A tree signifying the knowledge of good and evil, a symbol of human consciousness - this is how the Great Banyan is usually called. They say that he was the first tree in the Garden of Eden - Eden. But be that as it may, the appearance and unusualness of this amazing plant cannot leave anyone indifferent who sees it. It is truly unique; it has the largest crown of all the trees that exist on our planet. And the whole point is that ficus bengal (this is its scientific official name) is not just an ordinary tree: the banyan is a forest tree, it has not one, but several thousand trunks.

Ficus bengal or banyan

The banyan tree, the national tree of India, looks like many-armed dancing deities. In India, the Bengal ficus has been revered and respected for a long time. The branches of the banyan tree send down their large roots, some of them grow directly into the ground, and as a result, the above-ground part cannot be distinguished from the main trunk.

Ficus bengal is from the mulberry family, just like breadfruit. It grows in India, on the island of Sri Lanka and in Bangladesh. After some time, seedlings of these plants were also brought to the USA (Florida, Hawaii). Banyan trees are very unusual trees, and their beauty lies not only in their aerial roots, which can create stunning structures. They still have unique properties, which are beneficial in all sectors for both humans and the animal world. This is what made the banyan tree a symbol of India. This tree lives for a long time: the oldest of them today is about 400 years old. During this time, it has grown so wide that a real forest is created under its crown. But do not forget that all of this together is one tree-grove.

What is a banyan tree?

Despite popular misconception, banyan is not the name of a tree species (like birch, maple, oak or aspen), but a life form of a plant. There is grass, bushes, palm trees, vines on the ground, and there are unusual trees - banyans. They are called plants on the branches of which multiple aerial roots are created. Over time, they gradually reach the ground, then take root and become secondary trunks, thereby growing into large groves.

How does this plant appear?

Banyan trees begin their life development in an incredibly interesting way. A large number of seeds are carried by birds. If the grains fell into the ground and sprouted, it means that the ficus will grow in the form of a tree. And if a seed fell into a crack in a building, for example, or got stuck in the crown of another tree, then a banyan tree will grow from it. In this way it launches its life cycle like an epiphyte.

The banyan tree takes absolutely nothing from the support nutrients, develops and lives thanks to atmospheric moisture and photosynthesis. When it grows to large sizes, gives aerial roots that reach the ground and germinate, thereby forming the first trunk for the banyan tree. Then new branches appear on it, which in turn throw out roots, and this happens endlessly. There can be a huge number of secondary trunks throughout the life of a tree. The banyan tree itself grows in width rather than in height, but the parent of this tree quickly dies (literally after a couple of years) and is crushed by the ficus. The same thing happens with human buildings - the roots and trunks of banyan trees destroy various ceilings.

Banyan trees belong to the genus Ficus and there are two types of these plants on earth:

• The Bengal banyan is an epiphyte. At the beginning of its development, it attaches to another plant. The seeds are carried to the carrier tree by birds. The sprout produces a huge number of aerial roots, but some simply dry out before they have time to grow to the ground. Well, those who were able to get to the ground create new trunks.
• The second type is called religious ficus. It is not an epiphyte and also grows aerial roots, which in turn rest on the ground and form a large crown. This banyan tree is usually grown for horticultural use. It makes an excellent bonsai.

What is the largest banyan tree?

One of the largest species of this tree, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is called the Great Banyan, and it grows in Kolkata. Its age is 250 years, the crown of the tree has a circumference of 350 meters, and its area is 1.5 hectares. Today this is the largest banyan tree in the world, it grows in the botanical garden in Howrah. For your life period it was destroyed more than once due to powerful hurricanes. The greatest damage was caused by cyclones in 1864 and 1867, when many branches were damaged and the main trunk was divided into 2 parts. In 1925, it was struck by lightning and the main trunk was removed as a result. But thanks to a considerable number of aerial roots (there are about 3,280 of them), the tree grows further and now looks more like a forest grove.

