Rudraksha - रुद्राक्ष ! (Elaeocarpus ganitrus)

Ek-mukhi Rudraksha on  Bael leaf

         It is the seed of Rudraksha tree which scientific name is Elaeocarpus Ganitrus. Rudraksha is a popular holy thing among Hindus. Many of Hindus wear it either on the upper arm or as a locket in the chain around the neck. It is worn to please Shiva because Shiva who is Rudra likes to see this seed. As the name Rudraksha is made up of two words-Rudra + Aksha, means Shiva + Eyes; it is due to the fact that this seed is pleasing to eyes of Rudra. The mythological story behind the origin of Rudraksha is that during a long "Dhyana" by Shiva, a drop of tear emerged from his eye and fell on to the ground. From the ground, it grew as Rudraksha tree. Seeds of the fruits of this tree were named as Rudraksha because it emerged from the eyes of Rudra.

               One of the main features of the Rudraksha seeds is that they have natural grooves on their rough surfaces like meridian lines on the surface of the earth. These grooves divide the surface into as many parts called faces or "Mukha" (Hindi and Sanskrit word for face). The  Rudraksha seeds are found with different numbers of "Mukhas" on them, numbering from one "Mukha" to twenty-one "Mukhas" and accordingly they are named as 'one faced Rudraksha' (Ek Mukhi Rudraksha) to 'twenty-one faced Rudraksha' (Ekkis Mukhi Rudraksha). Astrologists suggest different "Mukhi Rudraksha" to a person according to his needs. But all of these Rudraksha are not equally available, so the price of a particular Rudraksha depends upon its demand and availability as is the rule of a market.   

               Being liked by Shiva, the Rudraksha is offered to God Shiva by His devotees. After the worship, it is taken by the devotee as "Prasad" and either put near the place of worship or worn by him. Devotees even like to offer it at "Jyotirlingas" and then have it as "Prasad".   

                 Astrological point of view aside, two types of Rudraksha are quite important - Five 'Mukhi' (पंचमुखी) and One 'Mukhi' (एकमुखी). Shiva is thought to have five heads/faces. One may remember the Sanskrit "shloka" in prayer as:- 

ॐ पञ्चवक्त्राणि विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात।  

(Om Pancha-Vaktrani Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dheemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat) 

It means- We should know five headed/faced Almighty, bring that Mahadeva in our "Dhyana", may that Rudra inspires us towards the good path. 

"Panchamukhi-Rudraksha Mala"
hung on the wall facing  the
entrance of the house 

           So the Five 'Mukhi' (पंचमुखी) Rudraksha represents God Shiva. Since this type of Rudraksha is common too, it is widely used by devotees. Not only single Five 'Mukhi' (पंचमुखी) Rudraksha but smaller sized Rudraksha beads in threads are used as "Mala" or rosary. "Rudraksha Mala"  is either worn around the neck, upper arms or wrists. Some of the "Sadhus"(monks) who wield a trident in their hands wear "Rudraksha Mala"  at all these parts of the body. It is even available online at this link of Amazon - Jap Mala.

             Another important Rudraksha is the variety called One 'Mukhi' (एकमुखी) Rudraksha. Since Shiva is the Almighty (Paramatma) and Almighty is only one, so "One 'Mukhi' (एकमुखी)" Rudraksha represents Almighty Shiva. In fact, it is said that "One 'Mukhi' (एकमुखी)" Rudraksha is Shiva Himself. So many of devotees prefer to put it at the place of worship and offer their "Puja" to it. Some astrologists advise to wear it and Some people wear it, but it requires some strict rules to follow for wearing it like- While wearing do not go to the potty or urinate nor eat non-veg foods; maintain total sanctity, purity and holiness. We know how difficult is it to follow, that is why most people prefer the first thing- worship it at the place of worship in the house. The "Pancha-Mukhi Rudraksha" wearer do not require to follow such strict rules necessarily but maintain the sanctity as much as they can. The different Rudrakshas are available on the online site - Amazon. Ek-Mukhi Rudraksha and lockets. Pendents.

A rosary (Akshamala) of small beads of
Pancha-Mukhi Rudraksha

              "One 'Mukhi' (एकमुखी)" Rudraksha is found in two varieties based on their shape - 1. Cashew nut type (Kaju-dana) and 2. Round type (Gol-dana). Former is generally available in the market and price is around few thousands while later one is rarer and its price depends upon the seller, means he may say any amount and large variations between seller to seller may be found. Recently on an online marketing site, a good quality of round type (Gol-dana) rudraksha had a price tag of around seven hundred thousands in Rupees. 

