Saturday, August 15, 2009

Tree of Life -Peepal (Ashwatha)

Sunday article of Mohan Pai

Peepal (Ashwatha)
-the Tree of Life
Ficus Religiosa
Black-hooded Oriole eating Peepal fig in Kolkatta
“Among trees, I am the Ashwatha”
- Bhagavad Gita
Flora in general play a central role in the Indian sacred culture. Two varieties of the fig (called Ashvatha in Sanskrit), the banyan tree and the peepal tree are the most revered in the Indian tradition, and both are considered the trees of life. The banyan symbolizes fertility according to the Agni Purana and is worshipped by those wanting children. It is also referred to as the tree of immortality in many Hindu scriptures.
Ashwatha: The Tree of Life
Called Ashvatha in Sanskrit, the Peepal (Ficus religiosa) is a very large tree. Its bark is light grey, smooth and peels in patches. Its heart-shaped leaves have long, tapering tips. The slightest breeze makes them rustle. The fruit is purple when ripe. The Peepal is the earliest-known depicted tree in India: a seal discovered at Mohenjodaro, one of the cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 3000 BC - 1700 BC), shows the Peepal being worshipped. During the Vedic period, its wood was used to make fire by friction.
Ashwatha is sacred to Hindus as well as Buddhists. Ashwatha literally means "Where horses stood" (ashwa + tha).Sage Shankaracharya interprets this tree as representing the the entire cosmos. 'Shwa' in Sanskrit means tomorrow. 'a' indicates negation, and 'tha' means one that stands or remains. He interprets Ashwatha to indicate "One which does not remain the same tomorrow", or the universe itself. Ashwatha tree is quite remarkable because it grows both upwards as well as top to bottom. The branches themselves morph into roots, so even if the original tree decays and perishes, its branches underneath are young and continue to enclose the parent. This eternal life of the the Peepal tree has inspired many Indian philosophers and Hindu thought. Besides harboring thousands of birds, insects, and providing shade to animals and humans, its foliage is very rich in protein and the bark of the tree is used in several native medicinal drugs. There was a time in India when a Peepal tree was planted in the premises of every temple, and was regarded as the Tree of Life.

The Brahma Purana and the Padma Purana, relate how once, when the demons defeated the gods, Vishnu hid in the peepal. Therefore spontaneous worship to Vishnu can be offered to a peepal without needing his image or temple. The Skanda Purana Peepal Tree also considers the peepal a symbol of Vishnu. He is believed to have been born under this tree. Some believe that the tree houses the Trimurti, the roots being Brahma, the trunk Vishnu and the leaves Shiva. The gods are said to hold their councils under this tree and so it is associated with spiritual understanding. The peepal is also closely linked to Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, he says: "Among trees, I am the ashvatha." Krishna is believed to have died under this tree, after which the present Kali Yuga is said to have begun. According to the Skanda Purana, if one does not have a son, the peepal should be regarded as one. As long as the tree lives, the family name will continue. To cut down a peepal is considered a sin equivalent to killing a Brahmin, one of the five deadly sins or Panchapataka. According to the Skanda Purana, a person goes to hell for doing so. Some people are particular to touch the Peepal only on a Saturday. The Brahma Purana explains why, saying that Ashvatha and Peepala were two demons who harassed people. Ashvatha would take the form of a peepal and Peepala the form of a Brahmin. The fake Brahmin would advise people to touch the tree, and as soon as they did, Ashvatha would kill them. Later they were both killed by Shani. Because of his influence, it is considered safe to touch the tree on Saturdays. Lakshmi is also believed to inhabit the tree on Saturdays. Therefore it is considered auspicious to worship it then. Women ask the tree to bless them with a son tying red thread or red cloth around its trunk or on its branches. On Amavasya, villagers perform a symbolic marriage between the neem and the peepal, which are usually grown near each other. Although this practice is not prescribed by any religious text, there are various beliefs on the significance of 'marrying' these trees. In one such belief, the fruit of the neem represents the Shivalinga and so, the male. The leaf of the peepal represents the yoni, the power of the female. The fruit of the neem is placed on a peepal leaf to depict the Shivalinga, which symbolises creation through sexual union, and so the two trees are 'married'. After the ceremony, villagers circle the trees to rid themselves of their sins.
In Buddhism
The Bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi propagated from it are famous specimens of Sacred Fig. The known planting date of the tree in Sri Lanka is 288 BC which gives it the oldest verified age for any angiosperm plant.This plant is considered sacred by the followers of Buddhism, and hence the name 'Sacred Fig' was given to it. Siddhartha Gautama is referred to have been sitting underneath a Bo-Tree when he was enlightened (Bodhi), or "awakened" (Buddha). Thus, the Bo-Tree is well-known symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck.
According to the Buddha – 'He who worships the Peepal tree will receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in person'. The Peepal tree has its own symbolic meaning of enlightenment and peace.

