Sacred trees of India. Flora of India

Since time immemorial, certain trees and plants in India have been attributed divine properties. Hindus worshiped and revered them, believing that it would bring them good luck in their own lives. Evergreen trees were considered symbols eternal life. Groves of trees in forests
were considered as the dwellings of the Gods...

Banyan proudly takes its place among the sacred trees of India.
Its aboveground roots grow into the ground, forming additional trunks. That is why he is called Bahupada - many-legged, symbolizing long life and being the embodiment of the divine creator Brahma.
This tree is certainly planted in front of Hindu temples. It is even believed that Gods and spirits live in its many stems. It was under the banyan tree that Hindu sages sat in a trance in search of enlightenment; meetings were held under it and sacred rituals were performed.
Some banyan trees reach over 100 feet in height and over a thousand feet in girth. It is not surprising that there are beliefs that ten thousand people can hide under one tree.
The banyan tree is mentioned in the notes of many travelers.
Bishop Heber (1825) was so amazed by the sight of this tree that he exclaimed, “What a wonderful place for worship!” travelers even prompted the great English poet Milton to refer to the banyan tree in his Paradise Lost.

In Hindu mythology tamarind tree called Kalapvriksha, i.e. a tree that fulfills wishes and gives material benefits.
This tree is also considered sacred in Buddhist books.

Another great tree in India is Peepul, growing in all parts of the country.
This tree is considered the most ancient, references to it are contained in many Hindu sculptures as a sacred tree, worship
which is considered to be a tribute to the Divine Trinity - Brahma and Shiva.
Moreover, this tree is associated with the ancient Vedic rituals of lighting a sacrificial fire using a branch of the Peepul tree.
Each village has its own special Peepul tree and the village elders hold their council under its sacred foliage.
The most famous is the sacred Peepul tree in Gaya, under which he sat before he received enlightenment.
Since then, the Peepul tree has also been called the Bo or Bodhi tree.
In addition, this tree is also considered a symbol of fertility and people come to worship it, asking for offspring to be given to them.

Other sacred trees are Bilva or gallworm and Ashoka, associated with different deities.
The Ashoka tree is considered a tree of worship of Kama, the God of love, and according to legend, its buds open and begin to bloom when its roots touch the feet of a beautiful girl.
The Bilwa tree, with its trefoils resembling the Trishul or trident held by Lord Shiva, is mentioned in Hindu mythology. Its fruit is considered to purify the blood.

In addition to sacred trees, there are also a number of sacred plants, among which the most notable Tulsi-, which grows in sandy and steamy areas. An ancient variety of basil, Tulsi, is considered a symbol of the wife of God.
Vishnu and Hindus worship him.
At home, Tulsi is grown in pots and worshiped daily. Simply touching this plant is believed to purify
person, and giving a sprig of Tulsi to someone means protecting him from dangers and difficulties.
In addition, Tulsi has medicinal qualities. Its leaves have a pleasant scent and are used as a cough elixir.
Its leaves are chewed to aid digestion and prevent other ailments such as colds and fevers. No wonder that
for his many beneficial features Hindus deified this plant.
Fanny Parkes, the first Indophile writer and artist, specifically mentions the worship of the "Tulsi" plant. She describes the rituals and
the ceremony of the “Tulsia Puja” and how he was planted in several empty columns at the top in Benares, and the believers walked around these columns, pouring water on the sacred plant.

Darbha or Kusha- This is a sacred herb, without which not a single ritual can be performed.
This plant grows in moist, marshy soil. It is rough to the touch and pointed at the ends.
The ancient one says that it was created during the churning of the ocean by Gods and demons. It is also said that when the Gods drank
amrita or nectar of immortality, they dropped a few drops on this grass, thereby making it sacred. She is mentioned in
Hindu sculptures and epics and is used in various religious ceremonies as it is believed to have the property of purifying everything.
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The author is a famous writer.

