mango is popularly known as the “King of fruits”.
Mango is known as Amra in Sanskrit, Aam in Hindi, Manga in Tamil, Mavu in Kannada etc.
Its botanical name is Mangifera Indica.
The word “mango” is derived from the Malayalam word manna via Portuguese (manga) during spice trade with Kerala in 1498.
Gradually the word manga became mango.
Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, Philippines, and the national tree of Bangladesh.
It belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae (the cashew or sumac family).
Description of the tree
Mango tree is a native of India. It is grown since thousands of years (more than 4000 years).
Mango is also grown in North America, South and Central America, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Australia, Central Africa and South East Asia.
It is cultivated in the tropical and sub tropical parts of the world.
Mango tree is an ever green tree which grows up to a height of 60 feet and keeps spreading.
A mango tree will bear fruits in 4- 6 years from the time of planting.
A hot and dry climate is suitable for mango cultivation.
Mango can be grown in any type of soil. Malgova, Raspuri, Neelam, Sindoora, Mallika, Bainganpalli etc are some popular varieties grown in India.
There are more than 400 varieties of mango grown all over the world.
The fruit takes three to six months to ripen.
Mango is harvested during March- May in India.
India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world.
The fruit is rich in pulp which tastes sweet and a little sour.
The leaves are alternately arranged, long and narrow shaped, which grow up to 6-16 inches.
The leaves are pinkish amber, or pale green when tender and become dark green at maturity.
Puranic Reference:
In Bhagavata Purana, it is mentioned that mango tree is present on Mount Mandara. The mango tree is considered sacred by both the Hindus and Buddhists.
Lord Buddha was once presented with a grove of mango trees, under which he would relax.
Thus the Buddhists consider the tree sacred.
It is also known as the heavenly fruit in Vedas.
Once Lord Buddha ate a mango fruit, the seed of which He gave to Ananda, His favourite disciple to plant at a chosen place.
After Ananda had planted the seed, Buddha washed His hands over it and suddenly a mango plant sprang from it bearing flowers and fruits.
The daughter of the Sun god Surya was under the spell of a sorceress.
She fell into a pond and became a lotus to escape the evil design of the sorceress.
A King who saw the lotus flower desired to possess it.
Even before he could possess the flower, the sorceress burnt the flower into ashes.
From the ashes rose the mango tree.
When the mango tree bore flowers and fruits, the King desired to keep the fruit to himself.
When the fruit ripened and fell on the ground, from it arose the daughter of the Sun God.
The king immediately recognised her as his wife in his previous birth.
Lord Shiva sat under the mango tree during His separation from goddess Parvati.
Later by the grace of goddess Lalitha, Shiva married Parvati and went to reside at Mount Kailash.
Ayurvedic Uses
In Ayurveda, mango cures all the three -Vata, Pittha and Kapha doshas.
The ripe mango causes heat and boosts the energy levels in the body.
The unripe fruit tastes sour and has astringent and cooling properties.
Ayurveda advices caution about eating raw mangoes.
Raw mangoes alone should not be eaten in large quantities, as it can increase the pitta dosha.
However, it can be used in combination with other food, like in Chutneys, which will help in digestion.
Mangoes are a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients (antioxidants) fibre and enzymes that strengthen the immune system.
Mangoes consist of antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial cardio tonic, emetic, expectorant, hypotensive, laxative properties.
The presence of tartaric acid, malic acid and a little of citric acid helps the body in maintaining the alkali reserve energy.
Mangoes possess the phenols, quercetin, isoquercitfin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid, and methylgallat.
Mango is low in protein, sodium and contains no cholesterol.
The fibre in the fruit cleanses the body and thus is a panacea for constipation.
Mangoes improve the appetite and are effective in removing the toxins from the body.
The high levels of potassium and magnesium help in combating muscle cramps, stress and cardiac problems.
Eye Sight: Mangoes are a rich source of Vitamin A and beta Carotene. Thus it helps improve the eye sight.
Skin Complexion: Mangoes rich in Vitamin E improve the skin complexion. Mango opens the closed pores and gives a shining glow.
