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Showing posts from August 19, 2016


Kalpataru in Hindu Tradition – A Tree That Fulfills Wishes

Kalpataru is a wish fulfilling tree mentioned in Puranas. According to Hindu tradition, this tree appeared during the churning of ocean, or Samudra Manthan, by Devas and Asuras. The tree has not yet been identified and is believed to exist in the celestial word or the realm of the Devas. Kalpataru is also known as Kalpavriksha, Kalpadruma, Surataru, Kalpalata, Kalpasakshi and Kalpapadapa. Information about Kalpataru is found in the Agni Purana, Bhagavad Puran, Brahmanda Purana, Matsya Purana and Vayu Purana. Kalpataru is also one of the Pancha Vriksha – five trees in the garden of Indra. Lakshmi Ganapati form of Ganesha holds a branch of Kalpataru in one of his hands.

Importance of Bathing in Narmada River in Hinduism

Bathing in the Narmada River is considered highly meritorious in Hinduism. The importance of bathing in Narmada River is mentioned in the Matsya Purana. It is said that one gets redemption from sin by bathing for three years in Saraswati River; for seven days in Yamuna River; for one day in Ganga River. However, it is said that the mere sight of Narmada absolves one of all sins. It is believed that person who bathes in Narmada River attains rudraloka (the realm of Shiva). To explain the holiness of Narmada, it is said in Matsya Purana that the tree growing on her banks are liberated from cycle of birth and rebirth. In Puranas, Narmada River is also known as Vishalya or healer of wounds. Puranas extols her medicinal properties.