Ram Bahadur Bamjom...the meditating boy under the peepal tree. This scene no doubt has become one of the widely photographed scene in recent times in Nepal. Posters have been circulated in Nepal and people are already wearing lockets with photos of Ram Bahadur Bamjom. Ram, famous as the Buddha Boy or the Little Buddha or the Meditating Boy stayed there meditating for about 10 months “without eating”.

The Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple. Propagated from the Sri Maha Bodhi, which in turn is propagated from the original Bodhi Tree at this location.

References: Wikipedia, gurjari.net, kamat’s potpourri

MY BLOG LIBRARY
For some of my articles visit:http://mohanpaiblogger.blogspot.com/
http://mohanpaisarticles.blogspot.com/
http://biodiversity-mohanpai.blogspot.com/
For some key chapters from my book "The Western Ghats", please log on to:http://westernghats-paimohan.blogspot.com/
For detailed blog (6 Chapters from my book) on Mahadayi/Mandovi River Valley, please log on to:http://mohan-pai.blogspot.com/
For the book 'The Elderly' please log on to:
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
You can also access my blogs on Sulekha and Wordpress:
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com
http://mohanpai.wordpress.com/

For my book "The Flight of Gods - Hindu Temples & Shrines of Goa" please log on to:
http://flightofgods.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://flightofgods.blogspot.com/

59 comments:

Madhu said...

Hari Om. I am glad to go through your write up on sacred tree Ashwartha. I have posted a stotra of Ashwatha (in Kannada) in my blog www.msbhat68.blogspot.com and am giving english translation verse wise in my tweets www.twitter.com/msbhat I would like to know the source of that stotra which contains 30 verses and is in the form of discussion between sage Narada and Lord Brahma.

shanthi narayan.k said...

hi prakashkodiadka here

Unknown said...

Dear respected scientists/ agriculturalists/ our various Gurus & others,

Can any body answer my question - how long a Peepal tree roots can travel under the earth. Please note I am worried how deep? Please specify if you an answer at mail.hepglobal& gmail.com

Kind regards,

Dr.K.K. Sehgal
Managing Director
hepglobal India Inc.
0091 98103 9989
Office Tel # 0091 120 2779980/ 4374898

Unknown said...

Sorry, the information, I wanted was how long Peepal Tree roots may travel under earth longitudinally & not vertically deep in the earth crest, any one to answer this? kindly respond as we take take some very strategic decisions during this week
Regards - Dr.K.K. Sehgal

Packers Movers Hyderabad said...

We are exceptionally grateful for the criticism we get from you as it helps us in expanding our execution and make you fulfill with the administrations given and desire from you to prescribe us to others. Acquainting next with the method we take after.
http://packersmovershyderabadcity.in/packers-and-movers-anantapur
http://packersmovershyderabadcity.in/packers-and-movers-visakhapatnam

Packers And Movers Delhi said...

Packers And Movers Delhi prompt moving, relocation and shifting services for people and corporation moving to Delhi and round the India. For Movers Packers Delhi city full target report on supply of revenue and effective Movers And Packers Delhi, contact today 08290173333. We include our network in major cities like Bengaluru, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Haridwar, Chennai, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
http://packers-and-movers-delhi.in/
http://packers-and-movers-delhi.in/packers-and-movers-rajgarh-colony-delhi

Packers and Movers Gurgaon said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog, you have lots of great content.Please visit here: http://packers-and-movers-gurgaon.in/
http://packers-and-movers-gurgaon.in/packers-and-movers-badshahpur-gurgaon
http://packers-and-movers-gurgaon.in/packers-and-movers-baghanki-gurgaon

Packers And Movers Mumbai said...

Packers And Movers Mumbai I admire the valuable advice you make available in your expertly written content. I want to thank you for this informative read; I really appreciate sharing this great.
http://packersmoversmumbaicity.in/packers-and-movers-nanded-maharashtra

Packers and Movers Chandigarh said...

