In the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, the line between nature and the divine is beautifully blurred. Plants are not merely flora, they are revered as living manifestations of gods and goddesses, acting as conduits of peace, prosperity, and spiritual purity right within our homes and communities. While the ubiquitous Tulsi often takes center stage, a closer look reveals a whole ecosystem of sacred plants, each with a profound story, a religious connection, and a practical use woven into the daily lives of millions. Dhanush Kumar writes about the six green deities that hold an irreplaceable spot in the Indian spiritual and cultural landscape. Tulsi The Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is arguably the most essential plant in a Hindu Household. It is traditionally grown on a special pedestal, the Tulsi Vrindavan, in the central courtyard. Tulsi is considered an earthly manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.  No worship of Vishnu or Krishna is complete without a Tulsi leaf. The plant is worshipped daily, especially by women, and the annual festival of Tulsi Vivah celebrates her ceremonial marriage to Lord Vishnu. It is also known as the Queen of Herbs, its leaves are a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for treating colds, coughs, and boosting immunity.  The Peepal Few trees command as much reverence as the majestic Peepal, also known as the Bodhi Tree. It is believed to be the abode of the Trimurti, Lord Brahma (The roots), Lord Vishnu (in the Trunk), and Lord Shiva (in the leaves), Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under this very species. Devotees perform parikrama and offer water, often tying sacred threats to seek blessings for longevity and to mitigate planetary woes. The Peepal is one of the few trees that releases oxygen both day and night, embodying its sacred association with the

India is a land of a million gods, and a million temples to house them. While the grand, iconic shrines like the Meenakshi Temple or the Sun Konark Sun temple draw millions of pilgrims and tourists, a spiritual journey through India is incomplete without venturing off the beaten path. Hidden in remote villages, nestled on hillsides, or even submerged in the sea, are temples with stories so intriguing they seem like they have leaped from the pages of mythology. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about these lesser-known temples in India with fascinating stories. The Temple That Disappears: Stambheshwar Mahadev, Gujarat Imagine a temple that plays a cosmic game of hide-and-seek with the sea. Twice a day, at the whim of the tides, the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple near Vadodara, Gujarat, is submerged entirely by the Arabian Sea. Locals and pilgrims flock to this site, waiting patiently for low tide when the temple re-emerges, allowing them to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. The sight of the temple being bathed by the ocean is a truly humbling and unforgettable experience, a powerful reminder of nature’s rhythm and the enduring faith of devotees. Where a Motorcycle is Worshipped: Om Banna Temple, Rajasthan In the heart of Rajasthan, in the village of Pali, stands a shrine unlike any other. The Om Banna Temple, also known as the Bullet Baba Temple, is dedicated to a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. The story goes that in 1988, a local man named Om Banna died in a motorcycle accident at this very spot. His bike was taken to the police station, only to mysteriously reappear at the accident site the next day. This happened repeatedly, and the motorcycle was eventually enshrined. Today, travellers stop here to pray to the Bullet Baba for a safe journey, a unique and modern

India’s vast coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometres, is a tapestry of crashing waves, golden sands, and vibrant spiritual energy. Along this dramatic edge of the land lie some of the country’s most revered temples, where the roar of the ocean provides a constant, natural chorus to the hymns of devotion. These aren’t just architectural marvels; they are sacred sites where the elements of nature and faith converge, telling epic tales that have withstood the test of time and tide. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about the most popular temples in India that stand proudly by the sea, each with a unique story to tell. Somnath Temple, Gujarat Perched on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is a powerful symbol of resilience and faith. As the first of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, its spiritual significance is immense. However, its history is equally compelling. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, a testament to the unwavering devotion of its followers. The current structure, a breathtaking blend of Chalukya architecture and modern design, stands as a beacon of hope and an eternal reminder of the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth. The evening aarti here, with the sound of the ocean waves in the background, is a truly mesmerizing experience. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu Located on the island of Rameswaram, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, making it a cornerstone of the Hindu faith. Legend has it that Lord Rama built the Ram Setu, a bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka, from this very place to rescue his wife, Sita. The temple is famed for its stunning architecture, particularly its corridors, the longest of any Hindu temple in India. With a total length of 3,850 feet