Banana Tree Worship on Thursday | Vidhi & Benefits

Significance of the Banana Tree

The banana (Kela) tree is sacred to Brihaspati (Guru / Jupiter) and to Lord Vishnu. In many homes it is worshipped as a form of Guru, the planet of wisdom, marriage and prosperity. Its yellow fruit, deep roots and ever-giving nature make it a symbol of abundance and steady growth. No auspicious ceremony, from weddings to pujas, is considered complete without banana leaves and stems.

Why Thursday Is the Day

Thursday (Guruvar) is the day of Brihaspati and Vishnu, which is why the banana tree is worshipped then. Devotees observing the Guruvar vrat worship it in the morning after a bath, wearing yellow if possible. Pregnant women, those seeking marriage and families praying for children are especially encouraged to worship it on Thursdays. The worship is best done before noon, on an empty stomach.

Thursday Worship Vidhi

1. Bathe early on Thursday and wear clean yellow clothes if possible. 2. Apply a tilak of haldi (turmeric) to the banana stem and offer water mixed with a pinch of turmeric. 3. Offer yellow flowers, chana dal, jaggery, yellow sweets and a banana at its base. 4. Light a ghee or oil lamp and offer incense. 5. Tie a yellow thread around the stem and do a clockwise parikrama. 6. Chant the Brihaspati mantra, then pray for the blessing you seek. Many devotees eat a single satvik yellow meal once and avoid bananas themselves on the vrat day.

Brihaspati Mantra

While worshipping the banana tree, chant the Brihaspati (Guru) mantra to invoke wisdom and prosperity:

Om Gram Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah

A simpler devotional chant is Om Brihaspataye Namah. Devotees who worship the tree as a form of Vishnu may also chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Repeat the chosen mantra 108 times on a yellow or tulsi mala.

Benefits of Banana Tree Worship

Worshipping the banana tree on Thursdays is believed to strengthen a weak Guru (Jupiter) in one's life, removing delays in marriage and blessing couples with progeny. It is associated with wisdom, family harmony, financial growth and the blessings of teachers and elders. Families also worship it for the good health and bright future of their children, and for harmony in married life.

Dos and Don'ts

Do: worship in the morning with haldi and yellow offerings, keep the tree healthy and watered, and observe the vrat with a calm, satvik mind. Don't: worship the banana tree on Ekadashi, when offering or cutting it is avoided; do not water it on the vrat day if observing strict tradition; avoid eating bananas yourself on the day you worship the tree. Never cut or harm a banana plant being worshipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which deity is worshipped through the banana tree?+

The banana tree is sacred to Brihaspati (Guru / Jupiter) and Lord Vishnu. It is worshipped on Thursdays to invoke wisdom, marriage, progeny and the blessings of the Guru.

Why is the banana tree worshipped on Thursday?+

Thursday (Guruvar) is the day of Brihaspati and Vishnu. Worshipping the banana tree on this day, with haldi and yellow offerings, is believed to please the Guru and bring prosperity.

What should be offered to the banana tree?+

Apply haldi to the stem and offer yellow flowers, chana dal, jaggery, yellow sweets, a banana and turmeric-mixed water. Tie a yellow thread and light a ghee or oil lamp.

What is the Brihaspati mantra for this worship?+

The Brihaspati mantra is 'Om Gram Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah', or the simpler 'Om Brihaspataye Namah', chanted 108 times on a yellow or tulsi mala.

What benefits does banana tree worship bring?+

It is believed to strengthen a weak Jupiter, remove delays in marriage, bless couples with children, and bring wisdom, family harmony and financial growth.

Should one eat bananas on the day of worship?+

Many devotees avoid eating bananas themselves on the Thursday they worship the tree, and avoid worshipping or cutting it on Ekadashi, out of respect for the sacred plant.

Banana Tree Worship (Thursday) - Vidhi & Benefits