There is another huge ficus that can compare with the Great Banyan. It grows near an Indian town, its age is approximately 400 years, and its area is three acres.

Where did such an unusual name come from?

The name of the tree was given by Europeans: travelers from Portugal noticed that local Indian traders (translated as banias) often chose a place to communicate and simply relax under these big trees, because it is not hot at all in their shade. This is how the name banias tree came, and a little later the word “banyan” began to mean the tree itself. Before today The tradition has been preserved of coming to meetings in the shade of a huge banyan tree and enjoying the silence and coolness of this hospitable tree. For the Indian people, this ficus is sacred, and its leaves are the resting place of the god Krishna. Exists a large number of ways to use this tree. Hindus have learned to extract usefulness from almost all the properties of this amazing plant:

• The tree can be used as shade in most communities.
• Each part of the tree has unique medicinal properties.
• The bark and seeds can be used as a tonic to maintain body temperature and also treat diabetes.
• The root is used to strengthen teeth and gums.
• The sap of the tree can relieve swelling, bruising and skin inflammation, and also treat some skin diseases.
• Shellac is extracted - a natural varnish for treating various surfaces.
• The bark is used to make paper.
• Women learned to use banyan root for hair care.
• Leaves are often used as utensils.

"Indian Ava"

Very often, tourists, when they see a banyan tree, exclaim: “This is Eywa!” Indeed, the luminous Ava tree from the movie “Avatar” by J. Cameron resembles a banyan tree both in appearance and in its semantic meaning. Eywa, the tree of life of the planet Pandora, is also the center of the ecosystem and the keeper of the memory of souls.

sacred tree

The banyan tree is a symbol of India, representing eternal life, harmony and order. This plant represents its own ecosystem; birds, animals and insects find food and shelter here. People feel comfortable and cool under the banyan tree. According to Indian legend, it was under this ficus that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, becoming Buddha. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that this plant is one of the main symbols of India. A mighty spreading tree with a large number of trunks and an extensive crown has become an object of worship since ancient times. To this day, people build real sacred altars under this tree. Quite often, Hinduism is compared to the banyan tree for its versatility and confusion. In addition, the tree symbolizes immortality, eternal life and inflexibility. On top of that, it is considered a symbol of fertility. In ancient scripture it is listed as the World Tree, a cosmic plant - a symbol and image of human consciousness.

The Banyan tree, which is located in Korat (Thailand), has become the main attraction for tourists. Along the edges of the roots of this plant there are paths for people, there are benches for rest, as well as a small temple. In reality, all this is difficult to imagine, but this is a real miracle of nature. Here you can calmly walk between the roots of the trees, people relax and pray in the Buddhist chapel.

Since ancient times, Hindus have worshiped sacred trees, believing that they bring good luck to their lives. Evergreen banyan trees are symbols of eternal life and prosperity. This tree is planted near Hindu temples, believing that Deities and spirits will reside in its numerous roots. Under the canopy of banyan trees, rituals are performed, meetings are held, and sages go into a trance. In every village there is such a tree, under which the elders hold a council. It is believed to help make wise decisions. Women come to banyan trees asking for offspring.

Residents of India call the banyan tree the national tree; it represents renewal, rebirth and an inexhaustible source of life. Born from a seed, a tree grows and creates its own huge world. The banyan tree is a symbol of harmony; it was under such a tree that Buddha achieved complete enlightenment. Take a closer look and you will see many hands of Indian gods. Banyan trees symbolize long life and are the embodiment of the divine creator Brahma.

It would not be correct to say that banyan is a tree, it is a growth feature. Banyans are plants that have one crown and many trunks, more precisely, aerial roots. Banyan trees can rightfully be considered one of the most unusual trees in the world.