Blood Pressure: Mangoes are a rich source of Potassium which helps in controlling the heart rate and thus the blood pressure.
Protects from heart disease: Mangoes are rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It helps the body fight against harmful infections and harmful free radicals. It protects the body from heart disease and stroke.
Anaemia: As the fruit is rich in iron and has copper too, regular consumption of mango cures anaemia.
Extract of the leaves, bark, stem and raw mangoes have antibacterial properties.
The leaves, bark and the kernel have medicinal properties.
Mango leaves have anti-inflammatory, diuretic and cardio tonic properties.
The leaves contain glucoside and mangiferine.
Dried and powdered mango leaves are good in removing kidney stones and improving hair growth.
The powder of the leaves when dried and burnt is effective in providing relief for burns.
A concoction of the mango leaves is effective in treating diabetes retinopathy and hyper tension.
The organic compounds in the mango leaves are effective in treating hyperglycaemia.
Leaves soaked in water overnight and squeezing them well before filtering the water is useful in treating early diabetes.
As an alternative, the leaves could be dried in Sun and powdered and preserved.
Half a tea spoon of powder, consumed in the morning and in the evening helps in the control of diabetes in the early stages.
Leaves are used to treat diarrhoea, fever, asthma, cough, bronchitis, common cold and insomnia.
A concoction of leaves when used as a mouth wash relieves pain associated with gum problems.
Mango bark is effective in treating haemoptysis, haemorrhaging, nasal catarrh, diarrhoea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and diphtheria.
A decoction of mango bark added to one gram of black salt helps treat diarrhoea.
Juice of the bark is used to stop heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Bark contains mangiferine effective in the treatment of rheumatism and diphtheria.
The resinous gum is useful for external applications to treat cracks on the foot, scabies and syphilis.
Mango root a paste of the root can reduce fever when applied to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Mango kernel seed: The kernel contains gailc acid in large quantities which is highly useful in treating piles and menorrhagia.
The juice of the kernel if snuffed prevents nasal bleeding.
Kernel is used in treating gum related problems like pyorrhoea and halitosis.
Seeds are useful in treating diarrhoea.
Seeds should be dried in shade and powdered.
The paste of the decorticated kernel of the mango is useful as a contraceptive.
Using the powder of the seed kernel along with water is effective in curing the habit of soil eating in children.
Paste of mango roots when applied on soles and palms is effective in reducing the temperature.
Fine powder of mango seeds mixed with buttermilk, consumed twice a day is an effective antidote for piles problem.
Raw Mango: Sucking the juice of a raw mango roasted on a pan of hot sand is effective in providing relief for common cold and bronchitis.
Raw mango pulp mixed with salt reduces thirst.
The raw fruit is useful to combat sunstroke.
Flowers: Juice of fresh flowers taken with curds is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. Dried mango flowers which contains 15% tannin is used as an astringent in treating diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, catarrh of the bladder, and chronic urethritis resulting from gonorrhoea.
Mango Pulp: A mixture of mango pulp with milk or drinking milk after eating the fruit gives vigour and energy to the body.
Eating mango regularly improves the complexion of the skin.
Taking mango juice and Jamun juice in equal proportion is effective in controlling diabetes.
In the Ayurvedic text Bhavaprakasa, syrup from the juice of the ripe fruit, sugar and aromatics is recommended as a restorative tonic.
Mango Peel: The peel of the fruit contains Pectin (is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants).
Pectin is effective in treating high cholesterol, high triglycerides, prevent colon cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes.
Other uses
The seed kernels soaked and dried to a 10% moisture content is used as poultry feed. The seed fat is used in soap making.
The bark contains tannin which is used in the leather industry for tanning hides.
The gum, which is resinous in nature, is used to mend crockery in Africa.
However, it is used as a substitute for Gum Arabic.
Pulp of the fruit is used in jams, jelly and juice.
The dried juice mixed with wheat flour is used in baby foods.
After soaking the seed kernel to remove the tannin content, it is dried and powdered.
This powder is mixed with wheat or rice flour and is used to make bread and sometimes pudding.
The fat extracted from the seed is white, tallow, edible and thus is used as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate.