               Beyond these, there is some special Rudraksha like Ganesh Rudraksha, Gourishankar Rudraksha, Nandi Rudraksha and Rudraksha having some natural holy mark on it. If there is a long rise on it like the trunk of an elephant then it is called Ganesh Rudraksha. Two naturally joined Rudrakshas are either termed as Gourishankar Rudraksha or Nandi Rudraksha depending upon their comparative sizes. If there is a natural holy mark on it like ॐ (Om) then it becomes very very special and its demand goes up like a rocket. One may see the price tag of such Rudraksha around US $ 192000.        

               Due to good demand in the market, many people sell fake Rudraksha. Though there are some tests to know whether it is true or false but it is good to purchase it from a reputed source. These days some sellers give a certificate of quality with it like they give with diamonds and gems.

              In addition to the above, it is believed that wearing Rudraksha has the medicinal effect on the body. They think that it is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. But it is not scientifically proven. The rough surface of it gives acupressure like effect on the body. Wearer of Rudraksha also gets spiritual help during the "Dhyana Kriya" and helps him to connect to Almighty Shiva-Brahm. 

               So it is always advisable to get the benefits of Rudraksha at least from the spiritual point of view.  

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गुलाब के फूल -The Rose flower !

Lord Krishna's favorite flower

           The rose flower is loved by God Vishnu. In Hindu mythology, there is a story about the most beautiful flower. Once Brahma and Vishnu debated about the most beautiful flower. While Brahma favored the lotus flower, Vishnu named the rose. When they could not agree on one of them, Vishnu finally took Brahma to his celestial garden and showed him the shrub of rose laden with beautiful roses. Fascinated by this look Brahma accepted Vishnu's logic and both agreed that 'the rose is the most beautiful flower'. Even today the rose is regarded as the "King of flowers". Hindus offer this flower to Krishna who is an avatar of Vishnu. Krishna took the love close to devotion, so this flower is also regarded as a symbol of love. The rosebuds, fully bloomed flowers and rose petals, all could be offered to gods. Even a garland of roses is offered to Krishna.

Pink Rose

                 Roses are found in many colors, mainly white, yellow, red and pink colored. So devotees have choices to offer them according to colors the Gods like. The red colored flower is offered to Goddesses like Kali, Durga and Lakshmi. Since the popular god Hanuman likes red color, he too is worshiped with red roses. Yellow is liked by Vishnu, so Vishnu, Krishna and Ram are offered yellow roses during the worship. White roses are offered to Shiva and Saraswati.  

 

Roses (Buds and flowers)

               Since Gods are offered a number of things in worship and "Pushpa" (flowers) is only one of those things, one other important thing related to flowers is "Gandha" (Perfume). Perfume is extracted from many flowers, and the one extracted from roses is 'rosewater' (Gulab-Jala in Hindi). "Gandha" (Perfume) of rose is offered as 'rosewater' or as 'Attar' (इत्र, अत्तर) in cotton-ball. Its perfume is also used in incense sticks which are burned during worship and "Aarti" to give out the scent of roses. 

                Rose is an ornamental flower. Now we have techniques to grow different varieties and sizes of roses. It was loved by royal families in Rome, Persia and India in medieval times. Mughals were rose fans. They had rose gardens. Nur Jehan is said to have discovered the rose oil while taking a bath in a bath-tub full of rose petals. Even in modern India people love rose gardens and it can be found in botanical gardens and "Rajbhawans" of Indian states and who can forget the "Mughal Garden" of ''Rashtrapati-Bhawan", New Delhi.

Red and Yellow roses

 

                 Rose is known as "Gulaab" in Hindi and Urdu. But it is a bit surprising that it has not got its presence felt strongly in Hindu religious books as the lotus flower has got. Maybe that in ancient times roses found were not so attractive as we see today because we have many new varieties developed now. Hybrid varieties are bigger and attractive but they were not then. Known as "Japa, Jawa and Patal-Pushp" in Sanskrit, it has been mentioned by "Charak" and "Sushrut" (physician and surgeon in Indian medicinal system 'Ayurved' in ancient times) at many places as remedies for acidity, fever and boils. They considered its effect as cooling on the body and good for the stomach. Even today "Gulukand", a preparation of rose petals is eaten in betel leaf (Paan) to keep stomach cool. 