In India, Banyan trees include Bengal and Indian ficus. In their homeland they reach incredible sizes. The seeds of these plants are carried by birds. A tree begins its life with an ordinary sprout, it grows stronger and reaches for the sun. The shoot entwines a neighboring tree and stretches along it towards the sun. Having got closer to the light, the tree grows a voluminous crown. It is impossible to hold it with one trunk, then the plant takes down numerous aerial roots. They reach out to the ground, and when they reach it, they take root. Some time passes, the roots become powerful and look more like a trunk. An adult plant can grow several hundred such trunks – supports. Gradually the plant occupies the entire free area. Ficus banyan trees grow wider than upward. Their height rarely reaches the twenty-five meter mark, but in width the plants can occupy several hectares. They symbolize eternal life and inflexibility. Even if the main trunk of a tree dies, it continues to feed its crown at the expense of other root trunks.

Banyan trees are long-lived, their lifespan is hundreds of years. Hindus take care of their sacred trees. In order for the plant to continue to develop, bamboo sleeves are placed on the fresh aerial roots, which are designed to protect the young roots from damage. To make it easier for them to take root, the ground under the giants is loosened and fertilized.

Ficus banyans have large green leaves and the trees are covered with small white flowers between April and June. Small, red fruits in their own way appearance resemble figs. They contain a lot of seeds and are a favorite treat for birds and monkeys.

Mature banyan trees form a unique ecosystem. Monkeys, birds, many insects and small animals form their settlements here. The huge crown, numerous branches and trunks give them shelter and a sense of security.

Everyone knows how much Hindus revere nature. Moreover, not only animals, but also plants are considered sacred in this country. We’ll talk about which ones exactly in this article. We’ll also figure out what kind of revered plants there are in general. different countries peace.

This is a little-known plant in our country, but a sacred plant in India. Here it is a symbol of the World Tree. Residents of this country believe that the branches of this plant can drive away evil spirits from a person, and its leaves fulfill wishes. In ancient times, Ashwattha wood was used to make ritual bowls. Research scientists know of two archaic motifs associated with this plant. The first represents a person on aswatthi trying to get the fruit. This was considered a symbol of religious knowledge. Also in ancient times, Hindus often depicted a horse next to the mentioned plant. It is believed that it was under this asvatthi that a revelation descended on the Buddha.

Tulasi

In a number of Indian traditions, another interesting plant is revered - tulsi (basil). He is worshiped as the wife of Vishnu. According to legend, she was once the wife of one of the demons. Vishnu himself turned it into basil. Subsequently, he married her. It is a tulsi plant with ovate green leaves. Among other things, it is also used as a medicinal herb.

Rosaries were often made from this sacred plant, since, according to legend, it drives away all misfortunes from a person and evil forces. Tulsi is a plant that is described in one of the Indian epics. One day, a sage revered by the people accidentally tore his rosary made from basil and asked a servant to repair it. Tom had no time, and he promised to do it the next day. However, the sage ordered him to repair them immediately. “If you knew how dangerous it is to be in this world without them, you would tremble with fear,” he said.

Udumbara and Nyagroha

Udumbara is a sacred plant in India, revered as a symbol of abundance. Once upon a time, thrones for kings, various kinds of amulets and bowls were made from it. Udumbara bears fruit three times a year, hence its sacred meaning.

Nyagroha is one of the varieties of fig trees. Its interesting feature is that it produces aerial roots, which, upon reaching the ground, sprout to form new trunks. The result is that one crown grows on a whole grove of trunks at once. According to legend, Vishnu himself once chose this sacred plant. In India, it is believed that this god floats in the middle of the primordial ocean precisely on a leaf of the mentioned tree.

sacred lotus

This is the most revered plant in Buddhist countries, a symbol of religion. Hindus believe that the human soul, as it develops, blossoms like this flower. The darkness of the silt where this plant originates is considered a symbol material world. Making its way through the thickness of the water, the lotus shows the world a real spiritual transformation. If we talk about the topic “Sacred Plants of Egypt,” then here we also meet this flower. The inhabitants of this country give it the same sacred meaning as the Hindus. Like a sacred lotus, a person, having discarded everything superficial, having made his way through the jungle of life’s vicissitudes, must take the path of flourishing and self-improvement. It is this flower that is national symbol India itself.

