The importance of trees in our lives cannot be overemphasised. A treeless world could be our undoing. While we ought to treasure all kinds of trees, there are some that are highly regarded in all aspects. The Ficus Religiosa or sacred fig, for instance, surely falls under the latter category. Known by a plethora of names – pimpal, ashvattha, pipalla, Bodhi, arasa maram – and commonly referred to as the peepal tree, it is held in great spiritual regard. It was while meditating under this tree at Bodhgaya in Bihar that Buddha attained enlightenment.
Belonging to the Moraceae – the fig or mulberry family – the peepal is a beautiful tree, fast growing and deciduous, with a large crown and wide branches. The beauty of the tree extends to its leaves, which are heart shaped and about 15 cm in length. The fruit is green and small and its twigs are used in sacred fires. Tiny wasps residing in the fruit help pollinate the peepal tree. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and in southwest China.
As a child, I got acquainted with the peepal tree while on my way to school. During summer, the midday breeze would sway its leaves producing a pleasing symphony of soft, soothing sounds while at the same time causing the yellow-brown leaves to fall and scatter. Later, the tree would be transformed with tender young leaves – parrot green, brownish-red and pink – growing all over the crown, until finally it would turn a lush green.
Our ancestors had a rich tradition of planting trees near rivers and temple premises known as sacred groves. Many of them are several centuries old. Festival time is when the peepal, residing mostly in the sacred groves of temples, gets undivided attention.
During the auspicious Nagarapanchami festival for instance, ladies perform pooja and offer milk, fruit and flowers to the Nagaraja idols at the bottom of the tree. Its leaves are used to distribute the prasadam while overhead gangs of monkeys and squirrels show off their agility.
Bird dropping at the base are a giveaway as to the number of birds that find shelter here. Mynas, parakeet, crow, koel, hornbill, green pigeons and even migratory birds like the golden oriole have from time to time made this tree their home.
After all the festivities, the tree finds itself alone and quiet. At times like this, I have had the pleasure of seeing a young cobra, which post shedding its skin was a glittering spectacle in the morning sun as it wound itself around the tree.
There’s something downright sneaky about this tree though. Peepal saplings are sometimes seen on another tree or in concrete cracks. Starting as an epiphyte, it drives roots into the host tree, literally tearing it apart. The tree corpse cradled in the arms of its slayer then rots and falls away.
There’s another place where I came upon this tree. While exploring the Theosophical Society in Adyar, Chennai, we stumbled onto a path and decided to see where it would take us. We came across a huge lotus pond.
A few feet from there was a huge peepal tree. Imagine our surprise when we learnt that the tree was a sapling from the one at Bodhgaya.
Plant a tree might be the mantra today, but back then I remember the zealousness of Rudraih, an illiterate and semi-blind washerman in my village, who raised a peepal sapling till adulthood. He also found the resources to build an aswatha katte (stone platform) round the tree and later installed on it idols of gods. He continues to plant many more peepal saplings. God bless his soul.
This tree has many medicinal values. The leaves of the peepal tree are used in the treatment of jaundice, heart disorders, dysentery and skin disorders.
Did you know?