MANGO TREE

Contents

·         Mango Tree in Hinduism

·         Mango and Goddess Lakshmi

·         Significance of Mango Leaves

Mango Tree in Hinduism

The Mango tree is considered to be one of the most sacred symbols in Hinduism. This tree is planted and worshipped throughout India. In Hindu religious ceremonies, it is very common to find a set of five mango leaves, smeared with Sindoor or vermillion, atop an earthen pot or Kalash. With the passage of time, the mango tree has acquired numerous names such as:

o   Amra (Sanskrit)

o   Aam (Hindi and Bengali)

o   Amlo (Gujarat)

o   Mamaran (Tamil)

o   Mram or Mavu (Malayalam)

o   Amramu (Telugu)

Mango and Goddess Lakshmi

Since the Puranic period, the mango tree is considered to be a personification of Gods, Goddesses and Holy spirits. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, Govardhan, Kama and Gandharva reside in the mango tree. The mango leaves smeared with vermillion are known as AmerPallav and are placed atop a pot, also known as Lakshmi Chata. The pot is believed to personify Goddess Lakshmi herself.

Significance of Mango Leaves

Mango leaves are used in marriage ceremony, owing to Kama or God of fertility residing in it. Mango leaves are also hung at the entrance doors with a piece of thread, as symbol of auspiciousness. Mango, in both ripe and unripe form, has tremendous medicinal properties and therefore is a household name in India.