Rose

This is another sacred plant in India. There is a legend according to which a person who brought a rose to the king had the right to fulfill any desire. The princesses of India often walked through fragrant gardens, cut by grooves in which rose water flowed.

Revered plants by the Incas

Of course, not only Hindus have a tradition of venerating various kinds of plants. Representatives of the flora were also worshiped by other peoples of the world. A sacred plant of the Incas, for example, coca. Once upon a time, representatives of this American people used it in their religious rituals and attributed to it a variety of magical properties. The ancient peoples who inhabited the Andes used it not only for ritual purposes, but also as a currency, to treat diseases, and even for chewing. This plant is a bush with straight thin branches and is currently used as a raw material for the preparation of cocaine. In the middle of the last century, a WHO committee decided to recognize coca chewing as a substance abuse disorder. After this, the plant began to be eradicated everywhere. The widely known Coca-Cola drink contains some non-psychoactive alkaloids from the leaves of the mentioned culture.

Sacred plants of the Slavs

Our ancestors also had a tradition of honoring trees. Thus, the oak was considered Perun’s tree of strength and was never cut down even for a cornfield. He is the one who Slavic peoples symbolized the Tree of Life. In addition, oak was considered a reflection of the Upper World and a tree of longevity. In sacred groves he was often dominant. Celebrations and meals were held under the oak trees. A staff was carved from this tree for the tribal leader, passed down by inheritance.

The Slavs used hazel branches to drive away evil spirits, and the willow was considered a talisman tree. Sacred plants of the Slavs are also hops and chamomile. The first, of course, was the patron of festivities, and the second was a symbol of love and fidelity (loves - does not love). Weeping grass was also highly revered by our ancestors. It was used as a talisman and for searching for treasures. It was believed that it “strengthens” good luck. The Slavs considered the birch a symbol of the Beginning of Life.

Vitex sacred

This plant, often used as a medicinal plant in our time, is popularly called the Tree of Abraham. Among the Jews, the plant Vitex sacred is revered as the bestower of youth. According to legend, the forefather of all Jews, Abraham, once rested under it. To achieve the rejuvenation effect, you just need to sit under it, inhaling the aroma of its flowers. IN different times Priests made staffs from the branches and trunks of this bush.

All its parts are medicinal and are used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The fresh juice of this plant is used to cure ailments such as impotence and depression. Decoctions are drunk to get rid of various kinds of skin problems and as a contraceptive. In addition, they treat diseases of the spleen, liver, mastopathy, fibroids and infertility. This plant can also be used to relieve tired legs. To do this, its leaves are placed in shoes. It is not recommended to give infusions and decoctions from any parts of this plant to children under 12 years of age.

Sacred vitex is in demand not only in medicine, but also in cooking. For example, in Arab countries this bush is called “fierce pepper” and is used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes.

Almost every nation in the world has revered plants. Perhaps in our time they are not given that sacred meaning, as in ancient times, but they are still not forgotten and loved. In India and other eastern countries, songs and poems about the lotus are still composed today, and one of the symbols of our country is the white birch tree.

“In the valley of Mount Trikuta there was a garden called Ritumat, this garden belonged to the great devotee Varuna and was a place of entertainment for the girls of the demigods. Flowers and fruits grew there in all seasons. Among them were mandaras, parijats, patalas, ashokas, champakas, chutas, piyalas, panasas, mangoes, amratakis, kramuks, coconut trees, date trees and pomegranates... In this garden there was a very large lake filled with shining golden lotus flowers and flowers known like kumuda, kahlara, utpala and shatapatra... Thanks to the exciting movements of fish and turtles, the water was decorated with pollen that fell from lotus flowers. The banks were also richly decorated with a variety of trees, which produced flowers and fruits in all seasons. Thus the whole mountain stood gloriously adorned.” ( Srimad-Bhagavatam. 8.2.)

