Peepal Tree | Tree of Life: Spiritual And Medicinal Significance
Updated: Oct 21, 2022
Peepal Tree is a tree of life that has a long lifespan and releases oxygen even at night . According to the science of Ayurveda, every part of the peepal tree - the leaf, bark, shoot, seeds and its fruit has several medicinal benefits, and it is being used since ancient times to cure many diseases. Ayurveda explains how every part of the sacred fig tree can be used for holistic wellbeing. It works powerfully on Kapha (Water) and Pitta (Fire) Dosha imbalances.
Other popular names of this tree are bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, pipal tree, ashvattha tree, ficus religiosa or sacred fig specially in India and Nepal. Peepal tree is tolerant to wide variety of soils, and hence it even thrives on concrete walls having little moisture. They thrive in hot, humid weather and prefer full sunlight.
The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. This is the tree under which Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The site is in present-day Bodh Gayain Bihar, India. The original tree was destroyed, and has been replaced several times. A branch of the original tree was rooted in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka in 288 BCE and is known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi; it is the oldest living human-planted flowering plant (angiosperm) in the world.
Why Banyan Tree Is A Matter of Faith ?
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma lives in the peepal tree’s roots, Lord Vishnu lives in the peepal tree’s trunk, and Lord Shiva lives in the peepal tree’s leaves. In the Bhagavad Gita, 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." He also died under the peepal tree.
The peepal tree’s spiritual significance is the paradise of God, according to Chandogya Upanishad and Atharva Ved. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu, with his half Lakshmi, resides on this tree on Saturday. Due to this belief of Hindus, people consider pouring water to the roots of the tree to be good every Saturday. It’s a popular belief that watering, worshipping and circling around the Peepal Tree will bring wealth, fame and an abundance of happiness and good luck for any individual. Women are even advised to circumambulate pipal tree to overcome their fertility problems and to pray for a long, healthy life for their husbands.
Palm Trees: The Symbol of Peace, Triumph And Victory
According to Vastu Shastra, the God and Goddess reside in the tree and hence to be worshipped day and night regularly. The individuals who worship the tree should live a simple life. This is the reason it is not advisable to plant peepal trees in the house. If it grows naturally, it should be carefully uprooted and planted somewhere else in the beginning when it is just a plant.