Lord of all trees
Dr Satish K Kapoor
‘Of all trees, I am Ashvattha.’ — Lord Krishna in the Bhagavadgita (X.26)
Pipal, also called ashwattha, is regarded as the holiest among trees, since Vedic times. It is irreligious to cut it or trim it without substantial reason, use its wood as domestic fuel, place one’s feet on its roots, or to defecate under it. A seal found at Mohenjo Daro represents a horned deity, identified with Lord Shiva, standing between two branches of pipal. In the Indian folklore, it is regarded as a female counterpart of the banyan tree.
Abode of gods
The Atharva Veda (XIX, 39.6) calls it the abode of gods. Pippalada, an Upanishadic sage, got his name from the tree as he lived on a diet of pipal-fruit. A part of land in Jambudvipa, identified with ancient Bharata, is known as Pipal-sthana, the place where pipal trees grow. The Mundaka Upanishad (III.1.1) compares god and the human soul to two birds living on pipal – the latter eating its sweet fruit while the former sits immersed in its own glory without caring to eat and drink. Various parts of pipal continue to be used in Vedic rites. The spoon used in Agnihotra, fire ritual, is made of its wood (or that of Palasha tree). Leaves of pipal sanctify the body of pregnant women during Pumsavana sanskara, the rite performed during the third month of pregnancy.
Grace and grandeur
The Skanda Purana (VI.247) has a whole chapter describing the grandeur of pipal. It says that the tree originated from various parts of the lord out of compassion. Vishnu is present at its root, Keshava in its trunk, Narayana in its branches and Hari on its leaves. Its touch is said to liberate one from sins. Anyone who worships it during chaturmasya, four sacred months, is blessed. The Padma Purana extols pipal as the embodiment of Brahma. It is sacred to the sun god, who gives light and life to the cosmos. It is regarded as the abode of gandharva-s and apsara-s, heavenly beings skilled in singing and dancing, because its leaves produce sweet music when the wind blows.
Attaining bliss
Pipal is sacred to Buddhists because Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment while meditating under its shade. Subsequently, its branches were taken far and wide and planted to give rise to new trees. Jainas hold the tree sacred because Shitalanatha and Anantanatha, 10th and 14th tirthankara-s respectively, attained the blissful state of arhat under it.
Worship rites
Pipal is worshipped both in morning and evening especially on a Saturday (or Sunday) by tying red threads to its trunk, and observing other rituals. Watering the tree or lighting a lamp under it, is regarded as an act of religious merit. For pinda dana, salvation of ancestors, the devotees offer milk and sesame seeds at its roots. Women worship it on Somavati Amavasya, for the long life of their husbands.
Planting of pipal is said to bestow religious merit. It can be planted in the southern direction in front of one’s house, as suggested by Varahmihira, or on western side as mentioned in Agni Purana. Astrologers suggest that the malefic effect of Saturn can be dissipated by reciting Shani Stotram under it. Ashvattha vrata is undertaken by girls and women to avoid widowhood. Managalika girls are symbolically married to pipal before actual marriage. Lighting an earthen lamp under pipal is regarded as wish-fulfilling. Barren women circumambulate the tree for 40 days for desired result.
Medicinal use
Every part of pipal is employed as medicine. Its tender leaves are traditionally used to heal wounds, check constipation, lower cholesterol, ward off convulsions, strengthen the heart, and treat snake-bite cases. Its root and fruit are rejuvenating. For cure of asthma, its powdered bark is poured on rice-pudding and served to patients, after it has been kept outside in the moonlight on Sharad purnima, the full-moon night of Kartikka.
(Dr Kapoor is a noted educationist, historian and spiritualist)
