The Tale of 21 leaves : Devotion meets Science

Vinayaka Puja, celebrated across India and other parts of the world during Sukla Paksha Chaviti of Bhadrapada Masa, involves offering 21 sacred leaves to Vinayaka for ten days. This ritual, preserved for centuries, has underlying pharmacological relevance: certain leaves emit volatile compounds with airborne effects such as insect repellency and positive influence on human physiology and psychology, while others, when immersed in water during Nimarjana, impart purifying and mild therapeutic effects. This review explores the airborne and waterborne properties of these 21 leaves, highlighting the intersection of traditional practice and scientific insight, and demonstrating that ancient rituals were thoughtfully aligned with environmental and health considerations.