Ashvattha Tree is popularly known as pipal (ficus religiosa),
or the sacred fig, and it is of great spiritual and religious importance in
Hinduism. It is known as the tree of knowledge and enlightenment. It is the
symbolic inverted tree mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Ashvattha Tree is also
the seat of gods and abode of the Goddess of wealth.
Ashvattha literally means the tree under which the horses
stand. As per old beliefs, it was the chariot of Gods.
Ashvattha in Vedas
The tree, as per Atharva Veda, is found in the heaven and
Devas, or demigods, sat under its shade.
The holiness and sanctity of the tree is also mentioned in the Rig Veda.
The holiness and sanctity of the tree is also mentioned in the Rig Veda.
The tree showers soma (the drink of the Gods), as per the
Chandogya Upanishad.
As per Katha Upanishad, the roots of Ashvattha grow upwards
and its branches grow downwards. (Symbolism of the inverted tree.)
As per the Rig Veda, the wood of the tree was used to make
vessels.
The twigs of the tree were used for oblation in the Vedic
fire-altar.
Gods Reside in Ashvattha Tree
As per the Puranas, Lord Vishnu resides in the root of the
holy tree; Hari lives in the leaves and Achyuta in the fruits. Hari and Achyuta
are both forms of Lord Vishnu. The other parts of the tree are occupied by the
other Gods.
Another belief has it that Brahma resides in the root of the
tree, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva at the top.
This is why cutting for damaging the tree is prohibited in
Hinduism.
Ashvattha is Lord Vishnu
It is mentioned in the Skanda Purana that the tree is a manifestation
of Lord Vishnu and people who have realized its greatness worship it.
In the chapter 10 Verse 26 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna
declares that among the trees, ‘I am Ashvattha.’
Ashvattha-Narayana is worshipped in some regions. The tree
is a visible form of Narayana. Sixteen kinds of pujas and rituals are offered
to the tree.
Ashvattha Tree and Agni
There is a popular legend associating the Ashvattha tree and
Agni. Agni was deputed to carry the offerings made by living beings on earth to
various Devas. He was not happy with the job and desired to relinquish it. The
Devas agreed but requested to continue until person was appointed for the job.
Agni was not happy with the decision and he quit the job
immediately. The other Devas chased him. He then took the form of a horse and disappeared
into a fig tree. It is believed that the tree got the name Ashvattha after it
concealed Agni in the form of horse. Ashva in Sanskrit means horse.
Ashvattha Tree in Hindu Pujas Rituals and Ceremonies
The tree was held in sacred in all ancient cities in India
including Harappa and Mohenjodaro, Sanchi, Bharut, Mathura and Amaravati. The
tree is found in pottery, seals, beads and amulets discovered from these
ancient cities.
Ashvattha Tree is worshipped on Saturdays or Sundays for
peace and prosperity in the family.
The tree is circumambulated 108 times with folded hands and
a thread is wrapped around it by virgins before marriage.
The tree is worshipped by couples for healthy children.
When a family member dies, 360 pitchers of water is poured
on the tree for propitiating the spirits.
The tree is found in majority of the temples in India. Our forefathers
planted the tree in large numbers along important roads and in junctions for
shade.
Vat Savitri Vrat observed for three days during Jyeshta
Purnima and Jyeshta Amavasi is an important fast in Hinduism dedicated to the tree.
Some communities observe Ashvattha Vrata in the month of
Chaitra (March – April) and Ashwina (September – October).
Ashvattha Tree in Ayurveda
Fruits, leaves and bark of the tree as used for medicinal purpose in the Ayurveda. Medicine made
from the tree is used to cure impurity
in blood, vomiting, dropsy, excess of phlegm, poisoning, wind and bile, cough,
hiccoughs, fever, heart ailments and skin disorders.
Sitting under the tree and doing breathing exercise is
highly beneficial. The leaves purify the air. Sitting under the tree helps in
improving memory power and concentration.
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