The Peepal Tree: A Symbol of Wisdom, Healing, and Serenity

‘Tree of Life’ or ‘World Tree’ are often used to refer to the evergreen Peepal Tree. Popularly known as Ashwattha, Vasudeva, and Chaitanya are some of the other names of Peepal Tree. Also, the pipal tree meaning in english is Ficus religiosa because  ‘Ficus’ in Latin refers to ‘fig’, the fruit of the tree and the word ‘Religiosa’ refers to ‘religion’, as it is sacred in both Buddhism and Hinduism. 

That said, let’s explore more about the significance of Peepal Tree and its benefits in various cultures. We will also look at some of the medicinal and healing properties of the Peepal Tree in Hinduism. 

Meaning of Peepal Tree 

The Pippala tree is one of the oldest and most traditionally used trees. It holds spiritual and religious significance. This sacred tree is associated with enlightenment, divinity, and strong cosmic energies. It is heart-shaped and has narrow tips that do not shed its leaves at once, which represents the cycle of birth and death. 

Moreover, as it has various spiritual, religious, and medicinal benefits, cutting a peepal tree is considered a sin. It is believed that the tree is inhabited by deities, and cutting it down would bring misfortunes and challenges to individuals. This belief is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. Therefore, one must always worship the peepal tree by lighting a diya and offering water to its roots and stem.

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Importance of Peepal Tree in Hinduism and Buddhism 

Hinduism and Buddhism are some of the oldest religions that associate their culture and roots with many sacred trees. One among them is the Peepal Tree, which has a powerful significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. So, let’s take a look. 

1. Peepal Tree in Hinduism 

In Hinduism, the Peepal or Ficus religiosa is a sacred tree used for religious practices. It is called the Tree of Deities because, according to Chandogya Upanishad and Atharva Ved, the Trinity—Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva—is believed to reside in it. The importance of the Pippala tree is also mentioned in Bhagavad Gita Chapters 15.2, 15.4, and 15.4.  

Moreover, the significance of Peepal Tree is vast in Hinduism. Peepal tree worship is practised in various religious ceremonies, where devotees water and light diya under the tree and tie red threads around it. All this is done to seek the blessings of Trimurti because Vishnu resides in the roots, Krishna at the stem, and Narayan at the branches. 

2. Peepal Tree in Buddhism 

The Fig Tree or the Ashwattha tree in Buddhism is considered very sacred and enlightening because it is believed that Lord Gautama Buddha meditated under it. It is said that Gautama Buddha meditated for seven weeks (49 days) straight under the Pippala tree without moving to attain enlightenment. 

Moreover, according to various Buddhist texts, Gautama Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple, which is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. Therefore, the leaves of the Peepal Tree are considered auspicious for religious ceremonies, and devotees who worship the Peepal Tree are believed to gain spiritual enlightenment and blessings from Lord Buddha. 

Astrological Facts About Peepal Tree

The significance of the Peepal Tree is vast, and thus, it also has some exciting astrological significance. Here, we will discuss how the Peepal Tree is considered auspicious and sacred in astrological terms. 

• It is believed that worshipping the Pippala tree or keeping its leaves at home can remove any doshas from one’s kundli. 
• Especially on Saturdays, one can offer holy water and light diya under the Peepal Tree as it’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu reside together on Saturday. 
• Offering Jalabhishek on Sunday to the Peepul tree, one can strengthen the weak planets in their horoscope. 
• Taking the leaves of the Peepal Tree in hand and chanting the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ Mantra 108 times daily is auspicious and thus keeps one away from evil energies. 
• In Bhagvat Gita, lord Krishna compares himself to the Peepal Tree, which means that it’s the tree of Gods and Goddesses. So, worshipping the Peepal Tree can attract luck, prosperity, and wealth. 
• It is believed that if you are going through Shani Sade Sati, worshipping the Pippala tree by offering mustard oil and sesame seeds and lighting a diya can remove the ill effects of Shani Dasha. 
• If a girl’s horoscope indicates widowhood, she is first married to an Ashwattha tree during the Krishna paksha of Chaitra month or on Krishna Tritiya of Ashwin month. 

Mythological Story behind the significance of Peepal Tree

Here is an interesting mythological tale that indicates the significance of Peepal Tree and how it is related to dieties. 

1. The Tree of Dieties “Peepal Tree” 

According to Brahma Purana and the Padma Purana, it is believed that once the demon or some Rakshas attacked the dieties. During that situation, Lord Vishnu sought refuge under the Pippala tree, which saved Lord Vishnu. So, since then, it is believed that Lord Vishnu, with other Gods and Goddesses, resides under the Peepal Tree. Thus, worshipping and seeking its blessings is considered auspicious. 

2. The Story of Ashvattha and Peepala 

According to another mythological tale, there were two demons named Ashvattha and Peepala who tricked and killed people. Ashvattha would transform into a Peepal Tree, while Peepala would disguise himself as a Brahmin. Peepala would then encourage people to touch the Peepul tree, and while they did so, he would attack and kill them. 

Upon learning about this, Lord Shani Dev involved himself and destroyed the demons, Ashvattha and Peepala, on a Saturday beneath the Peepal Tree. As a result, the Peepul tree has been regarded as sacred, especially on Saturdays.

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Is Peepal a Medicinal Plant?

Along with spiritual and religious benefits, the Peepal Tree has some scientific and medicinal benefits that can heal and cure many diseases. Each part of the Peepal tree, such as its roots, stem, branches, and leaf juice, is considered effective and beneficial. 

1. Health Benefits of Peepal Tree 

• Peepul tree leaves are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and other nutrients, which can help boost immunity and overall health. 
• The leaf extracts are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the symptoms of conditions like asthma and bronchitis. 
• The leaves of the Peepul tree are known for their antimicrobial properties, which can help in fighting against various infections and allergies. 
• Peepal leaves are also used in traditional medicine for managing health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Peepal leaves can strengthen the weak digestive system and control diarrhoea caused by improper food and impure water. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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