Immature mango leaves are cooked and eaten in Indonesia and Philippines.
Significance
Hindus consider the mango tree as a transformation of the god Prajapati, the Brahma. Therefore on all festivals,
marriages and religious occasions, mango leaves are used in decorating the entrance.
A Kalsha, is prepared with mango leaves.
A pitcher of water decorated with mango leaves at its mouth and a coconut smeared with sandal paste,
turmeric and vermillion is placed amidst the mango leaves and worshipped.
This is called as full pitcher or Purnakumbha which is symbolic of invoking gods and goddesses.
In some communities, the bride and bridegroom have to circumvent a tree before the marriage ceremony.
For this purpose the bride smears Mahua (Bassia latifolia) tree with vermilion, circumvents the tree and then embraces it.
The bridegroom smears vermillion to the mango tree, circumvents it and then embraces it.
The wood of the tree is considered sacred and is used in Homa/Havan.
It is also used in funeral pyre.
The flowers of the tree are dedicated to the moon.
It is considered auspicious to offer flowers to the moon god and the god of love Kamadeva during the Magha Masa.
(Feb- March).
Raw mango is used in chutneys, pickles.
Mango wood should never be used for fuel, as its smoke causes irritation.
Mango flowers are used in the worship of goddess Saraswathi.
Ugadi celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without mango pachadi or some recipe made of raw mango.
According to Vrukshayurveda, it is mentioned that He who plants five or six mango trees attains the abode of Garuda and lives happily forever like gods.
Why are mango leaves kept in the kalash during puja ritual?
Namaskar! We heartily welcome you all for this Satsang (spiritual meet)! Before we commence this Satsang let us pay obeisance at the Holy feet of Sadguru (spiritual master) so that by His grace the very objective of this Satsang is fulfilled.
Please pay mental obeisance to your personal icon of faith and recite as follows:
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्वर: ।
गुरु साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नम: ।।
1. Ritualistic worship
Every religious ritual of Hindu Dharma consists of various components.
Every component has its own significance and these components have their own special design that is the shape,
height and breadth of every component is fixed or unique.
The reason underlying such a design is that the every component should be able to absorb the chaitanya (divine consciousness) present in the atmosphere.
Besides the objective of spiritual science or scriptures is to make that component conducive and complimentary for the man to receive the divine consciousness.
When we see around with this point of view we find that people do perform puja and mental worship (upasana); they do have spacious temple rooms in their home but since their actions or rituals are not according to spiritual science due to ignorance, they do not get the desired benefit.
Therefore in the case of worship, action at every level starting from temple room has to be according to spiritual science.
It is essential that our temple room be sattvik.
As far as possible it should be made up of teakwood and its colour should be wooden.
The orientation of temple room should be in east-west direction.
There should be no Kalas (a small dome shaped structure with a pointed end) above it.
We have to take into consideration all these factors.
2. Arrangement of deities in the temple room according to spiritual science
Every Hindu has his seat of faith.
We do have idols and images of the deities in our temple room so that we remember our icon of faith constantly and thus firmly establish our seat of faith.
However we do not get the expected benefit.
That is because we do not know as to what is essential for us.
While observing this we have to take into consideration one more point and that is we should not do the arrangement of idols or images in a temple room according to our whims and fancies.
We have to be aware of the fact that the arrangement should be correct from the point of spiritual science.
In some sects the deities are arranged in temple room in what is called Panchayatan form.
The word Panchayatan consists of Panch which means five and Ayatan which means house.
The five main deities considered here are Shri Vishnu, Shiva, Shri Ganesh, Devi and Sun deity.
In this type of arrangement one of the five deities is considered as Chief deity and is offered a central seat and rest of the four deities are placed in four directions around it.
Now let us see what is essential for us from a spiritual perspective:
Many a times it so happens that we have many images of deities in our temple room but the images of family deity (Kuldevata) and Ganesh are missing.
If that is so then we have to set up images of family deity and Ganesh with utmost devotion.
If according to the family traditions we are also involved in the worship of such deities as BalKrushna,
Hanuman and Annapurna or such superior deities as Shri Shiva or Durgadevi, then we should keep their images too.