Trees and flowers in Buddhism

"Careful as oil in a bowl, ten lunar months The Bodhisattva was worn by Queen Mahamaya. When her time came, she wanted to visit her parents’ house in the city of Davadakha. On the way there was a grove of sal trees, which was called Lumbini - a grove of amusement. At this time, the whole of it, from roots to tops, was covered with flowers, and many five bees were buzzing among the branches. different colors, and the birds fluttered, singing sweetly. Seeing all this, the queen felt a desire to take a walk in the garden. She approached tall tree sal and reached for one of the branches. Then this branch, like a flexible reed, itself bent towards her and was at the level of her hands. The queen touched her, and at the same moment she was shocked by the pangs of childbirth. So, holding on to the branches, the queen delivered herself from the burden.” ( The story of the birth of Buddha)

Buddhism places a special emphasis on man's love of nature, and few other religions in the world are so closely associated with the plant world. According to legend, Gautama Buddha was born under a tree ashoka, achieved enlightenment under a tree pippal, preached his new teaching in mango groves and in the shade of giant ficus trees - banyan trees, and died among the thickets of trees sal. By associating trees such as sal, ashoka and plaksha with the life of Buddha, Buddhism declared them sacred.

The most important buddhist symbol – bodhi tree, or Bo, under which Buddha gained enlightenment. “Bodhi” is one of the main terms of Buddhism, denoting the highest state of consciousness, spiritual enlightenment. Traditionally, the Bodhi tree is considered to be pippal (sacred ficus), but according to some sources there are seven bodhi trees associated with the title of Buddha - “bodhisattva”. Bodhi is not the name of the tree, but its characteristic, emphasizing its role in the path of the Buddha. It is believed that achieving the state of bodhi is possible only under the Bodhi tree, therefore it is an integral attribute of all buddhas at all times and in all worlds.

One evidence of the significant role of trees in Buddhism is the wonderful temple located in Barut. In the sculpture of Baruta there is not yet an image of the Buddha himself - he is represented only symbolically: a lotus flower signifies his birth, a pippal tree - insight, etc. A special place among the sculpted trees and plants is occupied by the seven bodhi trees. These trees provide dense shade, and it is not surprising that the grateful inhabitants of the hot country awarded them a sacred title. The image of a pippal tree is carved with great care on the Prazenajit memorial pillar. Among the other trees depicted in Baruta's sculpture we also find the banyan or nyagrodha, the gular or fig tree, also known as udumbara, sal and mango.

The mango tree is found more often than others, for example, it is present in the relief depicting the offering in the Jetavana monastery. According to legend, during Buddha's stay in Magadha, the wealthy merchant Anathapindaka visited him and gave him Jetavana Park with clear pools, lush greenery and countless flowers. In this park, Buddha delivered his sermons to the people. One of the bas-reliefs shows tala– widely known palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer). The sculptures of the Sanchi Temple in Central India also indicate that in the first centuries sacred trees played an important cult role in Buddhism.

By converting his subjects to Buddhism, King Ashoka (264–227 BC) renounced violence and not only encouraged afforestation, but also made it part of his state policy. He called for cultivating gardens and turning roads into shady alleys. In Sri Lanka you can still see a descendant tree of the famous sacred Bodhi tree. It is believed that it grew from a branch of the original tree that King Ashoka sent from India in the 3rd century BC. e. The sacred tree is very popular among pilgrims, who gather in thousands to offer words of prayer and respectful gratitude to it.