Wow!! What a great writing, really I appreciate such kind of topics. It will be very helpful for us Packers And Movers chandigarh
Packers And Movers Nawanshahr
Packers And Movers Fatehgarh Sahib

रघु पंडित said...


Packers and Movers in Mumbai @
http://www.movers5th.in/packers-and-movers-mumbai/
Packers and Movers in Delhi @
http://www.movers5th.in/packers-and-movers-delhi/
Packers and Movers in Gurgaon @
http://www.movers5th.in/packers-and-movers-gurgaon/

Unknown said...

Packers and Movers in Pune
Packers and Movers Bangalore
Movers and Packers Hyderabad
Packers and Movers in Gurgaon
Packers and Movers in Mumbai

Unknown said...

We are giving you best shifting services in India and our services is very inexpensive. We have well skilled employees of packers and movers services. We also provide insurance of your goods.

Packers and Movers in Mumbai
Packers and Movers in Gurgaon

Packers and Movers Lucknow said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Packers and Movers in Chandigarh
Packers and Movers in Chennai

To tell the truth which the intelligent buyer is usually prepared to carry out a bit more operate ahead of deciding on a transferring company
Packers and Movers in Hyderabad
Packers and Movers in Mumbai
Packers and Movers in Gurgaon

Movers Packers said...

free classifieds
free classifieds
free classified
Free Classifieds India
review sharing

Unknown said...

I was wondering when I came to this site. It's really very useful information which you are sharing!
Packers and Movers in Pune
Packers and Movers in Bangalore
Packers and Movers in Nashik
Packers and Movers in Bhilai
Packers and Movers in Cuttack
Packers and Movers in Coimbatore

Shalu Chaudhary said...

Agarwal Packers and Movers shifted my households items without any hassle from Hyderabad to Jaipur. They are very good at packing, moving, loading and unloading. But I think that he is still not good in some departments. But he can do well.

If you want to share your Reviews, Feedback, and Complaints about packers and movers companies then visit

Agarwal Packers and Movers Customer Review
Agarwal Packers and Movers Review

gbwhatsapp apk said...

Thanks for sharing such a valuable information. Thanks a lot for sharing this helpful article with us. putlockerss.net

Packers And Movers Chennai said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Packers And Movers Mumbai said...

Packers and Movers mumbai
Packers And Movers Mumbai to Ludhiana
Packers And Movers Mumbai to Jalandhar
Packers And Movers Mumbai to Amritsar
Packers And Movers Mumbai to Faridabad

Unknown said...

Call us and book the Young Female Mumbai Call Girls all sectors.This is the reason these women have always gained vast experience in this field. Therefore, availing their service will really be advantageous for you in different ways.

* Mumbai Escorts Service |
* russian escorts in mumbai |
* call girls in mumbai |
* call girls in andheri |
* call girls in navi mumbai |
* call girls in lokhandwala |
* call girls in lower parel |
* call girls in malad |
* call girls in chembur |

delhimodelclub said...

patel nagar escorts ###
khan market escorts ###
pari chowk escorts ###
atta market escorts ###
noida new ashok nagar escorts ###
noida sector 93 escorts ###

delhimodelclub said...

patel nagar escorts ###
khan market escorts ###
pari chowk escorts ###
atta market escorts ###
noida new ashok nagar escorts ###
noida sector 93 escorts ###

Amy Garg : Russian Escorts in Delhi said...

Russian Escorts Rohini !!
High Profile Escort in Rohini !!
Independent Saket Escort !!
High Profile Escort in Saket !!
Housewife Escorts In Saket !!
Escort Service In Saket !!
Russian Escort Saket !!
Beautiful Escorts In Rohini !!
Female Escorts Rohini !!

Roshni Mishra said...

call girls defence colony ###
call girls east of kailash ###
call girls hauzkhas ###
call girls pitampura ###
call girls mayur vihar ###
call girls paharganj ###
delhi call girls service ###

Unknown said...

"Hi! If you need technical help regarding QuickBooks
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Tech Support
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Enterprise Support
QuickBooks tech Support
QuickBooks Payroll Support
QuickBooks Payroll Support Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Tech Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Pro Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Enterprise Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Support Phone Number
QuickBooks Payroll Support Phone Number"

amolikarathore said...


