[Vidhu Kaimal]

Up

0

::

Peepal tree leaves are popular in Hindu rituals and worship, but why this tree specifically?

Also called sacred fig and by its scientific name, Ficus religiosa, it is sacred not only in Hinduism but also Buddhism and Jainism. It is native to the Indian subcontinent as well as Indochina. It got its religious significance when it was mentioned in the Rig Veda as the ‘ashvattha tree’ and later, Buddha himself when he sat under a peepal tree where he achieved enlightenment. Bharat Ratna, India’s most prestigious award, is modeled after a peepal tree leaf. No doubt its significance is immense, religious or otherwise. From the religious art of early civilizations to this very article, the peepal tree is still significant.

It is sacred because of the religious significance attached to it since early civilization. But more importantly, in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says: “I am the Peepal tree among the trees, Narada among the Deva Rishi (Divine sages), Bhrigu among the Saptha-Maharishis, Chitraratha among the Gandharvas, And sage Kapila among the Siddhas.” Buddhists and Jains also consider it to be sacred because of said significance. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses.

Because of its strict importance, individuals have generally treated the Peepal tree with the most extreme worship. A few people abstain from contacting it out and out, accepting that immediate contact with the holy tree could offend the divinities or upset its otherworldly embodiment. They like to offer petitions from a good way, making the tree an object of reverence instead of relaxed connection.

In Sanatan Dharma, Peepal is called the tree of Gods. It is said that the deities reside on each and every leaf of the tree. Especially on Saturday, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu reside in the Peepal tree. So to attain good fortune and happiness, one must worship the Peepal tree. Sadhus meditate beneath sacred fig trees and Hindus do pradakshina (circumambulation, or meditative pacing) around the sacred fig tree as a mark of worship.

In addition to circumambulating the peepal tree and making customary offerings of milk and water, devotees frequently worship the tree. It is customary to round the trunk with threads or swathes of fabric in an act of blessing-seeking or prayer. The peepal tree is frequently worshipped by devotees who walk around it, give it water, milk, and other customary sacrifices. Tie threads or pieces of fabric around its trunk in a prayerful or blessing-seeking manner is a typical practice.

The peepal tree is linked to pleasing the ancestors (Pitra Dosha) in Hindu astrology. It is thought that doing rituals or making prayers beneath the peepal tree may lessen the bad consequences of this dosha. It means a lot to take note of that the worship for the peepal tree shifts among various districts and networks inside Hinduism, and practices might contrast likewise.

Share

[Author]

Posts