The language of human beings is in words which is a language of ‘sounds’ while the language of deities is of ‘light’.
Shri Ganapati does the function of converting our language of sound into the deities’ language of light and vice versa; therefore it is essential to set up an image of Shri Ganapati in the temple room.
We all know that in the beginning of all functions religious or otherwise Shri Ganapati is invoked first and worshipped because he is destroyer of vighnas or obstacles.
The other reason being through Him our prayers to the deities reach them faster.
2.1 Why should Shri Ganapati be kept in the centre?
Now let us see how the arrangement of deities in the temple room be.
According to spiritual science the arrangement should be in the form of cone.
We have to keep the image or picture of Shri Ganapati in the centre.
Then towards our right hand side the images of female deities such as Family Deity is kept.
Then images of other deities like Annapurna, Durgamata are kept one behind the other.
On our left we have to keep images of male deity that is male family deity.
Then such images of deities like Hanuman, Balkrushna etc.
are arranged one behind the other.
Sometimes we may find that in an image male deity and female deity are together.
For example Seeta-Ram, Lakshmi-Narayan etc.
In a picture where the female deity is on the left side of male deity then it is assumed that she is giving blessings to her devotees along with her Shri.
This is her savior form. In such a picture the male deity is considered the main deity and such a picture is kept to the right hand side of Shri Ganapati.
In some pictures the female deity is shown on the right side of the male deity.
This is her destroyer form.
In such a picture the female deity is considered to be the main deity and is kept to the left of Shri Ganapati.
There are mainly two forms of a deity: Saviour and destroyer.
The form which blesses the devotee is called Saviour or Tarak form .
Such a deity is generally shown to be in blessing mudra (certain hand gestures) for example Devi Mahalakshmi.
The form of Devi who kills the demon for example Mahishsur Mardini, who killed the demon Mahishasur is an example of destroyer form of Devi.
We have to keep the picture of that form of deity in the temple room in which we are going to worship Her or Him.
After knowing the science underlying the arrangement of deities in the temple room our viewers must have had some doubts in their minds. So let us see what are the answers to such doubts.
A. One of the doubts may be that whether it is correct to have number of deities in the temple room?
It is prudent to have a limited number of deities in the temple room.
Here we have to remember that according to science of spirituality we need to come from many to one.
One who is a disciple that is who has already acquired a spiritual guide or Guru and is staying alone then he should keep only Guru’s photo or picture in the temple room.
According to the holy verse ‘Gurur Bramha Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha | Guru Sakashat Parabramha tasmai Sri Gurave namaha |’ guru is everything and the only thing for a disciple.
That is why he should keep only Guru’s photo or picture in the temple room.
B. If other family members have faith in any other deity then what is to be done?
If Guru is a man then His picture or photo has to be kept on the immediate right side of Shri Ganapati and then the image of male family deity is to be kept besides it followed by other male deities as mentioned previously.
When the Guru is female then Her picture or photo has to be kept on the immediate left side of Shri Ganapati and then the female family deity to her left followed by the pictures of other female deities as mentioned before.
So up till now we have understood about the arrangement of deities in a temple room according to spiritual science.
We hope that you will be definitely doing the arrangement of deities in your temple room according to the spiritual science as described in this satsang so that you will be benefitted spiritually.
By following such arrangement you will have spiritual experiences which are beyond mind and intellect.
3. Articles used in ritualistic worship
As we move next the important action is ritualistic worship of deities.
In this age of strife called kaliyug the worship of the path of devotion is recommended.
Each person following the path of devotion has an important part of worship and that is ritualistic worship of deities or puja.
If ritualistic worship is done with spiritual emotion then we get more benefit of deity principles.
In order to get the grace of the deities with the help of puja, the articles like platter of puja, lamp, bell and conch are the important useful components.
Let us now see about the articles used in ritualistic worship of deities.
They are the tools used for the ritualistic worship of our adorable deity.
There are subtle frequencies of deities present in the atmosphere.
The articles or tools of puja or rituialistic worship are an excellent medium of receiving and transferring them to the worshipper.
