Please see this news clipping which says Parijat is Adansonia digitata. http://www.khabarexpress.com/04/08/2009/Chennai-School-children-tie-Rakhi-to-trees-news_97439.html
It is new information for me. Pankaj Oudhia On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 11:17 PM, tanay bose <[email protected]> wrote: > Thank you Sir I followed Dinesh Ji's link to wikipedia and same the link of > Boab tree and also the name Adansonia digitata but was not sure of the fact. > thanks again sir for enriching my knowledge. > > Regards, > tanay > > On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 11:09 PM, Gurcharan Singh <[email protected]>wrote: > >> Tanay ji and Sibdas ji >> >> Parijat is commonly used name for Nyctanthes arbortristis as also >> mentioned in the text above. The tree on the stamp is not this as evident >> from Palmate leaves. It is also not Aesculus which has much smaller flowers >> in racemes or panicles. This tree from its trunk and flower, to me appears >> to be Adansonia digitata. The trunk sometimes becomes hollow and stores >> water. It is known as Boab, Monkey bread tree, and sometimes Kalp Variksh., >> although I have not been able to find Parijat as name for this tree. >> >> >> -- >> Dr. Gurcharan Singh >> Retired Associate Professor >> SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 >> Res: 932 Anand Kunj, Vikas Puri, New Delhi-110018. >> Phone: 011-25518297 Mob: 9810359089 >> http://people.du.ac.in/~singhg45/ <http://people.du.ac.in/%7Esinghg45/> >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 10:47 PM, tanay bose <[email protected]>wrote: >> >>> Dear Sibdas da, >>> Palmately compound leaf with five leaflet and also it's a tree , this can >>> be seen from the stamp. I am hoping it to be *Aesculus flava.* Leaving >>> this name nothing more is coming to my mind at this moment. >>> Regards, >>> Tanay >>> On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 10:22 PM, sibdas ghosh >>> <[email protected]>wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >>>> From: Pradyot Bhanja <[email protected]> >>>> Date: 3 March 2010 21:12 >>>> Subject: PARIJAT TREE >>>> To: Sibdas Ghosh <[email protected]> >>>> >>>> >>>> শিব Forwarding a mail I received for the knowledge of our members. >>>> What is this plant shown in the postal stamp labeled as Parijat? >>>> PARIJAT TREE >>>> *Stamp Issue Date* *:* 08/03/1997 >>>> *Postage Stamp Denomination* *:* 5.00 & 6.00 >>>> *Postal Stamp Serial Number* *:* 1705 >>>> *Postal Stamp Name* *:* PARIJAT TREE (SE-TENANT) >>>> *Stamp Currency* *:* P >>>> *Stamp Type* *:* COMMEMORATIVE >>>> *Stamp Language* *: *English >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> Plants of India: Parijata >>>> >>>> Parijata-The Wish-Granting Tree >>>> by Christopher McMahon >>>> >>>> * *Part 1: Collecting Parijat* >>>> >>>> [নিচের* এইটা *শিউলী* সম্বন্ধেই লেখা হয়েছে সে বিষয়ে কোনও সন্দেহের অবকাশ >>>> নেই ! ~ প্রদ্যোত।] >>>> >>>> This January(1998) we(Ramakant Harlalka and I) were on our morning walk >>>> in the Matunga section of Mumbai. Along a busy thoroughfare we spotted a >>>> beautiful parijat tree(Nycanthes arbortrisis) growing near an apartment >>>> complex. As it was the sunrise hour, the delicate flowers were gently >>>> falling to the ground and covering the pavement with elegant beauty. We >>>> carefully collected a few of them and placing them in my palm I inhaled a >>>> lovely bouquet that reminded one of the essense of orange flowers and >>>> jasmine. It had a slightly sharper penetrating note but the overall effect >>>> was soft and sweet. We decided to collect a small basket of them so we >>>> could >>>> photograph them in the small studio we had set-up in the flat I was >>>> staying. >>>> As we picked up one ethereal flower after another, I felt as if I was >>>> joining hands with generation after generations of Indians who have >>>> collected them for offering at home alters or in the numerous temples that >>>> are to be found in countryside, town and city. In ancient Hindu literature >>>> the parijatak tree appears as one of the first gifts to humankind hence its >>>> sacred status. It was a simple, pleasurable activity that did not harm the >>>> tree and gave us a lot of joy because we could come close to the plant and >>>> appreciate a little more what a special role it played in the lives of the >>>> Indian people. >>>> >>>> The tree we were collecting flowers from was located on a main street >>>> and even at that early hour the constant flow of buses, trucks, scooters, >>>> and cars with their accompanying noise had commenced. The enviroment in >>>> which the tree was living was far from ideal both from the viewpoint of air >>>> and sound pollution and the neglected soil in which it was growing yet it >>>> gave of its fragrant essence for one and all to enjoy. Its concern was not >>>> for caste, color or creed but only to serve the purpose for which it had >>>> been created. Its scattered fragrant flower, for the most part, were >>>> neglected and trod underfoot as the people rushed to their various jobs, >>>> unaware of the refined beauty and aroma within easy reach of their hands. I >>>> found in its example