Significance of Peepal Tree
Hinduism is a major religion in India and Nepal. Considered to be one of the oldest religions, what with so many gods and goddess, rituals, traditions, religious texts and much more, it has over 900 million followers in India itself. 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 (Ficus religiosa) tree holds much significance.
Peepal tree has ayurvedic significance
Peepal tree is considered quite useful within the realms of Ayurveda. With such medicinal capabilities this tree is known to heal a vast majority of diseases. The bark of this tree can be used to yield tannin whereas its leaves, when heated, are quite useful in treating wounds.
Saturday Worship
In Hindu mythology, Peepala and Ashvattha were demons who possessed magical powers. They would lure innocent people to touch the tree so that they could kill them. However, on an auspicious Saturday, they were both killed by Lord Shani. And that’s the reason why we worship this tree on Saturdays.
Peepal tree relation with goddess lakshmi
Hindus believe that goddess Lakshmi resides in the Peepal tree every Saturday. Therefore, women pray to this tree by tying red thread or red cloth on its branches hoping to have their wishes granted. Worshipping peepal tree on auspicious days is believed to give prosperity.
Peepal tree relation with lord hanuman
This tree is considered to have a special place in the heart of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Lord Hanuman used to sit upon this tree and it was here that he witnessed the hardships faced by the wife of Lord Rama, who used to sit under this tree for shelter in the Ashok Vatika when she was abducted by Ravana in Lanka.
Brahma Purana
It is said in the Brahma Purana that Lord Vishnu was born under a Peepal Tree. And it was this tree where he had hidden when the demons defeated all the gods. Therefore, the Peepal tree also symbolises lord Vishnu. Because of such an important role, this tree has a god-like figure in Indian mythology. In art and sculpture, the child form of Krishna is shown on a peepal leaf.
The Trimurti Conference Place
It is further believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva used to hold their councils under this tree. Most important decisions regarding the management of the universe is done by them under the peepal tree. This belief has led to deeper faiths among the devotees about the Peepal tree.
The Home to Ancestors
As per Hindu mythology our ancestors’ souls reside in this tree. This is why the Peepal Tree is regarded to be so important and why the Hindus respect and treat this tree with great regard. During the annual ceremonies to the ancestors, Peepal trees are worshipped. It is said evil spirits can never reside in a peepal tree and therefore it is always auspicious.
The Marriage of Peepal Tree
In most traditions in Hinduism, peepal and neem trees are grown adjacent to each other especially in temple
complexes and once they grow, marriage is performed to them. The peepal tree is considered the groom with the neem tree playing the role of the bride. Upon marriage, these two trees are said to protect the devotees like mother and father. Usually, the images of Nagas or snake gods are installed under the peepal – neem tree complex.
The Benefits to Pregnant Women
The medicinal breeze given out by the peepal tree is said to be highly beneficial to pregnant woman. Therefore for a painless delivery and the welfare of the mother and the kids born, it is advised that the pregnant women go around the peepal tree a few times on a daily basis and stay in the precincts of the peepal tree for some time every day to inhale the medicinal air.
The Home to Ganesh
Ganesh is a simple god in Hinduism. He is a highly compassionate and benevolent son of Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva. He loves simplicity and is easily pleased with the genuine devotion of his devotees. The canopy of the peepal tree is said to be the most favorite residence of Lord Ganesh. We find the image of Lord Ganesh installed and worshipped under the peepal trees in most villages of India.
Largest Oxygen Provider
The Peepal tree is very important and a gift of god to us humans as it is considered to be the largest provider of oxygen, along with Neem and Tulsi. It is widely known that these trees release oxygen even at night. They can uptake CO2 during the night as well. Peepal trees therefore charge the atmosphere with freshness and life remedying pollution. Therefore from the point of view of protecting the environment and offsetting carbon emissions, Peepal trees need to be saved and multiplied.
Peepal Tree Kills Bacteria
It is proven by the researchers that the interacting flow of wind as well as the sound of Peepal leaves due to the rubbing of leaves during breeze can kill the infecting bacteria slowly.
Advices from Vidyanathji
• Every person is advised to plant one Peepal tree in his lifetime – he shall be immune to the difficulties that could trouble, his otherwise smooth life. With the exception of Sundays, the Peepal plant should be watered regularly. As the plant grows bigger, your success and prosperity shall also grow in tandem .Once the Peepal plant is planted, proper, regular care is a must. It should be borne in mind that the tree should be planted away from the house – even the shadow of the plant/tree should not fall on the house. • By watering the tree, daily, the malefic effects of the unfavorable planets is reduced and ultimately nullified. Circumbulating the Peepal tree rids a person of the malefic effects of the ‘Kaal Sarpyog’ also. • It is believed that any person who establishes a ‘Shivling’ under a Peepal tree is freed from all the troubles that could have trespassed, into his life –once a ‘Shivling’ has been established under the Peepal tree ,it should be prayed and obeisance should be offered ,daily. The devotee shall be party to all materialistic happiness and objects, in his life. • Amazing results can be reached by reciting the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, sitting under the Peepal tree – but this should not be done on a Sunday. • Sitting under a Peepal tree, take eleven leaves of the Peepal tree and write “Shri Ram’ on them, with sandal paste – then offer these 11 leaves on the idol of Lord Hanuman – all obstacles and hindrances shall be removed. • To nullify the seven and a half year period, and the two and a half year period of the planet Saturn and removing the malefic effects of the other unfavorable planets, one should offer, on every Saturday – jaggery, water mixed with raw milk,’dhoop’ and incense and* For improvements on the business front –On a Saturday, take a Peepal leaf and make a ‘swastika’ sign on it with sandal wood paste and keep it under the seat – repeat this every Saturday, for 7 Saturdays and on the eighth Saturday, collect all these 7 leaves, and drop them off at a secluded spot, and in your mind ,repeat your wish for prosperity and growth – very soon ,you shall see your business growing and prospering. • Chronic illness and diseases can also be nullified and improvement noticed, by the use of Peepal leaves; apart from watering the tree daily, a patient should touch the root of the tree with his left hand and pray for an early riddance of his health issues. He shall notice that the efficacy of his medicines has greatly increased and he is getting much more benefit from the dosage. • For any chronic illness which refuses to die down – the patient should keep a Peepal leaf under his pillow and he shall see a marked improvement in his health. • For those couples who wish for a child but are unable to conceive - every morning, take a Peepal leaf and dip it in water, for at least an hour – then they should take out the leaf and keep it under a tree and both the husband and wife, should drink the remaining water – very soon ,they shall have their wish of parenthood, fulfilled. They should do this for at least 2-3 months. For Any Queries Contact : bussinesssphere@rediffmail.com