Just to clarify ... this was only quoted by me, not written by me. In Hinduism, the banyan tree is considered sacred and is called "Vat Vriksha." God Shiva as Dakshinamurthy is nearly always depicted sitting in silence under the banyan with rishis at his feet. It is thought of as perfectly symbolizing eternal life due to its seemingly unending expansion. Also in Hindu culture, the banyan tree is also called kalpavriksha meaning 'wish fulfilling divine tree'. In modern parlance in the Hindi language, it is known as Bargad, Vatavriksh, and Barh. Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya in India while meditating under a banyan tree of the species Sacred Fig. The tree is known as Bodhi Tree. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banyan#Religion_and_mythology
It has religious significance in Buddhism too. FN FN +91-832-2409490 or +91-9822122436 (after 2pm) #784 Nr Lourdes Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India http://fn.goa-india.org http://goa1556.goa-india.org On 7 August 2011 13:09, Vivian A. DSouza <[email protected]> wrote: > Interesting story by Fred Noronha on the origin of > the name of the Banyan tree. > Does the tree also have some religious > symbolism for Hindus ? I noticed that there > often is a Hindu shrine in the shade of the Banyan...
