Trees In Indian Mythology and Folklore

The trees in Indian mythology and folklore bear spiritual importance in Indian legends
and history. The Vedas Puranas and Epics carry special references on these
mythological trees. As a result these trees are worshipped across India alongside the
deities even in the recent times.

Tulsi Trees In Indian Mythology and Folklore: Hindu mythology has mentioned the
banyan tree time and again. Hence a special significance is associated with this tree.
It is often referred to as the "Ashwath Vriksha". In legends and folklores God Shiva as
Dakshinamurthy is depicted sitting in silence under the banyan with rishis at his feet.
This symbolises an eternal life due to the tree`s unending expansion. The Hindus
further believe that the banyan tree is a `wish fulfilling divine tree.` The reference of
this tree is found in various mythological texts as Bargad, Vatavriksh, and Barh.

The Bodhi Tree is an old sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya under which Gautama
Buddha, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment. In
religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves. The
Peepul tree or Ashvastha tree is also a sacred Fig tree and a symbol for happiness,
prosperity, longevity and good luck. In Bhagwat Geeta, Lord Krishna had also said
"among trees, I Am Ashvastha".

The Tulsi plant is an important mythological plant with a Puranic background.
According to myths and legends goddess Mahalaksmi, wife of Visnu, had once taken
the form of Tulsi. Due to these factors Tulsi plant is often seen at numerous Hindu
temples, especially those dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.

Banyan Trees In Indian Mythology and Folklore The Coconut tree, in mythology, is
called "Kalpa vriksha" meaning "the tree which provides all the necessities of life" or
"wish-fulfilling tree". Lotus, a symbol of beauty, purity and divinity is also seen as the
sitting platform of many Hindu deities.

The Skanda Purana interprets the significance of Bael tree and mentions that Goddess
Parvati`s perspiration, which fell to the ground while she performed penance, gave
birth to this tree. Hindu mythology also says that various incarnations of Parvati
reside in each part of the Bael tree. Besides these the Ashoka tree is popular for the
myth of Lord Buddha taking birth under it in Lumbini. Lord Mahavira, too, renounced
the world under the Ashoka tree in Vaishali. Ramayana also mentions this tree as the
Ashoka Vatika where Hanuman first meets Goddess Sita. Bamboo tree is also
mythlogically associated with Lord Krishna as his `bansuri` was made of bamboo.

Indian mythology and folklore mentions several plants that are revered in India and
given a sacred status.

      Hindus work in harmony with nature and part of their rituals are
planting trees associated to that which they want to bring forth into their
lives.  

      Each Deity is associated to one of their sacred trees of plants as well
as each tree benefiting or healing a certain aspect of our nature.

      The more I learn about their culture and virtues more evident it
became for me the importance that Hindu's pay to their trees.  In
honoring their traditions and wisdom a section on Botanical - Hindu
Trees and Plants has been opened.

      So here is what I know will help many of those out there who like me
aspire to have a pleasant and rewarding life.

      To all my love and appreciation.

Namaste !

Rev. Rina A González
Let Us Continue Leaning About The Hindu Mythology