That is the importance of these tools from the spiritual science point of view.
We are quite familiar with various tools used in puja ritual such as
kalash ( a copper pot),
copper plate,
spoon (achamani),
a cylindrical copper vessel (panchapatra),
abhishekpatra (a vessel meant for giving holy bath to the idol of deity),
tilak ( sandalwood paste),
naivedya (food offering),
Cups meant for putting Panchamrut (five substances like sugar, milk, honey, curds and clarified butter),
a platter, the stand for inserting incense sticks,
Pancharati (a type of lamp with five edges meant for waving),
bell and basket meant for keeping flowers.
The metal articles are mostly made up of gold, silver, bronze, copper or brass.
3.1 Importance of copper as compared to other metals in ritualistic worship
Now a days use of stainless steel is prevalent.
But it has less capacity to absorb sattvik frequencies as compared to the metals mentioned before.
Therefore the worshipper derives minimal benefit.
Thus we have seen that the metal articles are mostly made up of gold, silver, bronze, copper or brass.
But amongst them copper is most important.
Let us see its specialties.
According to science of spirituality the articles prepared from copper have an important place in deity worship.
This is because copper has 30% capacity to imbibe sattvikta (the quality of sattva) when compared to other metals.
Besides it has also 70% ability to destroy the raja–tama.
Just as copper has the ability to absorb the sattvik frequencies of deities, it has also capacity of transmitting them.
Thus it becomes rich in divinity in a short period.
The sattvik frequencies of deities are then transferred to other components of puja.
Therefore copper is considered an auspicious metal.
It has been seen that some people use metal articles descended down the family lineage.
Here the question may arise as to how appropriate is this from the view point of spiritual science?
The effect of spiritual emotion of a worshipper towards the God is exactly reflected in the puja tools.
Currently most of the people are lacking in such spiritual emotion. Therefore the new tools used by them do not have the ability to absorb the sattvikta. When such articles become old after many years of use in puja and aarti only then they develop such capacity to absorb sattvikta.
Therefore the use of new articles is not that beneficial.
Up till now we came to know about the articles in brief.
Now let us see some of them in details.
4. Usage of kalash in ritualistic worship
Kalash ( water vessel) is an auspicious symbol of Hindu culture.
It was generated during the Samudramanthan or great churning of ocean.
Shri Vishnu held Kalash filled with nectar during Samudramanthan.
All deities reside in the kalash.
Therefore it has an important place in puja ritual.
Let us understand this with the help of a subtle drawing.
There is a certain space in the kalash which generates subtle sound vibrations which are of white colour.
The manifest principle of a deity having yellow colour is seen getting attracted to the kalash.
The blue circles seen inside the kalash is indicative of aap element (absolute water element).
The circles and particles of chaitanya (divine consciousness) are seen projecting from the medium of kalash.
Now let us see why is water used in a kalash and why is it that the leaves of mango tree or that of betel vine are kept in it?
4.1 Why are mango leaves or betel vine leaves kept in the kalash ?
The kalash is used for creating seat for invoked deities during the puja ritual.
First it is filled with water and then leaves of mango tree or that of betel vine are kept in it.
These leaves are known as leaves of deity’s seat.
The deity principle gets maximally attracted to these leaves of seat.
The water inside the kalash keeps this seat pure till the ritual of Pranapratishta (invoking deity into an image, idol, coconut or betelnut).
Thus the invoked deity principle stays for a long period.
In this kalash betel nut or some coins are then put.
Thereafter a coconut is set up on the mouth of the kalash.
The tuft of coconut attracts the deity principle from the atmosphere and it is then transmitted to the water in the kalash through the body of cococnut.
The water is pure and clean to the highest extent.
That is the reason it is able to attract the sattvik particles of frequencies of deities.
But it contains less quantity of raja particles and therefore has poor capacity to project the sattva particles.
Putting a coin is symbol of sacrifice.
Through this medium there is sacrifice of wealth and jiva (embodied soul)’s attachment is reduced.
This qualifies the worshipper to benefit more from the sattvikta of puja ritual.
A copper coin is put in the kalash.
The copper has more capacity to project sattvik frequencies.
