Ficus religiosa or
Sacred Fig is species of fig native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, southwest China and Indochina. It belongs to the
Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as Bo-Tree or
Peepal (in India).
Sacredness in Hinduism:
Sadhus
(Hindu ascetics) still meditate beneath sacred fig trees, and Hindus do
pradakshina (circumambulation) around the sacred fig tree as a mark of
worship. Usually seven pradakshinas are done around the tree in the
morning time chanting "Vriksha Rajaya Namah", meaning "salutation to the
king of trees."
In
the Hindu religion, Peepal tree has a lot of reverence and significance
for people. People worship the tree and performs puja. But, nobody
really knows anything about its history & origin. Well, there are
also some interesting legends associated with the Peepal tree. The tree
is known for its heart shaped leaves that have long narrowing tips. The
origin of peepal tree can be traced back to the times of Indus Valley
Civilisation (3000 BC - 1700 BC) in the Mohenjodaro city. Excavations
are suggestive of the fact that even in those times; the peepal tree was
worshipped by Hindus. To know more about the origin of Peepal tree,
read on.
During
the Vedic period, the wood obtained by cutting Peepal tree was used to
produce fire. In the ancient Puranas, an incident has been described in
which the demons defeated the deities and Lord shiva hide in the Peepal
tree. Since, the Lord resided in the tree for some time; the tree holds
great importance for people. Thus, people began worshipping the tree,
considering it to be a means of offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. There
are a few legends, which suggest that Lord Vishnu was born under the
peepal tree. There are a couple of stories, which say that the tree is
home to the trinity of Gods, the root being Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu
and leaves represent Lord Shiva.
Upanishads
have also made a mention about the Peepal tree. To clearly define the
difference between the body and soul, the fruit of peepal is used as a
classic example. According to the Skanda purana, a person who does not
have a son should consider the peepal tree as his own child. It says
that the family will prosper and have a good name, till the peepal tree
survives. Cutting a peepal tree is regarded as a big sin, which is
almost equivalent to murdering a Brahmin. Skanda Puranas say that a
person who cuts the tree surely goes to hell.
In Hindu texts, the Plaksa tree is associated with the source of the Sarasvati River. The Skanda Purana states that the Sarasvati originates from the water pot of Brahma and flows from Plaksa on the Himalayas. According to Vamana Purana 32.1-4, the Sarasvati was rising from the Plaksa tree (Pipal tree).
Plaksa Pra-sravana denotes the place where the Sarasvati appears. In the Rigveda Sutras, Plaksa Pra-sravana refers to the source of the Sarasvati.
It
is preferred to touch the peepal tree only on Saturdays. It is said
that once upon a time, there were two demons, namely Ashvattha and
Peepala, who used to torture and harass people. Ashvattha took the form
of peepal and the Peepala disguised as Brahmin. The Brahmin used to
recommend people to touch the peepal tree and as soon as they did so,
they were killed by the demon Ashvattha. Both the demons were killed by
Shani devta. It is due to the strong influence of Shani Maharaj that it
is considered safe to touch the peepal tree on Saturdays. People are of
the belief that even Goddess Lakshmi dwells in the tree on Saturdays.
Women who are not blessed with a son tie a red thread around the trunk
or on its branches asking the deities to bless her and fulfill her
desire.
Significance in Buddhism:
In Theravada Buddhist Southeast Asia, the tree's massive trunk is often the site of Buddhist or animist shrines.
Not all Ficus religiosa can be called a 'Bodhi tree'. A 'Bodhi tree' must be able to trace its parent to another Bodhi tree and the line goes on until the first Bodhi tree under which the Lord Gautama Buddha gained enlightenment.
Benefits of Peepal:
Peepal
tree is of great medicinal value. Ficus religiosa is used in
traditional medicine for about 50 types of disorders including asthma,
diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders,
infectious and sexual disorders. Its leaves serve as a wonderful
laxative as well as tonic for the body. It is especially useful for
patients suffering from Jaundice. It helps to control the excessive
amount of urine released during jaundice. The leaves of Peepal are
highly effective in treating heart disorders. It helps to control the
palpitation of heart and thereby combat the cardiac weakness. Ayurveda
makes an extensive use of the leaves of peepal due to the numerous
benefits it provides. To know more about the medicinal benefits of
Peepal, read on.
For
constipation problem, there can be no better remedy than the
consumption of leaves of Peepal. Dry the Peepal leaves in sun and powder
them. Add a solution of jaggery and anise to it. Mix it with water and
consume it. This concoction will ensure proper bowel movement. The
Indian basil peepal works wonders in treating dysentery. Prepare a
mixture of grinded coriander leaves, peepal leaves and sugar and chew it
slowly. The leaf of a peepal plant is also considered valuable in the
treatment of various kinds of skin disorders.
Pipal
leaves are of great use in getting rid of mumps. All one needs to do to
avail the benefits of peepal plant is smear the leaves of Peepal with
ghee and then warm it on low flame. After that, bandage it over the
swollen inflamed part of the body. It is surely going to provide the
patient with a great relief. Even for boils, this remedy will prove to
be quite effective. In case of formation of pus, bandaging the leaves of
Peepal will ensure that the growth subsides. But, it will give
beneficial results only if the problem is in its preliminary stage.
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