Sometime back there was some discussion on Kalpavriksha, the mythological wish-giving tree. I had heard about a book named Plant Myths and traditions in india by Ms Shakti Sinha. Luckily somebody told me the name of the publisher and I could procure a copy. It is an interesting collection of mythology and tribal folklore associated with so many trees. Kalpavriksha has been variously associated with several trees according to various puranas, and mythological stories. These trees are :
1. Parijata or Harshingar (Nyctannnthes arbor-tristis) 2. Nyagarodha or Bargad….Banyan (Ficus Benghalensis) 3. Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba). Or is it Kaim (Mitragyna parviflora) which is claimed by many to be the real Krishna Kadamba 4. Mandara …Indian Coral tree (Erythrina variegata) Both Parijata and Mandara came out of the churning of Ocean of Milk (Kshirsagar) with Sumeru mountain as the churner, snake Vasuki as the rope, and Vishnu as the pivot for the churner in his Kachchap (turtle) avatar. The objective of the churn was to procure amrita, the drink of immorality. Parijata is the heavenly tree which symbolizes mind. One's desire is fulfilled if asked for sitting in its shade according to the mythology. Mandara also came out of the churning. Both were planted in Nandan Kanan, the garden of Indra. Parijata was taken away by Krishna for his wife Satyabhama. Later Mandara was desired by Rukmini and Krishna took that away as well. Mandara tree is also considered holy because of the trifoliate leaves signifying the trinity of gods, that is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Bilvaptra or Belpatra is also arranged thus, and so is Butea monosperma (Palash). A famous saying in Hindi is 'dhaak ke teen paat'. However, mandara and bilvapatra are offered to Shiva only. And so far as palash is concerned, I do not find any mythology associaated with it, except that its wood can be used to make vessels tol store pujan articles and is also used as sacrificial fuel. Palash when in bloom is a lovely sight, and as it flowers during the time of Holi, the festival of colours, water boiled and cooled with palash flowers is used to throw colour at people. Ficus Benghaalensis or Nyagrodhais also known as desire fulfilling tree, and is supposed to give to the worshipper food and drink, clothes and ornaments, children and hold your breath, een beautiful maidens as well. Wish I had known earlier! According to Bhagvad Purana kadamba is Kalpavriksha. Kadamba is association of awine which was used to entertain Balram, the incarnation of Sheshnaag. However, Kadamba does not exude any juice, but its floeers are distilled to make a spirit. Kadambari is another name for wine. The trinity of exciting habits kadamb, kamini, kanchan, or sura, sundari, sangram (wine, woman and war) is the material for many a mythological story. Parijata, Palash and Mandara are not preferred as garden plants mainly because the trees are nothing much to look at. Banyan is a fine tree but can be used only in large parks. Kadamba of course is a graceful tree, but it likes humid and cool weather. Although now it has ben acclimatised all over the country. Sorry if it was boring and didactic. akbhatt -- Anand Kumar Bhatt A-59, B.S.F.Colony, Airport Road Gwalior. 474 005. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
