Banana is used as baby food, medicine and for snacking. Whether you go to the south of India or up north, west or east, bananas make an appearance in some form or the other. But did you know that banana is considered useful in spiritual affairs? How interesting. Read on to know why —
When you find people looking for remedies for ailments, sometimes someone may suggest having a ceremony in the house, and offering banana as 'bhog' — another word for a divine offering to God. Other times, the leaves may directly be used on the forehead. It is believed that wrapping banana leaves may have a calming effect. First, a medicinal paste is applied, and the banana leaf is placed on top. The ailments including insomnia and hypertension are treated by this therapy.
There are over 80 banana varieties, and each one has its own uses. They all have distinct names, too. The colours also vary. They are red, green and pale orange coloured. Interestingly, ancient Tamils have named three varieties of banana after the three gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Poovan Pazham is Brahma, Mondan Pazham is Vishnu and Peyan Pazham is Shiva.
Owing to that very spiritual relationship with God, pundits assure prosperity and happiness if one eats certain foods. They recommend people eat every part of the banana. That is why the banana has become the fruit of the masses. But this also has to do with the fact that the fruit has several health benefits. ‘Eat a banana every day’ is a very old saying in Indian households, that kids have heard from adults on many occasions. Sometimes, babies are fed bananas in the hope that as the bananas are offered to God, there will be no ailments that shall harm the infant.
Scientifically, of course, banana is loaded with nutritional benefits. It is a cholesterol-free alternative and considered an amazing source of energy. Other amazing benefits are the supply of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and calcium received.
Planting a banana tree is one of the most sacred gestures that one can make to Lord Vishnu. People pray to the tree in the hope that it will bring prosperity and joy to the family. The fruit is also offered to Lord Vishnu during prayer. Lastly, meals are eaten on banana leaves in South India. This is considered a way of showing respect to the food which must be arranged in a holy manner.