It helps in emanation of sattvik frequencies present in the water into the atmosphere.
Also a betel nut is kept in the kalash meant for puja ritual.
Betelnut enhances sattva and raja components in the water of the kalash.
This increases the capacity of the water to emit manifest principle of deity.
The betel nut contains particles related to absolute earth element which are useful in binding of sattva particles related to sattva component.
This then easily helps in retaining the sattvikta of water for along time.
Five precious stones like pearl, diamond, emerald, blue sapphire, ruby and gold are also added to the water of kalash.
The five precious stones and gold have capacity to attract and emit the principles of five superior deities.
This benefits the worshipper. But with changing times the use of five preious stones and copper is reduced and replaced by alloys which are spiritually of less benefit.
Now let us see as to why the water stored in the kalash is either poured under the Tulsi plant or is sprinkled in the premises after the conclusion of puja.
4.2 Why is the water stored in the kalash either poured under the Tulsi plant or sprinkled in the premises?
We are all familiar with the immense importance of Tulsi in Ayurved and spirituality.
The purity means predominance of sattva attribute.
Tulsi has more capacity to attract pure vibrations from the atmosphere than any other plant.
It also emits sattvik vibrations in the atmosphere all the twenty four hours.
The Tulsi absorbs the deity principle when chaitanya enriched water when poured under it and then emits them along with its sattvik vibrations.
This creates the envelope of vibrations of deity and the atmosphere around the premises remains pure.
This is form of divine armour.
Similarly when water from the kalash is sprinkled in the premises, the vibrations of deity principle are emitted in high proportion in the premises and helps in its purification.
Thus up till now we have learnt about the kalash and the substances kept in it during a puja ritual.
Mangoes: A favourite among the Gods
THE mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines, and is the national tree of Bangladesh.
Native to India, the mango is relevant to Indian culture in many ways.
the Jain Goddess, Ambika, is traditionally represented as sitting under a mango tree.
In Hinduism, the perfectly ripe mango is often held by Lord Ganesha as a symbol of attainment in regard to the devotee’s potential perfection.
Mango blossoms are also used in the worship of the Goddess, Saraswati.
The fruit is used as celebratory food on special occasions as well. No Ugadi (Telugu New Year’s Day) passes without eating pacchadi made with mango pieces as one of the ingredients.
In Tamil Brahmin homes, mango is an ingredient in making vadai paruppu on Sri Rama Navami Day (Lord Ram’s Birth Day), and is also used in preparation of pachchadi on Tamil New Year’s Day.
Mango has become part of the art and décor of India.
Mango leaves decorate archways and doors in Indian houses during weddings and celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Cuisine
Mangoes are widely used in Indian cuisine, and whether green or ripe, are a very good tenderizing agent because of enzymes they contain; therefore, mangoes are ideal to include in any marinade.
In India, Amchur, a sour mango powder containing ground-up green mangoes, is used both as a seasoning and as a tenderizing aid.
Sour, unripe mangoes are used in chutneys, athanus and pickles, or as side dishes, or may be eaten raw, with salt and pepper or soy sauce.
A cooling beverage called ‘panna’ comes from mangoes.
‘Mango lassi’, a popular drink made throughout South Asia, is created by mixing ripe mangoes or mango pulp with buttermilk and sugar.
Though in Guyana we mostly use green ones, some sources say ripe mangoes are also used in the preparation of curry dishes.
‘Aamras’ is a popular pulp or thick juice made from mangoes, with the option of adding sugar and/or milk.
It is consumed with bread, rice or puris.
The pulp of ripe mangoes is also used to make a jam called ‘mangada’.
‘Andhra Aavakaaya’ is a very famous pickle made from raw, unripe, pulpy, sour mango mixed with chili powder, fenugreek seeds, mustard powder, salt and groundnut oil.
Gujaratis use mango to make chunda (a grated mango delicacy).
Mangoes are used in preserves such as moramba, and in pickles, including a spicy mustard-oil pickle made with alcohol.
Unripe mangoes may be eaten with bagoong fish sauce (especially in the Philippines), or with a dash of salt.
