Significance of Banana Tree in Hinduism

Banana is one of the most popular fruit in India and worldwide. With lots of health benefits no wonder why it has significance in Hinduism. Banana trees and leaves are considered to be sacred and holy in the Hindu religion. Read this article to learn more.

Hinduism is a fascinating religion and it has meaningful ties with the elements of nature. Plants and animals have been mentioned innumerable times within our holy texts, for a variety of different reasons. All of them are directly related to the Gods and are considered important for their specific qualities. Though the banana is not a tree, yet it is considered a tree because of its structure and size. It has great significance in Hinduism. The leaves, the trunk, and the fruits of banana, everything is somewhere and somehow considered to be sacred. 

Significance of Banana Leaves in Hinduism

• Bananas are known as ‘Kadali Phalam’ or 'Kadli' in Sanskrit and the entire plant is considered to be sacred. There are numerous reasons why the leaves of bananas are considered holy in Hinduism.
• According to Hindu mythology, Rishi (Saint) Durvasa’s wife was turned into a banana tree by his curse, when she had interrupted his sleep. Upon receiving the curse she pleaded as a compromise; that she be treated as a special and holy plant on earth. Durvasa granted her wish and since then banana leaves (and the plant) are considered auspicious in Hindu religion.
• Banana leaves are used to distribute Prasadam (food offerings) to devotees. The fruits are used as Naivedyam or food for the Gods. 
• Banana tree trunks are used as decorations and pillars during religious festivals or cultural ceremonies, as they signify good luck and prosperity.
• Lord Ganesh is another deity who is very fond of banana leaves and can be appeased by offering the same. Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi are also given bananas as religious offerings.

Significance of Banana Trees in Hinduism

• In Hinduism, it is a traditional custom to decorate the entrance of the wedding hall and the wedding house of both the bride and the groom with two banana trees only to symbolize that the life of the married couple should be evergreen and should lead an endless relationship and be showered with all the prosperity with progeny's for generations to come. 
• According to ancient scriptures, the banana tree is equated to “Devaguru Brihaspati” or planet Jupiter.
• This belief is so prevalent that a person who cannot afford a Brihaspati gemstone can even wear the root of a banana tree. Even having a banana tree at home was seen as being akin to having a guru at home.
• The banana leaf figures among the most sacred leaves and finds its usage in all Vedic rituals. The fruit of the banana tree is regarded as the most energetic fruit and contains more than 100 calories of energy in each fruit. Yet, it is the most inexpensive and affordable fruit even for the poorest of the poor.
• This is because the banana tree is a very pious tree that symbolizes Lord Vishnu, Hindus worship the tree on Thursdays to get the benefits of the Jupiter planet.
• Banana as a fruit is offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for a happy, married life and to ensure a good financial condition and happiness for the family.
• During the grand festival of Durga Puja, a form is created with banana plantain that is considered to be Lord Ganesha's bride. It is known as Kola Bou (Banana Bride). She is given a bath before the break of dawn and placed next to Ganesha on Maha Saptami.