You can’t just afford an extramarital affair. So the best way to go is Taking The Service Of Our Escorts In Hyderabad. Now nothing can really come in comparison with the miracle that an efficacious professional can make.
Lakdi Ka Pul Escorts ##
Khairatabad Escorts ##
Lingampally Escorts ##
Mehdipatnam Escorts ##
Film Nagar Escorts ##
Begumpet Escorts ##
Miyapur Escorts ##
Kukatpally Escorts ##
Banjara Hills Escorts ##

Innocent shabana said...

Those kolathur call girls can be reached directly via their website. You can hire those ladies for adult enjoyments as well for other purposes. You can hire those dashing ladies to enjoy your weekend at any nearby place where you can enjoy for a long time.

$$ koyambedu call girls
$$ nugambakkam call girls
$$ adyar call girls
$$ besant nagar call girls
$$ adambakkam call girls
$$ tambaram call girls
$$ kolathur call girls
$$ guindy call girls
$$ ambattur call girls

tiktokbeauties said...

vadodara call girls ##
navi mumbai call girls ##
thane call girls ##
andheri call girls ##
bandra call girls ##
belapur call girls ##
bhandup call girls ##

Hot Escorts said...

Book Housewife Delhi Call Girls romantic relationships 24/7 , My Friend are Sexy Independent Delhi Call Girls available.

chattarpur escorts ##
laxmi nagar escorts ##
crossings republik escorts ##
kaushambi escorts ##
daryaganj escorts ##
mayapuri escorts ##
vasundhara escorts ##
kashmiri gate escorts ##
kamla nagar escorts ##

Unknown said...

"Hi! If you need technical help regarding Quickbooks issues, dial Quickbooks Support Phone Number (800)754-6180, dial our toll-free number +1-800-754-6180 for technical support.
Quickbooks Support Phone Number (800)754-6180"

Unknown said...

"Hi! If you need technical help regarding Quickbooks issues, dial toll-free number +1-800-754-6180 for technical support.
Quickbooks Support Phone Number (800)754-6180
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number"

rihanakhan said...

churchgate call girls ###
worli call girls ###
dongri call girls ###
santacruz call girls ###
vile parle call girls ###
lower parel call girls ###
ghatkopar call girls ###
malabar hill call girls ###
mira bhayandar call girls ###

Sweety Khan said...

Delhi Escorts are truly gorgeous in their appearance and have some of the stunning characteristics inside them to enthrall their customers. Whatever you would want from our darlings, they are each time being ready to flaunt their ideas.

$$ connaught place call girls
$$ nehru place call girls
$$ mahipalpur call girls
$$ malviya nagar call girls
$$ kalkaji call girls
$$ mayur vihar call girls
$$ paharganj call girls
$$ okhla call girls
$$ Russian Call Girls Dwarka

janvikaushik said...

ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###
ghaziabad escorts ###

russianescortsgoa said...

Goa Escorts ###
Goa Escorts ###
Goa Call Girls ###
Call Girls In Goa ###
Goa Escorts ###
Goa Escorts ###
Goa Escorts ###

Unknown said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number

Sapna Kaur said...

east of kailash call girls
east of kailash call girls
dwarka call girls
cr park call girls
chattarpur call girls
connaught place call girls
greater kailash call girls

Unknown said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding quickbooks, dial
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number
quickbooks support phone number

Unknown said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding QuickBooks Enterprise support, dial
QuickBooks Enterprise support number
QuickBooks Enterprise support number
QuickBooks Enterprise support number
QuickBooks Enterprise support number

Gift Cards 2021 said...

this Free Gift Cards Codes is great thanks to the blog

Unknown said...

If you are thinking to give it a shot with professional Dwarka Call Girls Service then you should be going for over other call girls in the industry. You are supposed to get so many amazing features and qualities.

$$ Dwarka Call Girls Service
$$ Dwarka Call Girls
$$ Escorts In Dwarka
$$ Escorts In Dwarka
$$ Housewife Escorts In Aerocity
$$ Housewife Escorts In Nehru place
$$ Housewife Escorts In Lajpat nagar
$$ Housewife Escorts In Greater kailash
$$ Housewife Escorts In Cr park

anushkadase said...

greater kailash call girls ###
delhi call girls ###
delhi escort ###
call girls in delhi ###
call girls in delhi ###
hauzkhas call girls ###
janakpuri call girls ###

Unknown said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding Quickbook enterprise support number.
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support
quickbooks enterprise tech support number
quickbooks tech support number

Unknown said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding quickbooks enterprise support.
enterprise phone number

anushkadase said...

escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####
escorts service in delhi ####

xbox gift card codes said...

good help xbox gift card codes

trueherbs service said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding quickbooks enterprise support number please contact.
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number
quickbooks enterprise support number

trueherbs service said...