A rosebud opening up

                The perennial plant of rose is a shrub which grows from a meter to 6-7 meters depending upon the variety. It is planted by cutting. For good size of flowers, it has to be cut leaving thick stems one or two feet long only. It needs cow-dung manure and fertilizers too. One has to be careful while touching the plant as it is full of thorns. It grows well in flower beds but one can plant it in even flower pots.

Different products of roses are available at Amazon like rose oil, rose petal powder, rose water, essential oil etc.  

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गुल मेहंदी - Garden Balsam !

             It is a common flower of worship in Hindu religion. Flowers of different colors and shades bloom on it that looks very attractive. Devotees select flowers of a particular color to offer to gods who like that color. Common colors that this flower have are white, pink, purple and red in different shades. White flowers may be offered to God Shiva and Goddess Saraswati, red flowers to Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga, Kali or Gouri, pink and purple flowers to Krishna and other gods and goddesses.

White Garden Balsam

It is commonly known as "Gul-Mehandi" (गुल मेहंदी) in Hindi. Common English names are garden balsam, rose balsam, garden jewel-weed spotted snap-weed etc. The scientific name is "Impatiens Balsamina". In eastern Bihar and Jharkhand state of India, it is also known as "Chira-Mira" (चीरा -मीरा).

Balsam flower plants
in flower pot

          This flower is native to India and this sub-continent. In different languages, it has different names. The plant is a herb with a soft stem that grows to a height of 2 - 3 ft. In addition to its attractive flowers what makes it so popular is the ease with which it can be grown. It requires water and sunshine and easily grows from its radish-like seeds. Generally, the seeds are put into the soil in the rainy season. They grow fast and start flowering when getting a height of six inches.

Lovely 'Gul-Mehandi'
flower

 Some varieties of flowers have few petals and are small, so they are called "Ekhari" (single layered) in Hindi, while other varieties have lots of petals and called "Dohari" (double or multi-layered). If the flowers are not plucked, they are pollinated by insects and subsequently replaced by pods that have many seeds inside it. When the seeds inside are ready, the cover of the pods get stressed naturally and explode by curling itself, thus the dispersion of seeds take place. For storage of seeds for next season, the ripe pods should be plucked carefully because it can explode open by touching. 

Pink Balsam flower

The flowers and the plants of Garden Balsam have also some medicinal values. Traditionally the juice of leaves is used to treat warts and flowers are applied on burns. Koreans use it for constipation and gastritis. In Vietnam, people wash their hairs with the extract of its flowers to grow it longer.  

Flowers and buds
of balsam

          So plant these flowers in your garden in rainy season onward to have lots of "Puja flowers" for worship. You can even plant a few plants in flower pots in the balcony of flats in apartments. Its seeds are easily available in all seed shops but if do not get it there shop it at Amazon at THIS LINK.

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पारिजात (हरसिंगार) के फूल - Night Jasmine flower

The sacred tree that came out of 'Churning of Ocean"

                  

Parijat /Harsingar flower

                

          This flower is favorite of Vishnu and Lakshmi and their avatars. It is said to be a divine flower which tree used to be in the heaven. It came out of the famous "Churning of ocean by gods and demons" according to the Hindu mythology. Like most of other good things that came out of this event, this tree too was taken hold of by gods. King of gods, Indra, brought it to heaven (Swarglok) where its lovely flowers spread beneath the tree to give pleasure to gods. It was brought to earth by God Krishna on request of one of his queens, Satyabhama. 

The story behind it is thus -

Parijat / Harsingar Tree

          Once Narada Muni came to Dwarka where God Krishna ruled. Narada was coming from heaven and he gifted some Parijat flowers to God Krishna that he had brought from there. Krishna in turn gave these lovely and beautiful flowers to his beloved Patrani (Designated queen) Rukmini. Narada gave this news to Krishna's other queen Satyabhama. She got jealous and asked Krishna to bring the Parijat tree to her so that she be one up to Rukmini. Krishna explained her in many ways that it is not good to bring the tree from heaven but she would not accept it. Finally he agreed and went to heaven to bring this tree but Indra was not ready to give it to Krishna. They fought and Krishna defeated Indra. He brought Parijat tree to earth and gave it to queen Satyabhama. It is said that due the selfless devotion of queen Rukmini to Krishna, he would not let her down. So he planted the  tree in Satyabhama's backyard in such away that she had only the tree as demanded but the flowers used to fall in Rukmini's backyard.

