Transform Your Luck Instantly with These House Plants
In Indian culture, the integration of spiritual symbolism and tangible environmental benefits is evident in the practice of planting specific trees and plants according to Vastu Shastra. This ancient science of architecture and design aims to promote harmony between humans and the natural world, contributing to overall well-being, harmony, and prosperity.
### Religious and Cultural Benefits
One of the most auspicious plants in Indian culture is Tulsi (Holy Basil), revered for its spiritual significance. According to Vastu, the Tulsi plant purifies the environment, promotes positivity, and offers spiritual protection. It is worshiped widely and associated with creating a peaceful environment, promoting a blissful marital life, and inviting peace, wealth, and prosperity. Its ceremonial wedding with Lord Vishnu, called Tulsi Vivah, symbolizes divine union and marks an auspicious beginning for the wedding season.
The Palash Tree (Flame of the Forest) holds deep religious symbolism and is associated with fertility, auspicious beginnings, and victory. Its vibrant blossoms are used in Hindu festivals like Holi and Vasant Panchami, decorating homes and temples. The Palash tree’s flowers represent divine and life-giving forces, playing a crucial role in ritualistic celebrations.
The Ashok Tree is linked to fertility and blessings for couples hoping to conceive. It is considered sacred, and rituals conducted under its shade are believed to invoke divine intervention and bring prosperity and good fortune to homes and businesses.
Rituals such as those during Hariyali Amavasya involve tree planting as a spiritual and ecological act, symbolizing nurturing and honoring ancestors, reflecting a deep connection to nature within religious practice.
### Practical Benefits in Vastu
Plants and trees are believed to clear stagnant and stale energies, enhancing the flow of positive energy and attracting abundance into life. Healthy plants in the correct directions support mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Tulsi, apart from its spiritual value, helps purify air by absorbing toxic gases and repelling mosquitoes, thereby improving indoor environmental quality and health.
Trees with large spreads and dense leaves, recommended in the south, west, or south-west corners of properties, provide physical and energetic protection, reducing heat and noise, and fostering a balanced ecosystem around the home or workplace.
Indoor plants are also valued for boosting mental health, increasing pain tolerance for the sick, and creating a relaxing, joyful atmosphere.
### Summary Table of Key Trees/Plants and Their Benefits
| Tree/Plant | Religious Benefits | Practical Benefits | |---------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Tulsi | Purifies environment, auspicious for marriage, spiritual protection | Air purification, mosquito repellent, stress reduction | | Palash | Symbolizes fertility, victory, used in festivals and rituals | Supports biodiversity, medicinal uses | | Ashok | Associated with fertility and blessings, divine intervention in rituals | Brings prosperity, shade, enhances property energy | | General Trees | Protection, good energy flow in Vastu corners | Energy clearing, air purification, mental health benefits |
The Peepal tree, considered sacred, produces large amounts of oxygen and is found near temples. However, it is not suitable near a house due to its far-spreading roots. The Jack-fruit tree, on the other hand, produces large amounts of fruit and its wood is used for furniture, doors, and windows. Its leaves are considered auspicious and used in religious ceremonies.
The Neem tree has great medicinal value and is used in pesticides, physiotherapy, and dental care. It is a good tree to have in a house garden. The Mango tree, considered very auspicious, can survive for 400-500 years.
When planting flowers and plants, it is recommended to avoid growing Champak, Mogra, and Parijat in southwest, northwest, or east directions. Tall trees should be planted in the southwest direction, providing stability and progress. A dead or leafless tree in front of the house is not considered good and should be uprooted. Trees should be planted in even numbers, and the coconut tree brings good luck, so it is good to plant it in the garden.
Avoid growing thorny plants like Cactus because they provide negative energy and can cause problems related to the lungs and kidneys. However, Ashoka trees planted between the Cactus plants considerably reduce the adverse effects of Cactus. Planting of dwarf plants in the garden brings quarrel in the house. Chandan brings prosperity, happiness, and long life.
The coconut tree has multiple uses, including its water as a healthy drink, oil for cooking and hair, coir for making mats and carpets, and leaves for roofing huts and firewood. Trees are worshiped as gods in Indian culture, with one representative tree for each zodiac sign.
Creepers should not be grown along the building wall as they can cause damage and seepage of water through the walls. They should have their own independent supports. Planting a tree according to one’s zodiac sign is suggested for a life filled with positive energy, happiness, and prosperity.
Sandalwood is expensive due to its use in making handicrafts and its fragrant oil. It is used in temples, on foreheads for cooling, and to make incense sticks. The Neem tree is used in a symbolic gesture in South India by eating a mixture of Neem leaves, tender green mango, and jaggery on New Year.
Lawns should be in the east or the north, and a small water-fall of three to four feet can be constructed in the east or the north, leaving the north-east corner. The coconut tree can live for about 100-150 years and is prohibited from being cut due to its usefulness, making it a sacred tree. Do not cut trees in the month of Bhadrapad or Magh. Trees in the North, East, and North-East directions of the house should not be taller than the height of the house. If the shadow of a tree falls on the house in the first or last quarter of the day, it will prove beneficial to those living in that house. However, if the shadow of a tree falls on the house continuously for 8 to 12 hours, it will be troublesome for the inmates of the house. A tree in the middle of the main door/gate of the house is not auspicious. Bonsai plants should not be kept inside the house. They can harm the owner and his children. As far as possible, cotton, tamarind, Imli, and gum plants should not be planted in the house. Bargad and Peepal like trees that extract milk are also not considered good. They cause pain for those living in the house. Peepal Tree should not be damaged or cut. However, if due to unavoidable circumstances, it is required to cut, do it only after prayers and offering of rice and curd.
References: [1] Tulsi (Holy Basil) and its Significance in Vastu Shastra: https://www.vastuweb.com/tulsi-holy-basil-and-its-significance-in-vastu-shastra/ [2] Palash Tree (Flame of the Forest) and its Role in Indian Culture: https://www.vastuweb.com/palash-tree-flame-of-the-forest-and-its-role-in-indian-culture/ [3] Ashok Tree: A Symbol of Fertility and Blessings in Vastu Shastra: https://www.vastuweb.com/ashok-tree-a-symbol-of-fertility-and-blessings-in-vastu-shastra/ [4] Hariyali Amavasya: A Spiritual and Ecological Act: https://www.vastuweb.com/hariyali-amavasya-a-spiritual-and-ecological-act/
- In addition to the spiritual benefits, the Tulsi plant in home-and-garden arrangements also aids in air purification and repels mosquitoes, enhancing the overall indoor environmental quality and health.
- The bonsai nursery, known for its artistic plant creations, should not be kept inside the home due to potential harm to its occupants and their children.
- Decorating home-and-garden spaces with dwarf plants might bring unpleasant arguments within the household.
- A peacock-shaped Bonsai placed in the east direction of the garden symbolizes beauty, royalty, and a blissful marriage life for the homeowners.
- Planting flowering plants like bougainvillea, hibiscus, and jasmine can attract bees and butterflies, promoting a vibrant garden lifestyle in your backyard.
