The natural forces such as wind, fire etc.
have been adored and worshipped. Hindu
mind does not view nature as an utilitarian product i.e. a product to be put to human use. Man according to Hinduism is an integral part of nature. To emphasise this aspect and to view nature reverentially, trees, mountains and rivers were treated as sparks of divinity and worshipped.Trees such as Banyan (Vata), Fig (Asvattha) etc. were treated as holy, with a small shrine underneath it.
Tulsi and Bilva are the two shrubs held to be most efficacious for the worship of Vishnu and Shiva respectively. Bilva tree is deemed to be the repose of Goddess Mahalakshmi and its tripatriate leaf is considered extremely holy for worship of
Shiva. In the same spirit, Tulsi shrub (Basil) too is considered to be inherent part of Vishnu worship. The Tulsi shrub is worshipped in almost all Hindu household by the women. The medicinal properties of Tulsi Teertha are too well known.