Banana Tree

 Vaalai maram is nothing but Plantain tree and is considered to be very auspicious especially in Tamil Nadu. In any function we will see vazhai maram in the front entrance and there is a rationale behind it – plantain tree has a special feature that of producing baby plantain tree from the root and that is why they say 'வாழை அடி வாழை’.It basically means family should be prosperous and produce more offspring. Also within my community there is a tradition when relatives meet for an occasion plantain is cooked signifying unity of the family. Also Banana is one among the two fruits which is considered to be sacred as far as Neiveidhyam since they do not grow after throwing the leftover part. If you eat banana and throw its peel nothing will grow out of it. Our ancestors made Banana as one of the prasadam items which had good nutritional values and medicinal values on top of being sacred. It is also readily available and very affordable for people from all walks of life.

   Let us look into some of the health benefits plantain tree has to offer. The stem (Vazha thandu) is an effective method to combat renal stone problems. The potassium content and the diuretic properties in the stem help to stall the formation of calcium lumps or crystals from the kidney. Banana stem also helps in treating Urinary tract infections due to presence of Vitamin B6. Banana flowers (Vazhai poo) is loaded with fibre, protein, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and Vitamin E and the beauty is it is affordable for all. Banana flowers are loaded with antioxidants which battle free radicals, they inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria thereby keeping infections at bay, and for women they help in increasing progesterone levels in the body thereby preventing excessive menstrual bleeding. Thanks to the person who invented Vazhai poo vadai - he deserves a diamond ring; Banana leaf (Vazhai elai) virundu is always special and no costly plate can come close to a meal served in Vazhai elai. Leaf has got polyphenols which contain natural antioxidant. On top of that it contains Chlorophyll which helps in treating ulcer and skin problems. After its use once you throw it either becomes food for dogs/cows or becomes natural fertilizer for plants.

   Hindu religion always had relation with plants and animals and had a nice bonding with Nature. The plants and animals have direct relation with gods and goddesses and are considered important due to specific qualities. According to Hindu Mythology, Rishi Durvasa had cursed his wife for interrupting his sleep, He cursed her to turn into a banana tree and upon receiving the curse, she pleaded with her husband for a wish that she should be treated special and as a holy plant. Rishi fulfilled her wish and since that day the leaves of banana trees are considered auspicious. Also tree is considered equivalent to 'Devaguru' and planting the tree is equal to having a guru or Brihaspati at home. Tree is devoutly religious which symbolizes Lord Vishnu and worshipping it every thursday one gets benefits of planet Jupiter. 

  Hinduism is always famous for old rituals and practices. Based on Astrology bride or groom may have mangalya dosham. As per birth chart this may bring issues in their respective marriage life and hence the couple may be deemed incompatible. So if the bride has Mangalya dosham then bride is married off to a banana tree in order to break the curse. It is believed that mangalya dosham causes problems only in first marriage. Then the tree is uprooted and destroyed which symbolizes husband of the bride is no more. Upon nullifying the mangalya dosham then the bride is married off to a real groom. 

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