Mythical plants

"World Tree"

Long ago, in the ocean of non-existence, Prantipurusha floated among the impenetrable darkness... Having desired to produce various creatures from Himself, first of all He created waters and placed a seed in them. This seed turned into a Golden Egg, shining like the Sun, in which He Himself was born in the form of Brahma. He spent a whole year in the Golden Egg, and then divided it into two parts with his thoughts. From the two halves of the shell He formed Heaven and Earth, and between them He placed the air space, the cardinal points and a container for water. Thus, the Golden Flower blossomed. (Legend of the Golden Egg)

World tree in the mythological model of the world of the Indo-Europeans, it is a symbol of the unity of three worlds - the upper (heavenly), middle (ground) and lower (underground). According to these beliefs, the crown of the World Tree reaches the heavens, the roots descend into the underworld, and the trunk marks the center of the earth, its axis. Relative to the surface of the earth, the trunk of the World Tree symbolizes the center of the main directions: east, west, north and south. Therefore, the World Tree is surrounded by four more gods with their sacred animals, indicating the cardinal directions. In Indian mythology, the axis of the three worlds is Mount Meru, but the symbolism of the World Tree is also present in many other myths.

Hindu mythology often mentions a tree growing in the Primordial Ocean. According to some sources, this tree Vetasa, which grew during the creation of the world from fragments of the shell of the Golden Egg. Apparently, he has a real prototype, because vetas trees are mentioned in many sources as growing in nature. According to other sources, Narayana, the Supreme God, reclines on the leaf of a banyan tree floating on the primordial waters (Nara), and sucks his toe, symbolizing eternity. In another version of this myth, Narayana in the form of a baby reclines on the branches of a banyan tree growing from the Primordial Ocean.

In the Upanishads, the metaphor of creation is asvattha (pippal), “the root of which is above, and the branches grow down.” In the mythological symbolism of the Mahabharata, the Nyagrodha tree (Sanskrit. nyag-rodha- “downward growing”). The name is explained by the specific structure of this plant: its branches-roots go down and grow into the ground. Ashwattha, pippal, banyan, nyagrodha are the names of plants from the ficus genus, which will be discussed later.

Parijata tree

“When the sura gods, due to the curse of Durvasa Muni, lost their immortality and became weak, they were attacked by asuras, many of the gods lost their lives and were unable to come to life again. Then they decided to churn the primordial ocean to get amrita - the drink of immortality. Among the wonderful things and creatures resulting from the churning of the ocean was the parijata tree, which adorns the celestial planets and fulfills wishes.”( Srimad-Bhagavatam. 8.8.)

Wood obtained from ocean churning Parijata planted in his garden by the god Indra, the king of the gods and the ruler of the heavenly world of Indraloka. The tree's bark was made of gold, and it was decorated with sprouting young copper-colored leaves and branches with numerous clusters of fragrant fruits. Rishi Narada brought a flower from this tree as a gift to his friend Krishna, who gave it to one of his wives, Rukmini. Narada informed Krishna's other wife, Satyabhama, about this, being surprised that the flower was not presented to her as his beloved wife. Satyabhama, of course, was upset, and then Narada advised her to ask Krishna as a gift of the Parijata tree itself in order to plant it near the house. But the tree belonged to Indra, who would not part with it voluntarily, and Krishna would have to kidnap Parijat. Having given such advice, the sage flew to Indra and warned him to guard the tree more strictly, after which he began to wait for events to develop.

Satyabhama retired to the “room of anger”, where wives who felt unhappy retired. When Krishna came to her, she asked to give her the Parijata tree as a proof of love. Sneaking into Indra's garden, Krishna began to dig up Parijat in order to carry away the tree with its roots and plant it near Satyabhama's house. Indra appeared here, however, seeing who the kidnapper was - after all, Krishna was an avatar of the god Vishnu - he generously allowed the tree to be taken away. Krishna proved his love to both wives by planting a tree in Satyabhama's garden, but its branches extended over Rukmini's garden, dropping its flowers there. After the death of Krishna, the city of Dwarka, where he lived, sank into the ocean, and the Parijata tree returned to heaven.

