India is a country having people with deep religious beliefs. Since time immemorial, the ancient Indians had been worshipping many trees, considering them sacred. Many ancient scriptures indicate about the worship of the trees. The ancient Aryans were worshippers of nature. Hence, many types of plants were always connected to several rituals. Plant worship still continues to be an element of modern Indian traditions. There are many plants which are considered sacred. Some of the sacred trees are the followings:

Ashoka Tree:- The Ashoka Tree has much religious significance.  The Hindus worship this tree because it is dedicated to “Lord Kama Deva” (God of Love). It is said that Lord Buddha was born under this tree in Lumbini and Lord Mahavira renounced the world under this in Vaishali. The Ashoka tree gets a mention in the epic Ramayana as the “Ashoka Vatika” where Hanuman first meets Sita.

Banyan Tree:- The Banyan Tree symbolizes the Trimurti- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The tree also symbolizes life and fertility in many Hindu cultures. The banyan tree is worshiped by those who are childless.

Bael Tree:- The Bael Tree is considered as very sacred in India. The offering of Bael leaves is a compulsory ritual while worshipping Lord Shiva all over India. The fruit, flowers and leaves of the tree are all sacred. The trifoliate leaf or tripatra of the Bael tree is believed to symbolize the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Besides religious significance, almost all parts of the Bael Tree have medicinal properties.

Banana Tree:- Banana is not a tree. But it is considered a tree because of its structure and size. It is a sacred tree as all parts of the tree are used in ceremonies. The trunk of banana tree is used in welcoming gates; the leaves are used to make the ceremonial pavilion and to serve food. Banana fruit is offered to all Gods and Goddesses.

Coconut Tree:- The coconut tree has a very special place in India. Coconut is used for almost all religious purposes. Breaking of a coconut, in the beginning of any event is considered to be very auspicious. Coconuts are offered in Temples to worship to various Gods and Goddesses. The fruit is also believed to represent Lord Shiva and the three black marks on the coconut shell, symbolizes his eyes.

Mango Tree:- The significance of mango tree finds mention in the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. The leaf of the tree is used during most religious and social ceremonies. A pot filled with water and topped with fresh mango leaves and a coconut is considered to be the symbol of purity and wealth. Mango blossoms are used on Basant Panchami day in the worship of Goddess Saraswasti. Newly unripe mangoes are offered to lord Radhakrishna during Holi. The tree is also sacred to the Buddhists because Lord Buddha during his meditation took a mango from a village girl at Shravasti.

Neem Tree:- Neem is a very sacred tree with a large medicinal values. The neem tree is worshiped very intensely by the Hindus as it is a manifestation of Goddess Durga and Kali.

Tulsi Tree:- Tulsi  is used for all religious purposes. It is considered very auspicious to have a Tulsi plant in the front courtyard of the house. Tulsi plant is most loved by Lord Vishnu and Vrinda Devi. No worship can be started in any temple in India without few Tulsi leaves. 

Peepal Tree:- Peepal Tree is  believed to be a symbol of Lord Vishnu.  Another belief says that the tree represents the Trimurti- Brahma,  Vishnu and  Shiva. Some says that Lord Krishna died under this tree. Another belief says Goddess Lakshmi inhabits in the tree. In fact women worship the tree to bless them with a son. The Peepal is also sacred to the Buddhist as Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Peepal tree. 

Sandalwood Tree:- The Sandalwood tree is used for incense and religious ceremonies. It is considered to be a very sacred tree as the sandalwood paste is used in all religious rituals. The paste is smeared on the foreheads of devotees of Vishnu and Shiva and it is believed to protect them from dangers.

Bamboo Tree:- The bamboo tree is considered as sacred because it is associated with Lord Krishna. The common names of Lord Krishna- Bansilal, Murali and Muralidhar reflect his association with Bansuri or Venu, which is actually a flute made of bamboo.

Bhang Tree:- The Bhang tree is called a holy tree because the drink made of the leaves and flowers of the tree is considered to be a “prashad” of Lord Shiva. Bhang has also many medicinal virtues. But now selling of Bhang is prohibited.

Lotus Plant:- The Lotus flower is considered as sacred because in Hinduism many of the Goddesses are pictured sitting upon a lotus or holding a lotus flower. The pure white lotus flower is a symbol of Goddess Laxmi.