“Do not trouble trees. Do not uproot or cut them. They provide protection to animals, birds, and other living beings” – Rig Veda. 

During summer time, the temperatures rise to 112 Fahrenheit or more in India. Lack of adequate number trees is even causing more heat and affecting the population. Heat waves affect the health of the population – dehydration, exhaustion and loss of electrolytes. During heatwaves, hospital emergencies related to heatstroke and fatigue increase, particularly among those who endure chronic conditions and are most vulnerable.
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has decided to do its dharma by planting trees with a hope to address the global heat wave. Sri Gopalakrishna Acharya and three other Pracharaks decide to plant 1000 trees on the hills and dry areas so that over a period, they will provide more share and protect people from hot weather. They have planted about 150 trees in the last two days and are planning to plant another 850 trees. 
Hinduism originated in India and is the world’s third largest religion with over 1.2 billion followers. Regarded as one of the oldest religions, dating as far back as 7000 BCE, Hinduism holds sacred, ancient beliefs about nature, specifically regarding the religious significance of trees. 
In the religious text known as Puranas, trees experience happiness and sorrow, have a conscience, and are living beings. Just like humans, trees are a part of samsara, also known as the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Stemming from the ancient Vedic religion, Hindus hold great reverence towards nature and believe trees are the origin of life. Trees hold high religious significance in Hinduism. In fact, every tree has a tree deity, or a god/goddess, who is to be worshiped, respected, and given offerings. 
However, some trees possess more importance than others such as those that have direct associations with principal deities. For instance, the goddess of poxes, Shitala Mata, a minor deity, resides within a neem tree. The pipal, a sacred fig, is likely the most worshiped tree in all of India. Lord Brahma, the universe’s creator, is associated with the tree’s roots. Lord Vishnu, the world’s protector, relates to the tree’s trunk and Lord Shiva, the world’s destroyer, links to the tree’s leaves. 
Furthermore, the banyan tree, otherwise known as the tree of life, is a symbol of life and fertility. Hindu women who hope to have children worship the banyan tree and married women present offerings to the tree of life to pray for their husbands and sons to have long lives.
With deforestation on the rise and the consequences of climate change affecting certain parts of the world more than others, it is imperative we not only plant more trees, but incorporate a level of value and respect for our environment as do Hindu practitioners. Through EARTHDAY.ORG’s campaign, The Canopy Project, more trees are planted in communities whose environment is in dire need of rehabilitation. 
In India, Hinduism’s birthplace, there are projects underway to protect and plant more trees that provide significant resources to the local communities. With your donations to The Canopy Project, we can continue to conserve as well as seed trees that are deemed the foundation for life for many people and religions.
During “Vat Savitri” ladies offer prayers to the Banyan tree. It is believed to provide the fulfilment of wishes and provide material gains. According to the Agni Purana, the Banyan tree is symbolic of fertility and can provide help to those who want children. 
The leaves of the Banana tree are also used to serve food as they are considered pure and clean. It is also said that the Kalpavriksh known as the wishing tree came from the Samudramanthan. Prayers are offered to the Ashoka tress to end sorrow. Prayers are offered to the Amla tree in the month of Kartik as it is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in this tree. The leaves of the mango tress are used in pujas. Lakshmi, is also found to reside within a tree – the sacred fig tree.
Shitala Ma (the goddess of poxes) is considered to reside within a neem tree. Neem has been used to treat an array of poxes and other illnesses for many centuries, as a result the neem tree is considered sacred.
Rudra, the storm god, and who is now seen as perhaps interchangeable with Shiva, is also linked with the rudraksha tree.  For this reason, those who worship Shiva will often adorn themselves with mala made with seeds of the rudraksha tree. 
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