Dried strips of sweet, ripe mango (sometimes combined with seedless tamarind to form mangorind) are also popular.
Mangoes are used to make juices, smoothies, ice cream, fruit bars, and sweet chili sauce, or are mixed with chamoy, a sweet and spicy chili paste.
Mango is popular being placed on a stick and dipped in hot chili powder and salt, or as a main ingredient in fresh-fruit combinations.
Pieces of mango can be mashed and used as a topping on ice cream, or be blended with milk and ice as milkshakes.
Sweet glutinous rice is flavoured with coconut, then served with sliced mango as a dessert.
In parts of Southeast Asia, mangoes are pickled with fish sauce and rice vinegar.
Green mangoes can be used in mango salads with fish sauce and dried shrimp, and mango with condensed milk may be used as a topping for shaved ice.
Ripe mangoes are often cut into thin layers, desiccated, folded, and then cut again.
These bars are similar to dried guava fruit bars, which are available in some countries.
The fruit is also added to cereal products, such as muesli and oat granola.
Mango facts
Do you know the mango is known as the ‘King of Fruit’ throughout the world? Well, I didn’t either.
Here are some other cool facts from .
Mangoes originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal.
Around the 5th Century B.C., Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the mango to Malaysia and eastern Asia.
Legend has it that Buddha found tranquility and repose in a mango grove.
Persian traders took the mango into the Middle East and Africa, from where the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies.
Mango cultivars arrived in Florida in the 1830s, and in California in the 1880s.
The mango tree plays a sacred role in India; it is a symbol of love, and some believe that the mango tree can grant a person’s wishes.
The name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’.
When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India, they adopted the name as ‘manga.
In the Hindu culture, hanging fresh mango leaves outside the front door during Ponggol (Hindu New Year) and Deepavali is considered a blessing to the house.
Mango leaves are used at weddings to ensure the couple bears many children (though it is only the birth of the male child that is celebrated – again by hanging mango leaves outside the house).
Hindus may also brush their teeth with mango twigs on holy days (Be sure to rinse well and spit if you try this at home; it is toxic!).
Many Southeast Asian kings and nobles had their own mango groves, with private cultivars being sources of great pride and social standing; hence began the custom of sending gifts of the choicest mangoes.
Mangos are bursting with protective nutrients.
The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit.
When the mango is green, the amount of Vitamin C is higher; as it ripens, the amount of beta carotene (Vitamin A) increases.
There are over 20 million metric tonnes of mangoes grown throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world.
The leading mango producer is India, but very little is exported, as most are consumed within the country.
Mexico and China compete for second place, followed by Pakistan and Indonesia.
Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, The Philippines and Haiti follow in that order.
The more than 1,000 known mango cultivars are derived from two strains of mango seed: Mono-embryonic (single embryo) and poly-embryonic (multiple embryos).
Mono-embryonic mangoes hail from the Indian (original) strain of mango, and the poly-embryonics from the Indochinese.
Why are mango leaves kept in the kalash during puja ritual?
Kalash is an auspicious symbol in Hindu religion and culture.
It is a copper pot with a small mouth and a big base.
It is also called Poorna kumbha or Poorna kalash or Poorna ghata.
According to the Rig Veda, Poorna kumbha signifies abundance and life source.
The Skanda Purana says that the kalash came into being during the Samudra Manthan or the great churning of the Milky Ocean.
Lord Vishnu, in the form of Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and the divine physician, emerged from the ocean during the churning, holding the kalash filled with the nectar of immortality.
All deities are said to reside in the kalash.
Therefore Kalasha Pooja ritual enjoys an important place in Pooja ceremonies to worship various deities.
Kalash symbolizes abundance and wisdom.
Many Hindu gods like Shiva, Brahma, and Lakshmi are depicted holding a kalash in their hands.
Some devotees believe that kalash is a personification of Lord Ganesha, the deity who removes obstacles from our lives, and Gauri Devi, goddess of household wealth.
Kalash, a symbol of the Goddess or Devi, is worshipped during Hindu festivals associated with childbirth and marriage.
It is usually placed at the entrance of houses to indicate welcome, and facing the north, in the center.