:) ***

The temple in South India has several significant shrines. In addition to the Devat altars, this is a tirtha - a pond for ablution, and it always has a name (for example, in the Kanyakumari temple it is Patala Ganga tirtha, in Chidambaram - Shiva Ganga tirtha), and a sacred tree - each temple also has its own. Gradually, I discovered for myself that various trees are generally a very important element in the relationship of Indians with the Supreme. Not only the lotus is sacred)

Temple tree - or otherwise, sthala vriksha. In ancient times, when temples were not yet built around shrines, the lingam (if we talk about Shaivite places) was located in a cave or under a tree, and the tree for the shrine was a protector - chaitya vriksha. In many legends, Rishis and Devatas worshiped a svayambha (self-manifested) linga under some tree.

Many temple complexes and cities around them grew up in place of forests and at first bore the name of trees. For example, the area of ​​​​Madurai was named after the Kadamba tree - Kadambavanam. The kadamba tree is now left as the sthala vriksha of the Meenakshi temple. Kadamba blooms with simply incredible flowers - they are in the photo below) in the second photo - the sacred Kadamba tree in the Meenakshi temple.

Of course, there are no forests now, but as a rule, one sacred tree grows in the temple. So in Chidambaram - once upon a time there were tillai (mangrove) forests in this place - it was in the forest, according to legend, that Shiva performed his ananda-tandava dance. The temple appeared much later than the shrine itself appeared; at first it was “protected” by the forest) Now the river bank has moved several kilometers away from the city, and with it the mangrove forests (they look like the photo below). But the name Tillai remains in the name of the temple, one mangrove tree grows on its premises as a sthala vriksha.

In the Ekambarnath temple, the sthala vriksha is a mango tree; I know that some of our group were imbued with the place where it grows in the temple and meditated next to it). This place is in the photo

I also like the legend associated with the jambu tree - which is the sthala vriksha in the Jambukeshwar temple. According to this legend, Shiva ate the fruit of the jambu tree and spat out its seeds. The saint, a devotee of Shiva, swallowed these bones, seeing them as prasad. Later the bones sprouted in the saint, a sacred tree grew through his head and Shiva granted him moksha. The legend of the ability to see the sacred in the simple and gain grace through it. (in the photo - the fruits of the jambu tree, as well as an element of the gopura of the Jambukeshwar temple, with an episode where the tree has already sprouted in the saint and he gained moksha by the grace of Shiva).

In general, for some reason I am close to how in legends plants naturally participated in the emergence of holy places. There is a legend about the emergence of a lingam in the place where Suchindram was later formed. Once upon a time there were forests there too) And one shepherdess walked through the bamboo forest every day (and the forest was named Jnanaranya - forest of knowledge) to sell milk and Kurd. And every day she clung with her feet to the thickets in a certain place and always spilled milk and curd. One day she complained to her husband about this, and the men of the village went to that place to cut down the bamboo. When they began to chop, blood flowed from the bamboo trunks, and people realized that the place was holy, and the milk and kurd poured out every day washed it. A sanctuary was created at this place. Perhaps they even discovered a self-manifested lingam there)

In India there is still a lot of sacred symbolism associated with trees - we will definitely write about it)

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: What kind of wood is valued in India?

Answer from Natasha[guru]
Banyan, banyan, name of 2 species of trees from the genus Ficus:
1. Ficus bengalensis is a huge tree that begins its development as an epiphyte, attaching itself to the branches of some other tree, to which birds carry its seeds. The thin trunk of the banyan tree forms numerous aerial roots, which quickly grow downwards and take root in the soil, branching widely. Subsequently, the aerial roots thicken, turning into thick columns (up to 10 m in circumference). The crown of the tree also grows strongly. That. , from one seed a whole grove is formed, as it were. In the botanical garden in Calcutta, a banyan tree at the age of 150 years had a crown with a circumference of 300 m and more than 300 columnar roots.
2. Ficus religiosa is also a huge tree with aerial roots developing from the branches, which serve as supports for a powerful crown. More often it is not an epiphyte. Both types of banyan grow in India, their fruits are edible; On the bark of young banyan shoots, valuable shellac resin is formed with the participation of insects - scale insects. All dictionaries
General vocabulary

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hello! Here are other threads with similar questions.

