Shami
Puja is an important ritual held during Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra day. The
rituals and pujas on the day are dedicated to the Shami tree and is of great
importance. Ganesha Purana mentions
that those worshipping Shami Tree on Dussehra will be free from sins.
Importance of
Shami Tree Worshipped on Dussehra
Legend
has it that Shami the daughter of learned sage Aurva was married to Mandara,
son of Dhaumya. The newly-wedded couple once happened to see sage Bhrushundi
who bore a trunk on his forehead as a mark of devotion to Ganesha.
On
seeing the sage with a trunk, Shami and Mandara could not control their
laughter and they started laughing mockingly. An angry Sage Bhrushundi cursed
them to become trees. Upon hearing their children’s misfortune, Sage Dhaumya
and Aurva prayed to Ganesh to rescue their Children. Lord Ganesh was not ready
to displease his staunch devotee Sage Bhrushundi. So Ganesh gave the boon that Mandara
Tree will be used to worship Lord Shiva and the wood of Shami will be used for
sacrificial purposes and would be worshipped on Dasara day.
Shami Tree
Shami Tree found in dry and arid regions at low altitudes in India. Its medicinal properties include juice from its leaves is administered to prevent miscarriage and is also used as a beauty enhancer to remove unwanted hair. The bark of Shami Tree is used to treat a range of diseases from asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, leucoderma, leprosyfs, muscle tremors, to piles.