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 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 i