Everyone knows how much Hindus revere nature. Moreover, not only animals, but also plants are considered sacred in this country. We’ll talk about which ones exactly in this article. We’ll also figure out what kind of revered plants there are in general. different countries peace.

This is a little-known plant in our country, but a sacred plant in India. Here it is a symbol of the World Tree. Residents of this country believe that the branches of this plant can drive away evil spirits from a person, and its leaves fulfill wishes. In ancient times, Ashwattha wood was used to make ritual bowls. Research scientists know of two archaic motifs associated with this plant. The first represents a person on aswatthi trying to get the fruit. This was considered a symbol of religious knowledge. Also in ancient times, Hindus often depicted a horse next to the mentioned plant. It is believed that it was under this asvatthi that a revelation descended on the Buddha.

Tulasi

In a number of Indian traditions, another interesting plant is revered - tulsi (basil). He is worshiped as the wife of Vishnu. According to legend, she was once the wife of one of the demons. Vishnu himself turned it into basil. Subsequently, he married her. It is a tulsi plant with ovate green leaves. Among other things, it is also used as a medicinal herb.

Rosaries were often made from this sacred plant, since, according to legend, it drives away all misfortunes and evil forces from a person. Tulsi is a plant that is described in one of the Indian epics. One day, a sage revered by the people accidentally tore his rosary made from basil and asked a servant to repair it. Tom had no time, and he promised to do it the next day. However, the sage ordered him to repair them immediately. “If you knew how dangerous it is to be in this world without them, you would tremble with fear,” he said.

Udumbara and Nyagroha

Udumbara is a sacred plant in India, revered as a symbol of abundance. Once upon a time, thrones for kings, various kinds of amulets and bowls were made from it. Udumbara bears fruit three times a year, hence its sacred meaning.

Nyagroha is one of the varieties of fig trees. Its interesting feature is that it produces aerial roots, which, upon reaching the ground, sprout to form new trunks. The result is that one crown grows on a whole grove of trunks at once. According to legend, Vishnu himself once chose this sacred plant. In India, it is believed that this god floats in the middle of the primordial ocean precisely on a leaf of the mentioned tree.

sacred lotus

This is the most revered plant in Buddhist countries, a symbol of religion. Hindus believe that the human soul, as it develops, blossoms like this flower. The darkness of the silt where this plant originates is considered a symbol of the material world. Making its way through the thickness of the water, the lotus shows the world a real spiritual transformation. If we talk about the topic “Sacred Plants of Egypt,” then here we also meet this flower. The inhabitants of this country give it the same sacred meaning as the Hindus. Like a sacred lotus, a person, having discarded everything superficial, having made his way through the jungle of life’s vicissitudes, must take the path of flourishing and self-improvement. This flower is also the national symbol of India itself.

Rose

This is another sacred plant in India. There is a legend according to which a person who brought a rose to the king had the right to fulfill any desire. The princesses of India often walked through fragrant gardens, cut by grooves in which rose water flowed.

Revered plants by the Incas

Of course, not only Hindus have a tradition of venerating various kinds of plants. Representatives of the flora were also worshiped by other peoples of the world. A sacred plant of the Incas, for example, coca. Once upon a time, representatives of this American people used it in their religious rituals and attributed to it a variety of magical properties. The ancient peoples who inhabited the Andes used it not only for ritual purposes, but also as a currency, to treat diseases, and even for chewing. This plant is a bush with straight thin branches and is currently used as a raw material for the preparation of cocaine. In the middle of the last century, a WHO committee decided to recognize coca chewing as a substance abuse disorder. After this, the plant began to be eradicated everywhere. The widely known Coca-Cola drink contains some non-psychoactive alkaloids from the leaves of the mentioned culture.