Probably, before “returning to heaven,” this wonderful tree managed to reproduce, since parijata trees, or har singhar, still grow in India. Their flowers resemble jasmine, but the corolla tubes are colored Orange color. Asvagosa, the spiritual mentor of King Kanishka, when describing the jungles of the lower belt of the Himalayas, mentions many beautiful trees, including parijata, shining in their grandeur and towering regally above other trees, burdened with lush blossoms. They are widely distributed in the gardens of eastern Rajasthan.

Kalpa-vriksha

“During the midday heat, the crowns of the trees closed like an umbrella over Krishna’s head, covering Him in the shade. Seeing this, the Lord turned to His friends: “Just look at these magnificent trees that have given their lives to serve others! Without thinking about themselves, they protect us from wind, rain, heat and snow. Just think how wonderfully these trees take care of all living beings! They were not born in vain. They are like great saints, for anyone who turns to them in need will never leave disappointed.” ( Srimad Bhagavatam 10.22)

Often mentioned in Indian epics Kalpa-vriksha, translated as “wishing tree,” the image of which is depicted in ancient Indian sculptural decorations. According to legend, you need to stand under the branches of a tree and it will give everything that is asked of it. Kalpa Vriksha is dedicated to one of the earliest sculptures of vegetation in India. It was created in Besnagar in the 3rd century BC. e. and is now in the Calcutta Museum. M. Radhava describes this tree as a banyan tree, at the foot of which are depicted pitchers and a shell from which coins and lotus flowers are pouring. Kalpa-vriksha is also often called a coconut tree.

It is believed that kalpa-vrikshas used to grow in the forest of Vrindavan, Krishna’s favorite playground in childhood, but what kind of trees they were could not be determined. According to the Hare Krishnas, these trees did not fulfill the wishes of every person who approached them with a request. First the supplicant had to become a devotee of Lord Krishna. The wish tree is impartial and free from material attachments. It bestows fulfillment of desires only on those who deserve such mercy.

Indian botanist K. M. Vaid is inclined to consider the baobab as the prototype of this magical tree, but baobabs do not grow in India. Perhaps Vaid meant shemal (shalmali) is a cotton tree from the genus Bombax, species of which are often also called baobabs. Cotton or silk tree (B. malabaricum or B. ceiba) is one of the largest trees in India. This tree is called cotton because its fruits contain a lot of fine hairs, which are used instead of cotton wool. In spring, its long branches are covered with scarlet cup-shaped flowers, “which makes the tree look like the many-armed goddess Lakshmi, who holds red lamps in her palms” (M. Randhawa).

Jambu tree

The Puranas tell of seven mythical continents, the innermost of which is our world. This world is called Jambudvipa (Djambu continent) after the name of the mythical tree Jambu, which grows on one of the mountains. The fruits of this tree are the size of an elephant, when ripe, they fall on the mountain, and their juice forms the Jambu River, the waters of which bring health and life.

There is a real tree jambu, or “pink apple tree”, which is quite possible to grow.

In Buddhist cosmogony, Jambudvipa is one of the four continents of the universe, the world of people, located on the southern side of Mount Sumeru. In the north of the mainland, between the Snezhnaya and Incense mountains, there is the dwelling of the king of dragons and the quadrangular Mapama Sea, on the shores of which the Jambu tree grows. The tree gets its name from the sound “jambu” with which its ripe fruits fall into the sea. Some of them serve as food for the king of dragons, and some turn into gold from the Jambu River, which is called “gold-bearing river”. Even further north lives the king of the trees, Sala.