Hi! If you need technical help regarding quickbooks pos & pro technical support number please contact.
quickbooks pos technical support number
quickbooks pos technical support number
quickbooks pos technical support number
quickbooks pos technical support number
quickbooks pos technical support number
quickbooks pos technical support number



Anonymous said...

Those Russian Escort In Delhi can be reached directly via their website. You can hire those ladies for adult enjoyments as well for other purposes. You can hire those dashing ladies to enjoy your weekend at any nearby place where you can enjoy for a long time.

$$ Housewife Escorts In Mehrauli
$$ Housewife Escorts In Munirka
$$ Housewife Escorts In Nehru Place
$$ Housewife Escorts In Paharganj
$$ Housewife Escorts In Pitampura
$$ Housewife Escorts In Rohini
$$ Housewife Escorts In Gurgaon
$$ Housewife Escorts In Noida
$$ Housewife Escorts In Greater Noida

Sapna said...

Independent Call Girls In Mumbai $$
Female Mumbai Escorts Service $$
Mumbai Escorts $$
Mumbai Escorts Service $$
Mumbai Escorts $$
Call Girl Service Mumbai $$

janvikaushik said...

I am Noor Escorts an Noida escorts & College Call Girl in Noida available 24 hours for erotic escort services in Noida Call Girls.so you can fulfill your dreams with Cheap Call Girls In Noida Escorts.
Escorts Near Hotel The Leela Ambience Delhi Convention Hotel
Escorts Near Hotel The Leela Palace New Delhi
Escorts Near Hotel The Lodhi Delhi
Escorts Near Hotel The Manor Hotel New Delhi
Escorts Near Hotel The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa Delhi
Escorts Near Hotel The Park New Delhi

Sweety Khan said...

Those Russian Escort In Delhi can be reached directly via their website. You can hire those ladies for adult enjoyments as well for other purposes. You can hire those dashing ladies to enjoy your weekend at any nearby place where you can enjoy for a long time.

$$ Escorts Near Hotel Savoy Suites Noida
$$ Escorts Near Hotel The Roseate New Delhi
$$ Escorts Near Hotel Vivanta By Taj Ambassador Delhi
$$ Escorts Near Hotel Vivanta By Taj Dwarka
$$ Escorts Near Hotel WelcomHotel Dwarka ITC Hotel Group
$$ Escorts Near Hotel Radisson Blu MBD Noida
$$ Escorts Near Hotel Savoy Suites Noida

Anam said...

!! Vip Call Girls Near Dwarka Metro

!! Russian Call Girls Near Dwarka Mor Metro

!! Independent Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 8 Metro

!! College Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 9 Metro

!! High Profile Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 10 Metro

!! High Class Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 11 Metro

!! Vip Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 12 Metro

!! Russian Call Girls Near Dwarka Sector 13 Metro

Priyasharma said...

## Crossing Republik Call Girls

## Vasundhara Call Girls

## Jor Bagh Call Girls

## Shanti Niketan Call Girls

## Gulmohar Park Call Girls

## Panchsheel Enclave Call Girls

## Safdarjung Call Girls

## Jangpura Extension Call Girls

## Kailash Colony Call Girls

## Green Park Call Girls

Anonymous said...

It is quite normal to Call Girl in Delhi find that a girl might end up having a night out at a bar with friends after studying in Delhi.

♥♥ College Call Girls In Delhi

mumbaiescorts said...

Mumbai Escorts is the best partners for all types of travelers. With various nightlife activities and several options to fulfill their needs, they make great choices for night parties and social events. 
Russian Goregaon Escorts ###
Call Girls Malad ###
Panvel Call Girls ###
Call Girls in Dadar ###
Premium Call Gils Mumbai ###
Juhu Escorts ###
Andheri Escorts ###
South Indian Call girls in Juhu ###

simran sahu said...

nice blog
Packers And Movers Karaikudi!

expresscargopackersandmover said...

great blog

Packers and Movers in Patel Nagar