In the Mahabharatha, it is mentioned that the god of fire- Agni hid in the heart of the Shami tree to escape from the wrath of Brighu Maharishi.

Shami Tree also represents goddess Durga.

In the Mahabharatha, when the Pandavas had to spend one year incognito, as part of their 14 years of exile, they hid their weapons in the Shami tree. After one year, when they came back to the tree, they found their weapons intact. The Pandavas took the weapons from the tree and worshipped it, seeking power and victory in the ensuing battle with the Kauravas. In the battle, Pandavas emerged victorious. Thus it is believed that those who worship the Shami tree are blessed with victory and prosperity.

In the Ramayana, when Lord Rama was marching towards Lanka, the Shami tree is said to have told Lord Rama that He would be victorious. The twig of the Shami tree is used for the sacrificial fire.

Shami leaves are offered to Lord Ganesha in the 21 Patra Puja.-” Om Ibhavaktraya namaha, Shami Patram Samarpayami”

It is a religious belief that worshipping the Vanni tree reduces the ill effects of Shani (Saturn). Doing so can help pacify the Shani planet. According to the religious texts prevalent in Hinduism, an individual who is under the influence of Shani should plant this tree in their house.

The particular importance of this action is the emission of oxygen from the tree which itself is a healer. The vibration around it is so great that people surround it for good health, and in some cases to develop fertility. Its sacredness is revealed through the act of Rama worshipping the tree for success in killing Ravana. So also, Arjuna hid his weapons for safety under this tree. This showed the antiquity of the tree. It is also believed that Agasthiyar and Valmiki sat under the tree before writing their works. 

Not only mythology but also the historical evidence stands for its greatness. The Chola King, Rajentdra Cholan, established his headquarters in Cholapuram. Any place wherein a particular tree grows in plenty gets the name of the tree, they are called ‘Sthala Vriksham’ and they become the symbol of the ruler, and holy tree of the temple. So also, the place occupied by the King of Chola Kingdom was originally called Vanniyapuram and later on was changed. This tree is greatly associated with the ‘Thanjai Periya Kovil’ built by Raja Raja Cholan.