Yellow fruit, green leaves, and sacred rituals

Beyond the fruitful relishes of the Mangifera indica or mango tree, there are its dark green wavy leaves which play an auspicious & functional role in the Hindu rituals of worship.

Mango torana, source - ZeeNews India

Sweltering heat hugging bodies, dry warm breeze on faces, empty streets during afternoons, and beads of sweat on the foreheads of those toiling under the sun. Summers in the Indian subcontinent affect the people extensively from the bright sun rays above to the soothing yellow of the mango fruit within the hand's reach.  A definite source of energy for the children during their much-needed vacation, mango is certainly almost every Indian’s favourite fruit to relish. Even the acclaimed bard, Mirza Ghalib couldn't have enough of mangoes and our fondness for this yellow and soothingly fragrant fruit continues across castes, creeds, and religions.

Yet, in a typical Indian approach to objects of utility & importance, the mango tree has other non-dietary uses in our lives. Its shiny dark green leaves with wavy edges have found an integral place among certain rituals of Hindus. The tree and its leaves are considered to be the abodes of various Gods like Govardhan, Gandharva, and the God of fertility. Mango leaves are even mentioned in sacred texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. They are regarded as a symbol of prosperity, purity and represent the goddess Lakshmi. Various rituals or pujas remain incomplete without these aromatic leaves. Let us get away from the scorching sun, into the shade of the mango tree, and like the sandalwood incense’s aroma, waft our minds into two such common Hindu practices.

Be it a festival, wedding, or puja on a regular day being performed inside, just as you are about to cross the threshold of the premises, you look up and can spot a string of mango leaves hung above.  Depending on which region of the country, this is known by various names- ‘thoronam’, ‘torana’, ‘thoran’, and ‘Bandhanvaar’. The Torana is hung above the entry doors and windows of the venue. This simple yet beautiful decoration of fresh green leaves declares that an auspicious puja or ritual is taking place inside the home, hall, or temple. Normally, the number of leaves used is eleven but can be more. The leaves ward off negativity from the important event while helping the ritual gain the favour of gods and goddesses. In a wedding scenario, symbolising fertility,  they help bring blessings that the couple will bear children and in the case of a housewarming ceremony, they bring good fortune upon the new home and its inhabitants.

Once inside the venue, typically there is a medium-sized enclosure called the puja mandap, with a plethora of objects within its designated space. These include ornate and simple copper vessels, spoons, sticks, rice, milk products, flowers, baskets, and articles of various metals. Among them, is an important tool- the Kalash. This is a copper pot, for keeping water and has cosmic meanings around its volume and the immediate space around it. It is believed that all deities reside in the Kalash. After filling it with water, five mango leaves are kept in it and they will become the deity’s seat for the rest of the ritual. In certain regions, they are nine or eleven in number. In the ritual of Purnakumba, the limbs of god are represented through the same mango leaves. The water keeps the seat pure until the deity is invoked through ‘Pranapratishta’, while the leaves repel negative energy.

Mango leaves being thick, strong, and long-lasting, makes them suitable for this all-important role. It is also said that the leaves photosynthesize and release oxygen into the environs of the ritual. They enrich the atmosphere of the event and bring a rich positivity to a gathering of people towards a common celebration. Their significance doesn't end once they are dry, they now take on a new first-aid role. In villages, it's a common practice to crush the dried mango leaves and use the powder mixed with coconut oil, to treat various wounds and cuts. Thus completing the cycle of the contribution that the mango leaves play in these Hindu rituals.