Dayana Leaves regarded sacred as Tulasi and also known as White Tulasi, but few people know about it.
The botanical name of
this plant is Artemisia nilagirica ( vulgaris ) also named as Indian Wormwood, Fleabane, Mugwort.
Aromatic smell of Dayana keep the insect away.
Dayana leaves are Lord Narayana favorite element of decorating as like Tulasi.
In Jagannatha Temple in Orissa; ritual like Dayana Chori, Chalnati Pratima Rama Krishna are taken to Jagananth Ballabha Matha. As per rituals Lord The Lord of Universe- Lord Jagannatha forcefully take the Dayana Leaves from NadanKanana and wear on his hand.
One who smells the scented leaves after offering it to Lord Jagannatha attains love of God.
Shiran –
I love this plant…its really very very fragrant!