a very good lesson for my own life in that a person >>>> should always strive to do good no matter how adverse the outer >>>> circumstances may be. It is not an easy lesson to learn but one well worth >>>> considering as through it nobility of character is built and inner peace is >>>> attained. >>>> >>>> The parijatak tree is known in Hindi as harsinghar and Bengali as >>>> shifali. It bears the botanical name of Nycathus arbortristis. It is a >>>> hardy >>>> large shrub or small tree sometimes reaching a height of 30 feet. Its bark >>>> is green is grey to greenish-white in color and a bit rough in texture. It >>>> has a thick branching structure with green oval-shaped leaves. Its 4 to 8 >>>> flower petals are arranged about a vibrant orange tube in a pinwheel >>>> pattern. These highly fragrant flowers open at night perfuming the >>>> surrounding area with an intensely sweet floral aroma. The morning >>>> following >>>> the night bloom, the flowers fall to the earth carpeting it with their >>>> fragile beauty. In the ancient times sages and seers noted each intesting >>>> quality of individual plants and in order to teach the people to closely >>>> observe their life cycles they created beautiful stories >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> http://www.whitelotusaromatics.com/fragrant/parijat2.html >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Plants of India: Parijata >>>> >>>> Parijata-The Wish-Granting Tree >>>> by Christopher McMahon >>>> >>>> *Part 2: Stories of Parijata* >>>> >>>> With regards to the parijatak tree this story is often narrated in >>>> certain communities. >>>> >>>> Once a royal princess fell in love with the sun god-Surya Dev. She was >>>> enamored of his brilliance and beauty as he daily passed through the sky >>>> from east to west in his fiery chariot. Her devotion attracted his >>>> attention >>>> and for a while he favored her with his attention but after awhile he was >>>> distracted with other interests and she was deserted. In despair she killed >>>> herself and from her cremated ashes the parijatak tree arose. Since she was >>>> rejected by Surya Dev, the flowers of the tree only bloom at night. Then >>>> before the sun rises the flowers fall so its rays will not strike her. >>>> Based >>>> on this story the tree was given the species name ëarbortristisí which >>>> means >>>> ëtree of sorrowí. >>>> >>>> Another story surrounding the treesí origin is found in several ancient >>>> Indian scriptures called the Puranas. It is said that when the celestial >>>> beings, at the behest of Hari-the Preserver of the Universe, churned the >>>> cosmic ocean to obtain certain boons that would help alleviate suffering >>>> and >>>> protect the powers of good from the powers of evil one of the parijatak >>>> tree >>>> appeared as one of the divine treasures. Its perfume was said to permeate >>>> the entire universe. Because the tree holds such a elevated place in >>>> Indiaís >>>> sacred lore, the tree is revered by devote Hindus. The story, on one level, >>>> clearly illustrates that trees, flowers and fragrance represent some of the >>>> finest boons for humankind. >>>> >>>> After the parijatak tree emerged from the ocean of existence it taken to >>>> the heaven worlds and planted in the pleasure garden of Indra- the lord >>>> of the gods. One day a great sage of ancient times named Narad Muni visited >>>> this garden in his meditations visited this garden and saw this lovely tree >>>> emitting its divine perfume. Using his yogic powers he gathered up some of >>>> these ethereal blossoms and brought them back to the physical plane and >>>> gave >>>> them to Rukmini, the favorite wife of the renowned avatar of Vishnu, Lord >>>> Krishna, who was at that time dwelling in Dwaraka in north India. The >>>> flowers were so lovely and the fragrance so delicate that Satyabhama >>>> another >>>> wife of Lord Krishna became desirous of possessing that celestial tree and >>>> having it planted in her own garden. She was jealous of the attention >>>> Krishna was showing to Rukmini and wanted him to give more time to her. She >>>> implored him to obtain the tree for her. To satisfy her desire he entered >>>> into a state of deep meditation and in that state plucked up the tree from >>>> the garden. Before leaving that place he was accosted by the keepers of the >>>> garden and was told he would incur the wrath of Indra as the tree belonged >>>> to his wife Sachi. But Satyabhama would not be put off by any obstacle and >>>> said that the tree was the common property of all and had as much place on >>>> earth as it had in the heavens. As a result Krishna waged a great war with >>>> Indra and his celestial army. In the end Krishnaís strength prevailed and >>>> Indra was forced to retreat. At that time Satyabhama taunted him as being a >>>> coward but decided to give back his celestial tree. Krishna also consented >>>> to return the tree to its celestial abode. But Indra said that there was no >>>> shame in being defeated by the avatar of Vishnu and that the tree should be >>>> taken to earth and planted in Dwarka where its fragrance could be enjoined >>>> by all the