Sacred plants of the Slavs

Our ancestors also had a tradition of honoring trees. Thus, the oak was considered Perun’s tree of strength and was never cut down even for a cornfield. It was he who symbolized the Tree of Life among the Slavic peoples. In addition, oak was considered a reflection of the Upper World and a tree of longevity. In sacred groves he was often dominant. Celebrations and meals were held under the oak trees. A staff was carved from this tree for the tribal leader, passed down by inheritance.

The Slavs used hazel branches to drive away evil spirits, and the willow was considered a talisman tree. Sacred plants of the Slavs are also hops and chamomile. The first, of course, was the patron of festivities, and the second was a symbol of love and fidelity (loves - does not love). Weeping grass was also highly revered by our ancestors. It was used as a talisman and for searching for treasures. It was believed that it “strengthens” good luck. The Slavs considered the birch a symbol of the Beginning of Life.

Vitex sacred

This plant, often used as a medicinal plant in our time, is popularly called the Tree of Abraham. Among the Jews, the plant Vitex sacred is revered as the bestower of youth. According to legend, the forefather of all Jews, Abraham, once rested under it. To achieve the rejuvenation effect, you just need to sit under it, inhaling the aroma of its flowers. At different times, priests made staffs from the branches and trunks of this bush.

All its parts are medicinal and are used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The fresh juice of this plant is used to cure ailments such as impotence and depression. Decoctions are drunk to get rid of various kinds of skin problems and as a contraceptive. In addition, they treat diseases of the spleen, liver, mastopathy, fibroids and infertility. This plant can also be used to relieve tired legs. To do this, its leaves are placed in shoes. It is not recommended to give infusions and decoctions from any parts of this plant to children under 12 years of age.

Sacred vitex is in demand not only in medicine, but also in cooking. For example, in Arab countries this bush is called “fierce pepper” and is used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes.

Almost every nation in the world has revered plants. Perhaps in our time they are not given the same sacred meaning as in ancient times, but they are still not forgotten and loved. In India and other eastern countries, songs and poems about the lotus are still composed today, and one of the symbols of our country is the white birch tree.

The mysterious ability of trees, growing from a tiny seed, to reach colossal sizes is amazing. Almost real death in the fall and colorful rebirth in the spring, the movement of branches and the noise of leaves in the wind were inexplicable mysteries for ancient people. They believed that trees are mystical creatures that obey not earthly, but to divine laws. Perhaps our ancestors were not so far from the truth...

In India, there are trees that have special relationships with people. Few representatives of the plant kingdom can compare with them in the power of influence on spiritual world humans. We are talking about sacred trees, the worship of which is widespread in India. These are several primordial species of flora belonging to different botanical families. Sacred trees do not have medicinal properties, their fruits are inedible, and their wood is not used, except in special cases. However, they are often are mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, where, together with Hindu deities, people and animals, they are its characters.

According to ancient Indian myths, the gods endow some of their powers with some living beings, and they become symbols of the virtues inherent in the deity. By preserving the energy received, they create a special aura around themselves, instill in people a certain emotional mood and impart strength to religious rituals. That is why Indian monks have been planting sacred trees next to temples for several millennia. It should be noted that not a single of them for this long time has not been subject to selection.

One of the most beloved and revered trees in India is a small evergreen tree. Ashoka(Saraca indica) from the Caesalpiniaceae family.

Initially, the red leaves of Ashoka acquire a dark green color during development and reach 30 cm in length. The parnomeristocompound leaf consists of 4-6 pairs of oblong leaflets. From January to April, large spherical inflorescences of bright orange flowers appear at the ends of the branches, which later turn red .The orange-red inflorescences against the background of dark foliage present an unusually spectacular sight. The flowering tree spreads an aroma that intensifies with the onset of night.