Tulsi plant - wife of Vishnu

“You appear before us in Your eternal form, which is decorated with a wonderful wreath of tulsi leaves.” ( Srimad Bhagavatam)

Tulsi, or tulsi, – Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). This plant is dedicated to Vishnu and represents his beloved wife, Tulsi. There is a legend that at first Tulsi, who was then called Vrinda, was the wife of the asura Jalandhara, the embodiment of the wrath of Shiva. Jalandhara, with the help of asceticism, received the gift of invincibility, effective as long as his wife remained faithful to him. Tulsi-Vrinda was famous in the three worlds for her loyalty, so the asura did not worry about himself. He sent a message to Indra, demanding the treasure obtained by churning the ocean. A war began between Indra and Jalandhara, but even Indra could not cope with the invincible enemy, so he turned to other gods for help. God Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and entered the chambers of his wife. Tulsi cheated on her real husband without recognizing the substitution, and Jalandhara was defeated by Indra. When the deception was discovered, Tulsi cursed Vishnu in anger, causing the god to turn into a shalagram stone. Insulted, Vishnu also cursed her, and she turned into a tulsi plant. However, later Tulsi began to be considered the wife of Vishnu.

Tulsi is a perennial herbaceous plant or shrub native to India.

Tulsi flowers are grown as offerings to the gods in every home and temple. Without tulsi, neither daily puja nor any other puja can be performed. religious ritual. It exudes a strong fragrance, which, according to Indian beliefs, cures many diseases. The dried plants are used to make sacred necklaces (tulasi-mani). Tulsi for puja is collected before sunrise (but not in the middle of the day), in the evening or at night, in addition, it should not be plucked with the help of nails. Tulsi plants are grown in pedestal shaped pots called "Brindavan". Usually the tulsi is placed in the north-eastern corner of the site and is given daily veneration.

What are the eighteen sacred trees of India? Why are they sacred?

I found several more trees and herbs that are considered sacred in India.

1) Wood Bodhi(sacred fig tree) - under this tree Sidzhartha Gautama stopped to rest after long wanderings, and after meditation he finally achieved enlightenment and became Buddha;

2) A tree appears in the mythological symbolism of the Mahabharata Nyagrodha(Sanskrit nyag - rodha growing down) - this is the equivalent of the World Tree. This plant has branches - roots that extend and grow into the ground.

3) Tree Parijata(or har singhar) is a mythical tree obtained and planted in his garden by the king of the gods Indra, also the lord of the heavenly world of Indraloka.

The tree is believed to decorate the celestial planets and fulfill wishes.

Parijata is very similar to jasmine, but its flowers exude a different aroma, and the corolla tubes are orange;

4) Lotus(padma, kamala) is the sacred and most revered plant in India.

The most important meditative pose is called the lotus pose.

Chakras are also depicted in the form of a lotus.

Paradise in Hinduism is represented in the form of a huge lake overgrown with pink lotuses - righteous souls rest in it;

5) Tulasi— flowers are grown in every home and in every temple. Without tulsi, no religious ritual is possible. The flower exudes a strong aroma, it is believed that through this aroma one can be cured of many diseases;

6) Bilva(bael, bel) - Shaivite tree. Planting these trees around a house or around a temple means sanctification for Shaivites.

7) Flowers Conrai (cassia tree(Cassia fistula) is a symbol of Shiva's sweet grace on our lives.

8) Herbs jackpot(bluegrass) and durga(one of the types of bentgrass) are considered sacred and are presented to the gods in various rites of veneration. These herbs have long been used by ascetics during meditation - they sit on these herbs.

There are also many more plants - after all, the religious world of India is very closely connected with them. You can read about this here.

Be sure to read it - it's very interesting!

Trees and plants in India are attributed divine properties.

1. Banyan tree - symbolizes symbolizing long life

2.Tamarind tree or Kalapvriksha is a tree that fulfills wishes and bestows material benefits.

3.Peepul. Worshiping this tree is considered to pay homage to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is also considered a symbol of fertility, women ask, worshiping it, to give them offspring.

4.Bilva. The fruits of this tree are believed to purify the blood.

5.Ashoka is considered a tree of worship of Kama, the God of love.

6.Tulsi is considered the symbol of the wife of God Vishnu. Giving a twig to Tulsi means protecting him from dangers and difficulties.

7. Darbha or Kusha is a sacred herb, it has the property of purifying everything.

I didn't find any more.