The flower and its name

    

          It is known by many names of which Hindi name Parijat (पारिजात) and similar sounding names are popular in south Indian languages. There is another story about this name and making of its tree. It says that there was a princess named Parijataka who wanted to marry God Sun but he was not interested in her. Dejected she gave up her "prana" and died. After her cremation she rose from her ashes in the form of a tree that was named after her as Parijat. Since she was not able to see the Sun during the day who was her love, so the Parijat tree flowered at night and shed the flowers before the day as tears. That is why it is also call a 'tree of sorrow' by the westerners. The brightness of the flowers decrease as the day advances.

           Other popular name in Hindi is Harsingar (हरसिंगार) which is derived from the word "Hari-Shringar (हरि-श्रृंगार)". Hari means God Vishnu or his avatars Ram and Krishna while Shringar means 'to adorn'. Since Hari likes this flower very much and adorn himself with it, hence the name. In some Hindi dialects even Harsingar has been shortened to singar and pronounced as singhara flower (सिंघारा फूल).  

             In Bengali it is Shefali and Shiuli while Assamese call it Sewali. In English it is called Coral Jasmine or Night flowering Jasmine. 

             The Parijat flowers are white with orange-red center, small in size and orange stem. They flower in clusters. Though in Hindu tradition the flowers dropped on the ground are not offered to gods, but these Parijat flowers are exception to this rule. These are picked up from the ground to keep with other flowers of worship. The ground around a Parijat tree is kept clean and where possible it is wiped with the cow-dung paste.   

             The Parijat flowers are offered to God Shiva too. There is an example of Shiva worship with these flowers in Mahabharata. There it is said that Pandava prince Arjuna brought this tree from Indra for his mother Kunti who used to offer its flower to Shiva. As 'Hari' means Vishnu similarly 'Har' means Shiva. From this point of view the 'Har-singar' may mean decoration of Shiva.         

                 At some places the Parijat tree is also described as Kalpataru in Hindu mythology. Kalpataru means a tree that fulfills wishes of a person who demands something under it. But some other trees are also said to be Kalpataru, one of them is a variety of 'Baobab' tree.    

Medicinal value of Parijat tree

          Nearly all parts of the tree has medicinal qualities. The leaves are well known to possess  Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Immunopotential, Anti-pyretic, Antioxidant and Anti-fungal properties. The flowers have Diuretic, Antioxidant, Anti-filarial and Sedative properties. Similar medicinal values are found in its bark, seeds and stem.                                   

                                        

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संध्या फूल / संझा फूल - Four O' Clock Flowers

Sandhya Flower / Sanjha Flower - Four O' Clock Flowers

Sandhya flower / Sanjha flower
commonly known as '4 O clock' flowers
in English

     

                It is one of the flowers of worship that comes to bloom at evening nearly at 4 p.m. and remains fresh till morning. That is why it has got its common name as "Four O Clock Flower". In Hindi it is called "Sandhya Flower" or "Sanjha Flower", both means as 'Evening Flower". But as the sun begins to go up in the sky these flowers start wilting and by the noon they get shrunk. They are fit for the evening worship and early morning worship. But the flowers plucked in the morning can not be kept whole day long for worship. These flowers are very tender.  

              It is found in many colors, so can be offered to different Hindu Gods according to their favorite colors. Common colors are plain yellow, red, white and pink. But if there are plants more than one of these colors present in a garden, the next generation of plants may bear flowers that have spots or patches of different colors. Even on a single plant one may find flowers that are of different colors. It is a very popular flower because it is not only used in worships but also as an ornamental plant. These herbs grow up to a height of three ft and are also suitable for hedges. The flowers have a lovely fragrance.   

                Sandhya Flower plants need sunshine and moisture. They can be easily grown in tropical and warm temperate zones. Each flower bears a single fruit which looks like a seed without any outer cover, pulp or shell. They look similar to black peppers but larger three to four times in size. Plants can be grown from seeds even in flower pots. They are perennial plants that require warmth. Come the winter and they die in the first frost. But in the spring the plants will regrow from its tubular roots.  

                One peculiar phenomenon to this plant is related to changing color of the flowers. Take the yellow flower plant for example. As the plant matures the color of flowers on it gradually changes to dark pink. Similarly white flower plant gives light violet colored flowers on maturity.   

Uses other than worship                       

                   The plant and its flowers have medicinal uses and also used in food industry for coloring. To reduce inflammation the leaves are used. The juice of leaves are used to treat a wound like Tagetes flower plant leaves. The Sandhya Flower are used in food coloring and also to obtain an edible crimson dye to color cakes and jellies. The root is believed an aphrodisiac, diuretic and purgative.  

