Romesh Mengi
Religion can be a strange phenomenon. Every religion entails myriads of beliefs and religious people follow these beliefs with all the devotion. But, amongst all the religions of the world, there is this specific religion which has also been termed as the oldest religion in the world. Not just the oldest religion, it is simply considered as a way of life. Hinduism; yes the oldest and one of the most widely practised religion. Some experts refer to it as Sanatana Dharma as well which stands for ‘eternal law’.
With so many Gods, values, traditions, teachings and rituals engrossed in one single religion, a devout follower has a ritual to maintain on almost every single day. Moreover, Hindu religion worships cows and trees as well. This simply places Hinduism in a league of its own. In this religion, there are rituals and traditions that give immense importance to trees and animals as well. Just like the Cow is considered to be a sacred animal, the Peepal tree holds much significance. Trees are sacred in India, and often associated with a god or a goddess. Some scholars believe that it is the tree that was worshipped first, maybe for its medicinal or symbolic purpose, and that the gods and goddesses came later. That may be the case but today trees are an integral part of a deity’s symbolism. . Peepal or pippal tree is also considered a religious and is worshipped by a majority of Hindus. From centuries, this tree has been granted a special place within Hinduism and a lot of rituals revolve around the Peepal trees as well. With so much to be discussed regarding this tree and its pertinence, let us try and list down 10 reasons why Hindus pray to the Peepal tree.
Ayurvedic Significance:- We all know that Ayurveda is considered as the ancient medical practice of India. It is known to heal a vast majority of diseases. Now, Peepal is considered quite useful within the realms of Ayurveda. The bark of the Peepal tree is used to yield tannin whereas its leaves, when heated, are quite useful in treating wounds. This does add to the importance of the tree, hence the worshipping.
Saturday worshipping:- One of the many mythological stories surrounding Peepal tree exhibits the importance of worshipping the tree on a Saturday. According to Brahma Purana; Ashvattha and Peepala were demons who possessed magical powers. They’d pursue people to touch the tree so as to kill them. But both of them were killed by lord Shani which significances the importance of Saturday.
Goddess Lakshmi:- It is believed that goddess Lakshmi resides under the tree every Saturday. Therefore, women pray to this tree and wish to be granted with a son. They also tie a red thread or a red cloth on its branches hoping to have their wishes granted.
Lord Hanuman:- If the stories are to be believed; it is often concurred that Lord Hanuman used to sit upon this tree and witnessed the hardships faced by the wife of Lord Rama. Also, the Peepal tree used to provide shelter to Sita and, therefore, the tree is considered to have a special place in the heart of Lord Hanuman.
Brahma Purana:- According to Brahma Purana, lord Vishnu is said to have hidden in the Peepal tree as the demons had defeated all the Gods. It further states that Lord Vishnu’s birth took place under a Peepal tree as well which makes it a symbol of Lord Vishnu. With such imperative role to render within the Indian mythology, Peepal trees are considered as a god-like figure.
The Trimurti coherence :- It is further believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva used to hold their councils under this tree. This has led to deeper faiths within the Peepal tree.
Ancestors:- Hinduism teaches its followers to respect their ancestors. And the mythology narrates that the Hindu ancestor’s soul resides in this tree. This leads Hindus to respect and worship this tree throughout the year.
Largest Oxygen Provider :- Peepal is considered to be the largest oxygen provider, along with Neem and Tulsi. It is widely known at several places that these trees release oxygen even at night. They can uptake CO{-2} during the night as well.
Kills Bacteria:- Researchers have also proved that the interacting flow of wind as well as the sound, with peepal leaves, kills infection bacteria slowly
Cures Speech Irregularities:- It is believed that if you lick honey placed on a peepal leaf, your speech irregularities will be cured.
We can say that Urbanisation or Urban Sprawl led to the sharp reduction in peepal tree plantation. We donot have the time and space to plant it but we have the time to cut these important trees on the name of urbanization. Like the sparrows , the peepal tree too seem to be disappearing from our cities.
These trees provide us shelter, purer environment, health and medicinal benefits beside their unique and cultural significance.
Suggestions:- These trees could be planted in parks, religious places, public places on war footing.
We have used helicopters for political purposes , let us make a good use of helicopter for planting peepal trees by throwing their seeds on the mountains and bared rocks ahead of this monsoon season.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
