Neem in Indian Tradition


Introduction

In India the presence of neem has been confirmed through Sanskrit names 'Nimba' and 'Arishta'. The tree has been in use since time immemorial. The tree has been held in high esteem because of its medicinal and insecticidal value. According to Indian belief one who plants three neem trees lives after death in the sun world and for three epochs never goes to hell. Neem finds prominence in the ancient Sanskrit treatises as a cure for ailing soils, plants and livestock. According to Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita, neem is one of the trees which should be planted near one's house. This chapter deals with various associations and beliefs connected with neem tree as found in the Indian tradition.


Neem as Food

In many parts of India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, there is a practice of taking neem leaves in the form of chutney (paste) to enhance health and resistance to disease. This is particularly taken on occasion such as Shraddha karma (ceremony for ancestors).


Neem-the Cure for all Diseases

According to a mythological account, once Indra - the king of Celestials, was returning to his abode Devaloka (Heaven), on (White elephant), after retrieving the golden pot containing Amrut (Ambrosia) from the Asuras (Demons). The Ambrosia dropped on the neem tree making it a tree blessed with virtuous qualities which could remove all diseases.

As per another story, fearing the awesome power of the Asuras many of the Devas sought refuge on tree tops. Among the Devas, Shiva took refuge on the vilas (Aegle marmelos) tree, Vishnu on the Banyan , Indra on the Sirisa (Albizzia lebbeck) and the Sun God - Surya on the Neem tree. Thus each tree became the favourite of the respective Devas.


Neem - The Shade Tree of Mecca

In the desert and arid region of Mecca at a place called "Arafath", a nature lover and a follower of Mohammad Nabi planted fifty thousand saplings of neem to benefit and bestow shade to the millions of pilgrims who come to the Holy city on pilgrimage.


Marriage of Neem

Marriage for neem? Do not get astonished! There exists a ritual among the people of India especially in Maharashtra where couples desirous of having a child perform marriage of neem with the banyan and go around these seven times every morning for seven days. This ritual is called as the "Ashwatta Narayana Puja". They believe that the banyan represents Narayana and the neem - Lakshmi.


Neem Flower Used in Puja

At the beginning of any venture or programme, it is customary for the Hindus to propitiate Lord Vigneshwara to remove obstacles and for the smooth completion of the event. For the Siddhi Vinayaka Puja twenty types of flower are offered at the feet of the Lord, chanting the following mantra:
"OM PHALACHANDRAYA NIMBA PUSHPAM SAMARPAYAMI NAMAH'
In Sanskrit, the meaning of "Nimba" is to bestow health (Swasthyam).

Neem is an integral part of many religious and cultural ceremonies in the country. In a festival called "ghatashapana", neem leaves are used to sanctify the water-pot. The Gamits of Gujarat offer neem juice to God, and then cattle and lastly take it themselves.


Deities made of Neem Wood

The deities of Lord Jagannath, Subadhara and Balabhadra of the Jagannath temple at Puri are made of neem wood. The deities are replaced every 12 or 13 years, and a party of specially selected persons are deputed to identify the right neem trees which have with elaborate rituals.


Neem - Remover of Evil


The tree is sacred to the Goldlings of disease, and is worshipped by women in seasons when epidemics prevail. Since neem leaves repel snakes, the tree is also connected with their worship, and upright snake stones are frequently erected round its trunk. After death ceremonies, the mourners chew neem leaves before visiting a temple so as to drive off evil spirits that may accompany them.


Neem in New Year

On the first day of the Hindu new year, ugadhi or Chaitra Vishnu, which comes in March/April when the Sun enters the sign of Aries, people eat the bitter leaves of neem with a little jaggery to symbolise acceptance of the good with the bad. The roasted flowers of neem are used similarly. In a symbolic manner it also signals the beginning of a season when neem is to be used regularly, since the period after the onset of the New Year is the season when Pitta dosha is aggravated. As per the Ayurvedic understanding, Neem help to keep Pitta in check.