               So for the purpose of getting flowers of worship, plant these in your garden or in the flower pots. 

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कमल का फूल (The Lotus Flower)

Acceptable to all gods

The lotus flowers for worship
in the flower basket

          The lotus flower popularly known in Hindi by "Kamal ka phool" is one of those flowers that are acceptable to all the gods for worship. It is known in India from the very ancient times. Very ancient literature and "Puranas" have it mentioned in them. In Sanskrit it is mostly known by "Padma" (पद्म). It has many synonyms in Hindi and Sanskrit like -"Pankaj", "Saroj," "Jalaj", "Nalin", "Arvind", "Utpal" etc.

          In Hindu mythology, God Brahma created the world on direction from Vishnu. The lotus has got mentioned before Brahma created the world as it came out from the naval of Vishnu on which Brahma was seated. Due to this Vishnu is also called "Padma-nabh" (One who has a lotus in his naval). Even in one of the four hands of Vishnu there is always a "Padma" (Lotus). 

               Not only Brahma and Vishnu, even God Shiva likes lotus. Shiva likes a lotus with eight petals (अष्टदल कमल). Eight petaled lotus has significance in "Tantra Sadhana". I saw such a lotus sculpted in stone at the top of the ceiling of "Mukteshwar Mahadev" Temple at Bhuaneswar, Orisa. There is a popular prayer of Shivalinga in Sanskrit called "Lingashtak" (Eight Shloka prayer of Linga). In one of its shloka is said

अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टित लिंगं    सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिंगम् 

अष्टदरिद्रविनाशित लिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम्।

("Asht-dalo-pariveshtit-lingam, sarva-samudbhava karan lingam

Ashta-daridra-vinashit lingam tat pranamami sada-shiva lingam") 

(I say pranam to that shiva-linga which is surrounded by eight-petaled-lotuses and that is the reason behind the destruction of eight folded poorness and makes all round development of the devotee). 

               Along with the Trideva (Three Gods - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) different forms of goddesses like the lotus flower. Most of the goddesses are described as seated on a lotus flower and many of them hold a lotus flower in one of their hands. Pink coloured lotus flower is offered to goddesses like Durga, Gauri and Lakshmi. On the festival of Deepawali the lotus flowers are on top in demand list of flowers. It is believed that by offering this flower to Goddess Lakshmi she will be pleased and give the devotee wealth and happiness. One of the well known "Shri-Suktam" -the Sanskrit prayer of Lakshmi - says thus,

Lotus flower on sale for Laxmi Puja

पद्मानने  पद्मऊरु         पद्माक्षी  पद्मसम्भवे ।

त्वां मां भजस्व पद्माक्षी येन सौख्यं लभाम्यहम् ॥

(Means: whose face is like lotus,whose thighs are like lotus, whose eyes are like lotus and who is born out of lotus - I pray to such goddess by whom I will obtain happiness.)    

Such auspicious is the lotus flower! Even the "Jap" of Lakshmi is done over a chain which beads are of lotus seeds.      

              The goddess of learning "Saraswati" is described as seated on a white lotus flower as the very first stanza of the famous "Saraswati-Vandana" says -   

या कुन्देंदु  तुषारहारधवला   या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता 

या वीणावरदण्डमंडितकरा  या श्वेतपद्मासना 

या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकर प्रभृतिभिर्देव सदा वन्दिता

 सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा। 

            As the bold words say "Ya shwetpadmasana", it means "who is seated on a white lotus flower". 

               So some gods prefer white, pink or blue lotus or some may prefer eight petaled or thousand petaled lotus but there is no difference of opinion that these lotus flowers found in the ponds are auspicious and highly desirable flower of gods.  

                 God "Rama" is sometime also called - "Rajiv-lochan"- one whose eyes are like lotus flowers. There is a story in Ramayana that says - once Rama decided to worship God Shiva with a thousand lotus flowers. On the sea-shore he made a "Shivalinga" and started offering the lotus flowers that he had brought for this purpose. God Shiva wanted to test him so he hid one of the lotus flowers. When Rama offered the last flower the counting was one less, so he thought -since my eyes are like lotus flowers I will offer one of my eyes to Shiva to fulfill my promise (संकल्प). As he proceeded to do such, a pleased Shiva appeared and told the fact. He also gave Rama what he wanted. 

