On the festival of Dussehra, there is a special tradition of worshipping the Shami tree and exchanging its leaves with friends and family. After burning the effigy of Ravana, people distribute Shami leaves as a symbol of blessings and prosperity. But why is the Shami tree worshipped on this day, and what are the benefits of doing so? Let’s find out.
Why Do We Worship the Shami Tree?
- According to legends, Lord Kubera once gave a gold coin to King Raghu on Dussehra. It is believed that at that moment, the leaves of the Shami tree turned into gold. Since then, the tree has been considered a symbol of prosperity.
- Before fighting Ravana, Lord Rama offered prayers to the Shami tree. After his victory, he is said to have shared gold with the people of Ayodhya, further strengthening the tree’s association with success and prosperity.
- During their exile, the Pandavas hid their weapons inside a Shami tree. When they retrieved them later, it marked the beginning of their victory. Hence, worshipping the Shami tree on Dussehra is seen as a sign of protection and triumph.