people of the earth. Thus the first parijatak tree was planted >>>> and its divine fragrance was said to spread for three furlongs. Its aroma >>>> was charged with so much power that it would help people enhaling it to >>>> remember events of their past lives. In this instance also we can see that >>>> the sages were explaining to the people that fragrance was a valuable means >>>> of accessing stored memories. In the East memory has a much more >>>> comprehensive meaning than in the West as it can include past lives as it >>>> is >>>> believed that the soul takes countless births on its journey to perfection >>>> but the same basic principal is explained in this story as is encountered >>>> in >>>> western literature regarding how fragrance stimulates memories of past >>>> events in ones life. >>>> >>>> The above mentioned stories come down to us out of Indiaís rich cultural >>>> and spiritual heritage and are charged with tremendous meaning. The key to >>>> understanding can only be obtained by deep thought and contemplation and >>>> even this process may not totally unlock their secret is much is lost in >>>> translation or in change in the story over a period of time. Still, on a >>>> very basic level we can say that sages were trying to create in the mindís >>>> of the people a powerful remembrance of the plants that surrounded them so >>>> that they would learn to observe them minutely and learn to love and >>>> appreciate them. If a person could be encouraged to do this then they would >>>> definitely learn that every created object had numerous qualities that >>>> could >>>> prove beneficial in the form of foods, medicines, condiments, construction >>>> materials, cosmetics, and the like. Knowing this a simple hearted person >>>> would want to nourish, protect and propogate such plants so that their >>>> would >>>> be a constant supply of its beneficial products for one and all to use. It >>>> is in this way that a refined social consciousness was developed that did >>>> not depend on any external agencies but rather on the individuals efforts >>>> to >>>> keep the environment healthy and intact. >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> Parijata-The Wish-Granting Tree >>>> by Christopher McMahon >>>> >>>> *Part 3: Cultural Significance of Parijata* >>>> >>>> The parijatak tree is native to India and in its natural habitat is >>>> found growing up to an altitude of 1,500 meters. It adapts well to dry >>>> slopes and rocky ground. Because of its fragrant flowers it is cultivated >>>> in >>>> gardens throughout the country. Even when neglected it still produces >>>> fragrant flowers in abundance. Its greatest enemy is standing water which >>>> causes the roots to rot and die. If a little care is given to the plant in >>>> the form of periodic deep waterings, well rotted compost, and judicious >>>> pruning it can take on the form of a trully elegant specimen. Its flowering >>>> season is quite long, extending from August to December in most regions. It >>>> is an excellent selection for planting in semi-shady situations. >>>> >>>> Aside from its esteemed position in the home garden parijatak has >>>> sometimes been planted in the precincts of temples as its fragrance creates >>>> a devotional atmosphere that aids in the remembrance of the sublime power >>>> embodied by the particular diety worshipped in that place. The flowers are >>>> particularly offered to Lord Ganesh, Satyanaryana, Samba and Swarna Gowri. >>>> In the Indian system of belief these dieties are embodiments of particular >>>> qualities or virtues which assist in the aspirants spiritual quest and so >>>> the offering of particlar flowers is highly significant. As with many of >>>> the >>>> ancient traditions the reasons for offering a flower with a particular >>>> shape, color and fragrance have been lost or is in the hands of a rare few >>>> individuals but one thing we now know is that specific odors can stimulate >>>> certain centers in the brain to act in a particular way. It is not an exact >>>> science as it can vary from individual from individual and from culture to >>>> culture. But in India the science of fragrance was highly evolved and could >>>> serve to evoke a particular response on a large group of people who >>>> commonly >>>> shared in the worship of a particular diety. That particular fragrance >>>> could >>>> bring the minds of those people a shared devotional aspiration. In that >>>> atmosphere fragrance along with several other rites and rituals could >>>> produce a state of profound concentration that would allow an openess to >>>> occur that would refresh a persons heart and mind and bring them into unity >>>> with the community in which they lived and with the mystery of life in >>>> which >>>> everyone was a participant. It is also possible that the sages knew that >>>> the >>>> perfume of a particular flower when inhaled could help stimulate the immune >>>> system against certain disease organisms prevailing at the season of the >>>> year in which it was blooming. We now know that natural fragrances do have >>>> some anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties so it is