Share
Ever wonder why lemons occupy such a particular position in our culture and why they are a necessary part of every auspicious ritual? Interestingly, lemon is referred to as a Nimbu Phala in Sanskrit and is regarded as a holy fruit. Because of its powerful health benefits, distinctive flavour, and long history of use, lemon is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, home cures, and everyday cuisine. But this tiny citrus fruit has a lot more to it than meets the eye, as mythology and cultural beliefs have braided into its layers.
This fruit has been mentioned so many times in mythological texts that it has earned the title "king of fruits" in the spiritual realm. Here is an intriguing mythology that explains the history of lemons and their spiritual significance.
Lemon's origins can be traced to the Vedic period, when famine and widespread destruction were brought on by the strong Asura (devil) NimbAsura. The powerful Asura obtained blessings from Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, which gave him great power. In order to prevent the Asura from destroying the earth, Rishi Agasthya performed rituals and underwent intense penance. The sage also appealed to the Goddess Shakti to put an end to the demon's violence. Goddess Shakti, who was appeased by the sage, slew Nimbasura and bestowed flora upon the ground; for these reasons, the goddess is revered as Shakhambari Devi.
The demon repented for his errors just before Nimbasura died, witnessed the heavenly power of Goddess Shakhambari Devi, and begged her to grant him a place at her sacred feet. Lemon has been a crucial component of Hindu rites ever since the Goddess bestowed onto Nimbasura the blessing that he would always be worshipped in the shape of the fruit "Nimbu Phala."
According to popular mythology, the episode actually began in Badami, Karnataka, where Goddess Shakambari assumed her incarnation and where she is likewise revered with a garland of lemons after granting wishes.
Lemon is also served in the rites of Goddess Chandi or Maa Kali, according to another widely held mythical belief, as it is thought that doing so can help to soothe her intense rage.
In addition, lemons are associated with warding off evil spirits. This is due to lemon's ability to contain strong energies and mitigate the effects of evil spirits and negative energy. In fact, it is thought that bringing lemons home and putting them in the temples can assist to lessen the effects of negative energy.
There are numerous techniques for clearing negative energy using lemons all around the world. When a person falls ill with negative energy, in some cultures, a lemon is repeatedly moved from his head to toe before being sliced into four pieces and tossed outside.
Those that understand how to properly use lemons also put them in a crystal glass of water at the door to their homes and businesses. Lemon keeps the house tidy and absorbs any negative energy that may enter from outside.
Another widely held belief is that a home with a lemon tree would be completely immune to negative energy damage. Many individuals cultivate lemons at their homes for that purpose. It has long been believed that slicing a lemon in half and scattering the halves around a room's four corners can instantly remove any bad energy.
