Banyan Tree: a Symbol of Sacred Serenity and Spiritual Significance

Banyan tree holds a great significance in Hinduism.

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com. Banyan tree is also called the tree of life. Its Spiritual connection not only confined to India but also spreads all over the world.

Introduction

Specifically, Hindus believe that this tree is the sacred and most revered tree. As it has healing properties both physically and spiritually. It is cosidered immortal as it has life span of 200-500 years.And, banyan tree is also called Akshya-vat (tree with no end).

Do you know that nothing can grow under banyan tree? Answer is the vastness of its branches anad leaves. Additionally, huge branches and uncountable leaves does not allow sun rays to reach soil. And roots beneath are huge, thus makes soil less fertile. Its roots descends from the branches and then anchor to the tree, transforming into the trunks eventually. It is called mahapada in many sacred text. There is no grass under banyan tree as it does not allow fertility. However, this tree emits oxygen in night.

What is the Spiritual inclinations of Banyan Tree?

The banyan tree is rich in majestic and mystic presence in religious and spiritual stories. Strength, stability and growth are the major features of banyan tree. It calms our mind.

Even, as per Buddhism, it has great spiritual presence. Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting (consecutively for 7 days) under the shade of banyan tree.

Likewise, Jainism also place importance to this tree as the first trinthakara of Jainism, Bhagwan Rishabnath attained perfect knowledge under this tree.

Similarly, Hinduism states banyan tree for Sanyasi jeevan as the best tree. Although, it grows as epiphyte, a tree grown on other. Hinduism calls it a tree of hermit. It can’t fertile life under it’s shade like a gristh (family man) and this acts as a sanyasi. A sanyasi who has growth, strength and stability but not touched by materialistic aspirations.

There is great religious significance of banyan tree. It is called vat vriksha. Vat savitri puja is the most revered and celebrating festival of india about Banyan tree.

Why is it called Banyan tree?

Indian government adopted banyan tree as national tree in 1950. Banyan tree also called Indian fig tree. It has immense medicinal properties and associated with longevity.

Apparently, it is called banyan tree as it was discovered by British people during their rule over India. Traders (baniyas community people) used to sit around and discuss around the banyan tree. From then only, it is called Banian or banyan tree.

What is the religious importance of Banyan Tree?

Further, it is considered as a symbol of knowledge in Hinduism. The knowledge is preserved and attained by pupils, sages, seers and gods under the shade of banyan tree. Again, it is mentioned in the ancient text that whosoever wants to get enlightment should sit under the shade of Banyan Tree to to get the knowledge of life and beyond.

Tree of Gods

Secondly, Banyan tree is also known as the abode of Trimurti (the three gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Hindu followers truly admire and venetrate tthe three gods of Hinduism. First one is Lord Brahma, second is Lord Shiva and third and last is Lord Vishnu.

All the three Gods resides in banyan tree. According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma lies in the roots, lord Vishnu lies in the bark and Lord Shiva lies in the branches of the tree.

Dakshinamurthi

Thirdly, it is also known as a home to dakshinamurthi. Hindus believe that lord Yama (god of death) lives in this tree. They place it near crematorium. It is advised by ancient text and knowledge people that the auspicious events like marriages and childbirth ceremonies should not take place under the shade of banyan tree.

Lord Shiva is called Dakshinamurthi as he is facing south direction in lingam awatar. Banyan tree is also considered immortal. A famous jyotirlinga Baijnath dham is a place where you can see endless banyan trees to protect and cover the shivling. Dakshinamurthi is name given to Lord Shiva because he faces towards the south direction and winner of death. Many ancient text suggest that Banyan trees also known as the representation of Lord Shiva. The similarities are immortality and protection. This tree has many branches and the same way Lord Shiva locks are uncountable(jatadhari).

Vatapatra Sai

Lord Krishna is also associated with vital vata vriksha. He used to love to sleep under the shade of banyan tree. He is also called vata patra sai which means who sleeps on vata patra like a child. The legend suggests that during mahapralay, Lord Krishna appeared on banyan leave in form of new born sucking his little toe.

What are the benefits of Banyan Tree?

Moreover, Banyan tree is having divine energies and natural remedies. Here are some of them.

a) Different parts of the banyan tree, such as the bark, leaves, roots and other parts of the tree have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for their therapeutic benefits. They treat ailments like dysantry, naushea, rheumatic arthritis and many chronic diseases.

b) Banyan trees are always found in serene environments. Thus, making them ideal locations for meditation and spiritual contemplation.

c) Banyan tree emits oxygen in abundance. Spending time near a banyan tree is regarded as a calming effect on the mind and helps in reducing stress and anxiety.

d) Many spiritual practices consider banyan trees as powerful energy cleansers. Sitting or meditating under the tree is believed to help cleanse negative energies and promote spiritual cleansing and renewal.

e) Banyan trees are deeply rooted in nature and tells us to have interconnectedness and harmony with nature. It may contribute to emotional and psychological healing.

f) Hindus worship and offer prayers and offerings to Banyan tree on many occasion. Married women appease Lord Shiva by offering water to the holy tree. They also worship sacred tree for longevity of their husbands. Hindu rituals suggests that childless couple should pray to the tree to get blessings in form of children.

Conclusion

Thus the banyan tree holds cultural and spiritual significance in our daily life. No one can deny its divine energy aura and healing properties. It is our duty to always respect the environment and cultural norms when visiting or interacting with sacred trees.

Have a blessed time ahead.

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