Peepal Tree

What is the significance of Peepal Tree?

In Taittriya Samhita, the Peepal tree is included amongst the seven most important trees in the world. The importance of the tree is also attested in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.

The Padma Purana also explains that the Peepal tree is a form of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, it is accorded special importance for religious purposes. Often described as a divine tree, it is an object of prayer. On several occasions around the year prayers are offered to it. It is believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi reside in the Peepal tree on Somapati Amavasya.

In the Skanda Purana, it is explained that: “Vishnu resides in the root of the Peepal tree. Keshav (another name for Krishna) resides in the trunk, Narayana in the branches, Lord Hari in the leaves and all the gods reside in the fruits. This tree is like the deity of Vishnu. All good people serve the virtues of this tree. This tree is full of all kinds of virtues and has the ability to fulfill desires and absolve the sins of people.” Thus, herein it is described how the different forms of the Supreme Lord are found in this tree, such as Vishnu, Krishna, Narayana, and Hari. And the demigods are in the fruits.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna says: “Amongst trees I am the Asvattha tree.” The Asvattha tree is the holy fig or Peepal tree.

The Padma Purana explains that by offering prayers to the Peepal tree and circumambulating it one attains longevity. Whoever offers water to this tree is absolved of all sins and attains heaven.

Many Hindu women believe that by regularly offering prayers and watering the Peepal tree and by circumambulating it, they will be blessed with good children, particularly a son. This is because unknown souls residing in the tree are pleased and enable such blessings to bear fruit. This is why it is customary to tie threads around the trunk or branches of the tree. Putting a little oil in the root of the tree and lighting a lamp near it on Saturdays helps get rid of a variety of problems.