Ashoka is dedicated to the Indian god Kama Deva and is considered a symbol of love, marital fidelity and chastity. The ancient Indian epic “Ramayana” tells how the demon Ravana, struck by the beauty of the young Sita, Rama’s wife, kidnaps her and takes her to the island of Ceylon. Fleeing from the pursuit of her lover demon, Sita found refuge in the grove of Ashoka trees. Ashoka is revered by Buddhists for the fact that Shakyamuni, the future Buddha, was born under the shade of his branches. In Sanskrit poetry, Ashoka is endowed with a gentle and sensual soul. According to popular belief, a tree blooms from the touch of a pretty girl. Indian women eat buds and drink the water in which the flowers are immersed, believing that Ashoka thus conveys his beauty and virtue to them. Wedding ceremonies and Hindu temples are decorated with fragrant inflorescences.

“Forest flame” - that’s what the British called it sacred palace(Butea monosperma) is a deciduous tree from the legume family.

Its large trifoliate leaves fall off during December-January, after which dark flower buds appear at the ends of the branches. With its flowering, Palas marks the onset of the hottest period in India. Small fiery red inflorescences among the bare branches resemble tongues of flame. Rapidly formed green fruits in mass give the impression of a leafy crown, but young leaves appear only in April.

The Palace Tree is dedicated to the Moon.Po ancient legend it grew from drops of Soma that fell to the ground, the drink of the gods, which gives immortality. It is believed that all parts of the tree contain Soma. In the ancient Indian hymns-Vedas, the Palas tree is mentioned as sacred. Its wood is used in funeral pyres, used for making ritual objects and temple utensils .The trifoliate leaf of Palas symbolizes the Trimurti-trinity of Hindu deities. The upper lobe of the leaf represents Vishnu, the right lobe represents Brahma, and the left lobe represents Shiva. In Buddhist hymns, Palas flowers are likened to repentant sinners dressed in orange clothes, and in ancient Indian poetry they are compared to the fangs of a lion, stained blood of the victim.

Holy Peepal or Bo(Ficus religiosa) is a close relative of the Banyan tree (F.benghalensis).

The tree reaches a height of 15-18 m. With age, a spreading crown is formed, giving a lot of shade. The alternately arranged leaves have a characteristic heart-shaped shape with an elongated tip. Even with a barely noticeable breeze, the leaves of Bo flutter and are in constant motion. The flowers are located inside a round, reminiscent berries, inflorescences. Its walls, growing, form fig fruits.

The Bo tree is most revered by Buddhists. According to legend, Gautama Buddha, sitting in its shade, achieved enlightenment and became the founder of a new religion, Buddhism. Many centuries ago, on the island of Ceylon, a Buddhist temple was built around one of the Bo trees. Experts estimate its age to be more than two thousand years , and to this day it continues to grow and bear fruit.

Also considered sacred Bauhinia(Bauhinia variegata).

Its white-flowered variety grows in a single place - on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple near Bombay.

Sacred trees should also be mentioned Bail(Aegle marmelos) (left) and Kadamba(Anthocephalus cadamba) (right), which are identified with parts of Krishna's body and are planted with temples dedicated to him.

There is also a plant that needs to be described in more detail, otherwise the acquaintance with sacred trees will be incomplete.Motherland Plumeria(Plumeria) - northern regions of South America.

In India, it has found a new home and is revered by Buddhists and Muslims. Several species of plumeria P. rubra, P. alba, P. obtusa grow here. These are low (5-10 m) deciduous or evergreen trees with thick, fleshy shoots. The leaves are ovate, or linear on long petioles. The flowers, collected in short brushes at the top of the shoot, are white, pink, red, with a strong aroma. A tree dug out of the soil remains alive for some time and is even capable of blooming. This property is the reason why Plemuria has become a symbol of immortality, it is cultivated in Buddhist temple gardens and Muslim cemeteries. Plumeria is also planted around Hindu temples.

At first glance, the cult of sacred trees is an exotic phenomenon, but in fact it is an everyday side of Indian life. A caring and poetic attitude towards all living things is the basis of Indian religious philosophy. Thousands of years of experience in Indian culture testifies that plants really influence a person’s state of mind I would like to believe that the time will return when a person fully realizes his inextricable connection with the world of living beings and learns to live in harmony with nature and himself.