Peepal Tree in Indian Culture

This sacred tree is known by many names in the Indian sub-continent, like Bodhi tree, ashwattha tree and the scientific name is Ficus Religiosa or Sacred Fig. Peepal tree is a common sight in India and very beneficial to the environment and has amazing medicinal properties for humans. One of the very few trees that give Oxygen 24 hours a day.

Medicinal Benefits:

Every part of this sacred tree is beneficial to the human body and it can cure the imbalance of Kapha and Pitta Dosha. Peepal tree helps in,

Skin diseases, digestive problems, cracked heels, pimples, bruise healing, skin resilience, pigmentation, under-eye dark circles, wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks, asthma, poor appetite, eczema, toothache, eye pain, constipation, diarrhoea, epilepsy, blood purification, snake bite, heart disease, ear infection, and impotency. Ayurveda has many usages of Peepal tree.

Why do we worship Peepal Tree:

An important aspect of our Holy Scriptures and procedures is, everything is based on science.

Peepal tree is considered sacred among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists as ‘Tree of Life’.

As per Skanda Purana, Lord Vishnu resides under Peepal Tree, in Bhagvad Geeta, The Lord compared himself with Peepal Tree. In many scriptures, Peepal tree represents the Holy Trinity. The roots being Brahma, Trunk being Vishnu, and Leaves being Shiva. As per popular belief, watering, circling around, and worshipping Peepal tree will bring happiness, wealth, and health. Women are advised to circle around Peepal tree to cure fertility problems and for the long and healthy life of their husbands.

Generally, Peepal tree is watered on Thursday. Lighting of Diya under the tree should be done on Saturday. One should never cut Peepal tree. Cutting down this tree is said to bring ill fate and health problems. But, in case it is growing inside your house, or cutting down the tree is necessary, you should call upon a Pandit for proper Havan and reciting of Mantras. Then it is the duty of the person getting Peepal tree cut, to sow 21 Peepal plants at some other place.

Peepal tree freely gives what keeps us alive — Oxygen. Honour and preserve this sacred tree.