               In addition to religious importance it is a thing of beauty that has got many references in literature - specially the beautiful eyes are compared to it. In Hindi "Kamalnayan-कमलनयन" means the eyes like lotus flower.

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शमी पत्र (The Holy Shami Leaves)

One of the most sacred trees in the Hindu religion

A 'Shami' tree near the gate

          The Shami Tree is worshiped just like the Tulsi plant or Bael Tree by Hindus. Its leaves are used in worship as offerings to God Ganesha, Shiva and Hanuman. Most of the devotees plant this shrub near the gate of their house campus so that whenever they go out for work they see this auspicious tree (सगुन बनाना). Those having space constraints plant it in flower pots (गमला) in the balcony or outer veranda.     

        The Shami Tree resembles a Babool tree and has similar deep thorns and leaves. A tree named "Khejadi" (Prosopis cineraria / Spicigera) and found abundantly in Rajasthan and adjoining areas (used as fodder) is also called Shami but it looks like that it is a close relative of the holy Shami tree. 

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"Shami" leaves (शमी पत्र)

             The leaves of the Shami tree are offered to Ganesha who is very much pleased with this offering. And being pleased with it He gives the devotee longevity, honor and prosperity. On the biggest festival of Ganesha (Who is also called Vinayaka) --"Ganesha Chaturthi" -- the offering of Shami leaves to him is very fruitful. These leaves are sprinkled with turmeric powder before offering. In Maharashtra where Ganesha is widely worshiped, small plants of Shami are given to relatives and friends as gifts on "Dussera Puja" to bring good luck.    

            The worship of the Shami tree is a means to reduce the bad effects of the planet "Shani" in astrology. It is done with a lamp of mustard oil (सरसों तेल का दीपक) and black sesame (काला तिल) under the Shami Tree. The person with "Sadhe-Sati"(साढ़े साती) and "Dhaiya"(ढैया) of "Shani" is benefited with daily or at least on Saturdays worship under the Shami tree.  

{Puja items are available online}

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          The bad effects of Shani God are also kept away by worshiping Shiva and his avatar Hanuman because for Shani, God Shiva is his Guru. If Shiva is pleased by the worship of a person, he will not be affected by Shani. Hanuman worship is also fruitful for this purpose because Shani himself had vowed to Hanuman that whoever worships Hanuman that person will not be affected by the bad eyes of Shani. That is why Hanuman worship on Saturdays are so popular. Both of these Gods, Shiva and Hanuman are worshiped by offering "Shami leaves (शमी पत्र)" for this purpose.

      The "shloka" that should be spoken while offering "Shami leaves (शमी पत्र)" to gods is as follows,

अमंगलानाम् शमनीम्  शमनीम् दुष्कृतानाम्  च।

दुःस्वप्न-नाशिनीं  धन्यां प्रपद्येSहं शमीं शुभाम्।।

          The wood of the Shami tree is also used in "Havan"(हवन). "Samidha" (समिधा) are the woods used in "Havan"(हवन). Nine different kinds of wood are used in "Havan"(हवन) to keep away the ill-effects of nine planets. One of these nine kinds of wood (नवग्रह लकड़ी) is the wood of the Shami tree. It is offered in the fire of "Havan-Kund" (हवन कुण्ड) to suppress the bad effects of Saturn planet (शनि ग्रह). 

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Flowers of 'Shami' "शमी पुष्प"

            The tree of Shami is full of dangerous hard thorns like the Babool tree. So when fetching its leaves or woods, one should be very careful otherwise it may pierce the skin. It is a shrub that flowers in the rainy season. Small flowers have two different colors. Half of the flower towards the tip is yellow while on the back it is either pink or white. So on the same tree, you may find two types of flowers, yellow-pink or yellow-white. 

             So, be benefited by offering Shami leaves to above Gods. The story behind the holiness of Shami leaves may be seen in my blog "Aadhyatma" by clicking here. 

             Pooja items are available at Amazon at THIS LINK. The Shami tree can be bought at the local market otherwise Amazon also sells "Live Shami Plant with a pot". They also sell Navgrah-Samidha wood, Hawan Samagri and even different types of Hawan-Kund. I was surprised that they are also selling "Cow-Dung cakes" which are called Kande/Uple/Thepdi/Goythe (कंडे/उपले/थेपड़ी/गोयठे) in regional languages. "Cow-Dung cakes" are holy items in Hindu Pujan, Hawan and cooking in rural areas, it is difficult to find in bigger cities. 

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List of posts in this blog (English) at - Puja flowers and and other things used in puja (Hindu worship).