|| Three Daily-Use Products That Are Considered Sacred In Sanatan Dharma And Are Also Scientifically Acclaimed By Experts ||

|| Three Daily-Use Products That Are Considered Sacred In Sanatan Dharma And Are Also Scientifically Acclaimed By Experts || 1. Peepal Tree: The Skanda Purana regards the peepal tree as a representation of Bhagawan Vishnu, as it is believed that Bhagawan Vishnu was born under such a tree. Some even believe that the peepal tree symbolizes the Trimurti - with its roots representing Bhagawan Brahma, its trunk symbolizing Bhagawan Vishnu, and its leaves embodying Bhagawan Shiva. The peepal tree holds a significant connection with Shree Krishna as well. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagawan Krishna declares, "Among trees, I am the ashvattha," referring to the peepal tree. It is believed that Bhagawan Krishna passed away under this tree, marking the beginning of the current Kali Yuga. After Pralayam (cosmic dissolution), it is said that Bhagawan Krishna will reside on a peepal leaf until the next world is created. According to the Skanda Purana, if someone lacks a child, they can consider the peepal tree as their progeny. Cutting down a peepal tree is considered a grave sin, equivalent to killing a Brahmin, which is one of the five deadly sins or Panchapataka. To some, it is customary to touch the peepal tree only on Saturdays. The Brahma Purana offers an explanation for this tradition, mentioning two demons, Ashvattha and Peepala, who troubled people. Ashvattha would take the form of a peepal tree, and Peepala would assume the guise of a Brahmin. The deceitful Brahmin would advise people to touch the tree, and when they did, Ashvattha would harm them. Eventually, both demons were vanquished by Bhagawan Shani (Saturn). Due to Shani's influence, Saturdays are considered safe for touching the peepal tree. Moreover, Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is believed to reside in the peepal tree on Saturdays. Consequently, worshiping the tree on this day is considered auspicious. Women often tie red threads or cloths around the trunk or branches of the peepal tree and seek blessings for a child from the divine entity inhabiting the tree. Scientifically, the Peepal tree's bark contains tannin, while its leaves, when heated, possess valuable properties for treating wounds. Alongside Neem and Tulsi, Peepal is recognized as one of the primary oxygen providers. It is widely known that these trees continue to release oxygen even during the nighttime, and they can also absorb carbon dioxide during this period. During daylight hours, Peepal emits the highest levels of ozone (O3). The absorption of ozone is beneficial for female fertility. Researchers suggest that the rustling of Peepal leaves in the wind and the sound they produce contribute to slowly killing infection-causing bacteria, granting the tree its antibacterial attributes. Moreover, there is a belief that licking honey from a Peepal leaf can help cure speech irregularities. 2. Camphor: As per Hindu belief, burning camphor serves as a ritual to cleanse the environment before offering prayers to gods and goddesses. This act not only illuminates the surroundings but also fills the air with a spiritual aroma. Camphor burns itself out completely without leaving any residual. It represents our Vasanas (ego, lust, greed). The burning of camphor also signifies oneness with God & spreading the light of knowledge. From a scientific perspective, camphor possesses germ-killing properties, making it an effective means of purifying the air within our homes. Extracted from the evergreen Cinnamomum camphora tree, abundantly found in India, China, Taiwan, and Japan. camphor's usage extends to Buddhism as well. Besides its spiritual significance, camphor's antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable for treating various skin conditions, enhancing respiratory function, and providing pain relief. 3. Tulasi : The Padma Purana, specifically the Uttara Khanda, Chapter 23, comprehensively details the significance of the tulsi plant. It emphasizes that not only the leaves but also its flowers, fruits, stem, and even the soil around it are equally sacred and essential. According to this scripture, a person who is cremated with Tulsi twigs in their funeral pyre attains Moksha (liberation) and a place in Vishnu's Vaikuntha (heavenly abode). The act of using a Tulsi stick to light a Deepak (lamp) for Bhagawan Vishnu is considered equivalent to offering the gods millions of lamps. Even if there is just one piece of Tulasi-wood among a hundred pieces of any other kind of wood in the funeral pyre, the person is believed to attain moksha during the cremation itself. Offering worship to Bhagawan Vishnu with Tulsi is considered more potent than numerous ordinary pujas and donations of cows (Gau-dan). The Garun Puran (2.28.9) states that by planting, preserving, watering, touching, and worshiping Tulasi, a person's accumulated sins from many births are burnt away. Modern scientific research has proven that Tulsi emits oxygen for approximately 20 hours a day and releases ozone during the remaining 4 hours. So, as you can see, the importance and sacredness of the tulsi plant have been documented in various ancient scriptures, reaffirming its significant role in Hindu culture and spirituality.