The north represents balance, and by placing kalash in the north, it implies that we are inviting balance and happiness into our lives.
There are different spiritual and religious meanings behind the practice of using kalash during Pooja ceremonies.
Let us examine some of them.
Some believe that the metal pot is a symbol of fertility.
It stands for the earth and the womb, both of which provide and nourish life.
The mango leaves represent Kama, the god of love.
We use it to invoke the pleasurable aspect of fertility.
Coconut signifies prosperity and power.
The water in the pot signifies the life-giving principle of the universe.
It is believed that kalash embodies all the gods and creates subtle variations which can purify and enhance us.
The mango or betel leaves in it represent the deity’s seat.
The water in it keeps the water purified for a long period.
Coconut has the power to attract divine principles and transmit them to the water.
Kalash is a microcosmic portrayal of the cosmos.
The water in it supposedly paved the way for creation.
The leaves and coconut signify the different creations in the universe.
The thread signifies the love that binds everyone.
During the Pooja, deities are invoked, and the kalash is used for preparing seats for the invoked deities.
First, the pot is filled with water, and then mango or betel leaves are placed in it.
These leaves are the deity’s seat.
The divine principle is attracted to these leaves and the water in the kalash keeps the seat pure until the ritual of Pranapratishta (invoking deity into an image, idol, coconut, or betelnut) is completed.
In this manner, the invoked divine principle stays for a long time.
Into the kalash, a betel nut or some coins are placed, and then a coconut is placed on the pot’s mouth.
The coconut tuft attracts the deity principle from the surrounding atmosphere.
It is then transmitted to the water kept in the pot through the body of the coconut.
The water is very clean and pure, because of which it can attract the sattvik particles of the divine frequencies.
But there are fewer raja particles, and therefore its capacity to project the sattva particles is poor.
Putting a coin symbolizes sacrifice.
There is a sacrifice of wealth through this medium, and jiva (embodied soul)’s attachment is also reduced.
This enables the worshipper to get more benefit from the sattvikta of the Pooja ritual.
A copper coin is also put in the kalash.
Copper is more able to project sattvik frequencies.
It enables the emanation of sattvik frequencies that are present in the water into the atmosphere.
A betel nut is also kept in the pot.
Betelnut can increase the sattva and raja components in the water kept in the pot.
This enhances the ability of the water to emit the manifest principle of the deity.
The betel nut has particles related to the absolute earth element, which can bind the sattva particles related to the sattva component.
This helps to retain the sattvikta of water for a long time.
Five precious stones like diamond, pearl, emerald, blue sapphire, gold, and ruby are also added to the water in the kalash.
These five precious stones and gold can attract and emit the principles of five superior gods.
This greatly benefits the worshipper.
But nowadays, precious stones and copper use is much reduced, and instead, alloys are used, which don’t give much spiritual benefit.
Why Mango Leaves Are Used In Decoration During Hindu Pujas And Festivals?
Torana or festoon of fresh mango leaves is an indispensable part in all South Indian Hindu pujas and festivals.
It is also used in many regions during puja and to decorate the Kalash pot.
Mango leaves are strung on a thread and hung on the doors and windows.
The main reason why mango leaf is preferred is that they last longer than other leaves.
They are also thick and sturdy.
It is believed that the long life of mango leaves helps it to generate oxygen.
And this property of the leaf helps it to absorb carbon dioxide and infuse fresh oxygen.
Therefore there is a popular belief that mango leaves are specifically used during pujas and festivals to generate oxygen as large crowd gather during these days in a confined place.
Mango leaves are also used to cover the neck of the Kalash pot used during Puja.
Five mango leaves are placed on the mouth of the Kalash pot. In some regions it is 9 or 11 leaves.
It is widely believed Goddess Lakshmi, Govardhan mountain, Gandharva and fertility gods (kama and Rati) reside.
In marriage ceremonies, the leaf symbolizes fertility.
The hanging of the mango leaves is also meant to announce that an auspicious ceremony is taking place in the house.
There is also a belief that Mango leaves attract positive and divine energy and this one reason why it is used to decorate puja area.