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Betel Leaf
See also
Leaves
Why is it customary to exchange Betel
leaves on important occasions? Why do we offer betel leaves to God during worship?
Every betel leaf has an innate quality that we may not be aware of. There is a
herb known as 'Paataal Bhairavee' which can nurture enmity between two individuals.
There are herbs that can transform Iron into Gold. Some herbs can bestow wealth. We
even find descriptions about herbs that can make a man disappear. Likewise, betel
leaves possess the unique property of nurturing love between two persons. In those
days, betel leaves were exchanged at the time of registrations, engagements and
wedding as a sign of love and trust. It is believed that relationships such as
Husband-wife, devotee-God are fortified by betel leaves. This explains why betel
leaves constitute an integral part of worship. In fact, a monk who has renounced
all worldly relationship is forbidden for taking betel leaves because he should
not develop worldly attachment or bondage.
[Adapted from Answer by Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji]
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