not impossible that >>>> ancient sages discovered these properties, not with technical instruments >>>> which they did not posses, but through the powers of keen observation which >>>> they had in abundance. >>>> >>>> In India the parijat tree is planted in the precincts of temples because >>>> of the sublime atmosphere created by the aroma of its flowers. I know the >>>> fragrance of parijatak is dear to my wife, Suzanne and I, as we use fo go >>>> for a walk about a small temple in the suburbs of Bombay every evening >>>> during the month of January. A number of parijatak trees were planted in >>>> the >>>> shrines vicinity as we would inhale the delicious odor of the last flowers >>>> of the season as we slowly strolled about the complex. The refreshing odor >>>> helped sustain the beautiful time we had just spent listening create a mood >>>> of peace and relaxation that allowed us to quietly digest the words of a >>>> great sage whose discourse we had just listened too. To this day the memory >>>> of that time is quickly awakened when we smell the fragrance of parijat. >>>> The >>>> flower itself conveys a very special message to those who know how to read >>>> its language. If one closely observes its delicate beauty one will observe >>>> that it has a vibrant orange center. This color is a symbol of fire in the >>>> Hindu tradition. Fire, in turn, is considered that power which purifies a >>>> persons heart and mind so that all desires for the world are consumed. >>>> leaving only a pure consciousness which directly communes with the Hidden >>>> Power within that has been and is called by many names. The white petals >>>> which surround the orange center symbolic of that pure consciousness. In >>>> the >>>> ancient times Buddhist monks and Hindu ascetics dyed their robes a rich >>>> fiery color to show that they had renounced the world. This dye was >>>> produced >>>> from the very same orange centers of the parijat. When the flowers would >>>> fall to the ground, people would collect them and separte the orange tube >>>> from the white petals and dry them. Once they were dried they could be used >>>> for making this saffron-colored dye. At one time an attempt was made to >>>> commercialize this dye as it gave a fine color to cotton and silk but due >>>> to >>>> the labor intensive nature of its collection and the fact that a good means >>>> of fixing it were not obtained the concept was abandoned. Perhaps in the >>>> future the study of this dye will be resumed and a cottage industry >>>> developed where its beautiful color could be extracted. >>>> >>>> The Muslim people, too, have an affection for the flower and it is said >>>> that it is planted in their grave yards. In the morning the ethereal >>>> flowers >>>> carpet the tombs with a natural aromatic floral display. The story that >>>> this >>>> tells is simple and beautiful. In nature, the parijat tree grows to a >>>> mature >>>> specimen which produces innummerable flowers. These flowers grow to >>>> maturity >>>> and for a brief time give off their fragrance for one and all to enjoy. >>>> When >>>> the perfume is exhausted, they fall to the earth, wither, and die having >>>> fulfilled the mission of their life. Our lives, in the ideal sense, should >>>> follow their example. We, as part of the human family, are like the flowers >>>> of the mother plant. In the beginning our innate beauty is hidden as it can >>>> only be developed through the experiences of life both good and bad. >>>> Through >>>> the ups and downs of life, if we are fortunate, we come to the point where >>>> out of the heart comes a sweet perfume of love and compassion for one and >>>> all. Having given of that perfume in a quiet, unassuming way, the time >>>> comes >>>> when the bodies resources are exhausted and we depart from this plane of >>>> existences and our soul essence reunites with the invisible essence from >>>> which we come. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> sibdas ghosh >>>> >>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "efloraofindia" group. >>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>> [email protected]<indiantreepix%[email protected]> >>>> . >>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/indiantreepix?hl=en. >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Tanay Bose >>> +91(033) 25550676 (Resi) >>> 9830439691(Mobile) >>> 9674221362 (Mobile) >>> >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>> "efloraofindia" group. >>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>> [email protected]<indiantreepix%[email protected]> >>> . >>> For more options, visit this group at >>> http://groups.google.com/group/indiantreepix?hl=en. >>> >> >> >> >> > > > -- > Tanay Bose > +91(033) 25550676 (Resi) > 9830439691(Mobile) > 9674221362 (Mobile) > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "efloraofindia" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]<indiantreepix%[email protected]> > . > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/indiantreepix?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "efloraofindia" group. 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