Pipal - A King Among Trees By Rajendra P Kerkar
Indian folk cultures respect and consider trees like the Pipal sacred. Innumerable Indians and is looked upon as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered to be an embodiment of goddess Laxmi. This tree has held a conspicuous position in the cultural landscape of north India for more than 5,000 years. It was even depicted on the seals found in various sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Even today, in various parts of India this tree is associated with human fertility. This tree has been considered most sacred right from the days of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
The Pipal tree is considered as Lord Vishnu himself. Yet at the same time it is believed that Lord Vishnu was born under this tree and as a baby has floated on its leaves. Lord Krishna is said to have died sitting under the Pipal tree. In some areas Shiva is regarded as the patron deity of this tree. The trinity is also associated with the Pipal. Its roots represent Lord Brahma, the creator, its trunk represents Lord Shiva, the destroyer, and its branches represent Lord Vishnu, the preserver. In Sanskrit, the Pipal tree is known as Ashvattha, the king of trees. According to legend, Lord Vishnu prescribed this tree as the abode of Alaxmi, the goddess of misfortune. The Padma Purana says that Alaxmi occupies the Pipal tree every Saturday, the day related to Lord Saturn who is also related to misfortune. That is why the Pipal tree is worshipped every Saturday. Worshipping the tree every morning after bathing is believed to incur blessings forever. In the Gita the tree signifies the universe. This is perhaps because the figs of the tree are eaten by the birds and the seeds pass unharmed thorough their alimentary canal and take root at the most unimaginable of places like the roof or walls of a house or in the bark of the other trees, the roots remaining invisible. Lord Krishna in the Gita spoke about the Pipal with utmost gratitude: "I am among men what Pipal is among trees." According to the Mahabharata, the man who worships the Pipal tree daily gets the credit of worshipping whole universe.
Besides Hinduism other religions also respect the Pipal tree. Prince Siddhartha retired from his palace and family and sat in meditation under a Pipal tree at Gaya. It was here that he received enlightenment and became famous as Buddha. In Sri Lanka the Pipal tree planted in 228 BC is still alive and enjoys immense respect. The leaf of the Pipal is shaped like a heart and considered by Sikhs as "sweet loving Palm of Thy Hand".
The Pipal tree possesses a lot of medicinal values. The ripe fruits are used in blood and heart related diseases. The juice of the bark is used as a mouthwash, for curing toothache and to strengthen gums. The leaves are used as fodder for elephants and cattle. This tree is an important host to the lac insects. It releases a considerable amount of oxygen and helps in minimising the level of air pollution.
In Goa the Pipal tree occupies a place of respect. In some places it is worshipped as Pipaleshawar. In places like Asnora, Karaswada, Nanora-Bardez, the folk deity Rashtroli is worshipped in the form of a Pipal tree. The holy, unseen spirit of Shivoli known as Khazaneshwar is associated with the Pipal tree. Once, areas that had Pipal trees were locally referred to as Pipalamol, Pipalkatta, Pipalaped. There are folk songs that make reference to the Pipal tree. The famous Datta Mandir of Sankhali has very old, giant Pipal trees that add to the divinity and serenity of this temple complex. In many villages of Goa the Pipal tree usually had a platform around it where people could sit.
In Goa it was once believed that if a boy died before his thread ceremony his spirit would haunt the Pipal tree. There are traditions and beliefs among Goan communities, which regards the Pipal as holy and no one dare cut it. Thus it enjoys total protection. This Indian fig tree or Ficus Religiosa has been considered sacred since time immemorial on account of its utility, and the various stories and myths woven around it.
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