Saturday 11 February 2017

Why we offer Water to peepal tree

I would start this post with an excerpt from Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, "Among trees, I am the Ashvattha." The inference of this quote by Lord Krishna is that in trees, He is the most sacred tree (Ashvattha or Peepal tree). Ashvattha is a Sanskrit word for Peepal tree which is known as Ficus Religious in English. Krishna is believed to have died under this tree, after which the present Kali Yuga is said to have begun. It is usually huge in size. It comprises of a light grey bark that is smooth and peels in patches. Its heart-shaped leaves have long, tapering tips that make it stands out from the rest of the leaves of the other trees and the fruit is purple when ripe. In the Hindu religion, Peepal tree is highly honored and has given a lot of reverence. It is the first-known depicted tree in India, a seal discovered at Mohenjodaro, one of the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization shows Peepal tree being worshipped. During the Vedic period, its wood was used to make fire by friction.

Inspite of presence of a huge literature on benefits of peepal tree, there are misconceptions among many people relating to this tree. Many people wonder why we worship peepal tree when actually we do not use its fruits or leaves or even wood in today’s context. There are many people who although continue to offer water on peepal tree and worshipping it do not have an idea about the significance of these rituals. They continue carrying out these rituals without understanding the astrological, mythological, spiritual and scientific relevance of doing it. In this post, I have made an effort to briefly give you an idea about these significances. In addition people have many myths about it and do not know the right method of worshipping peepal tree. I have suggested the right method of worshipping peepal tree which will give you immense benefits.

Astrological significance of Peepal tree

Peepal tree is said to be related to the planet Jupiter which is also known as Brihaspati or Guru in Astrology. In Indian theology, Jupiter is considered the preceptor of the gods. In astrology, Jupiter is considered a highly benevolent planet that confers propitious results to the different zodiac signs while transiting through the different houses of the horoscope. If Jupiter is weak in your horoscope or you are getting some malefic results of planet Jupiter, you can worship Peepal tree.

In Astrology, we also recommend worshipping Peepal tree for removing pitra dosha in the horoscope. Peepal is symbolic of ancestors worship during October and November in pitra paksha when earthen pitcher is hung to its branches and filled with water, milk, til and honey. It is believed that ancestors come down from the tree and accept the offerings.

According to the Atharva Veda, Peepal tree is considered as benefactor of mankind by blessing barren women with children. Thus the tree is considered potent with fertility.

The notorious demons called Ashvatta and Peepal were playing mischievous games with people. One of them took the form of the peepal tree to get people near and kill them. Both these demons were annihilated by Saturn or Shani which makes worshipping Peepal tree on Saturday highly auspicious. As Lord Krishna says “He is Ashvattha in trees” and is the deity of Saturn, worshipping Peepal tree helps in overcoming problems relating to planet Saturn especially in Sade saati.

Mythological significance of Peepal tree

Peepal tree finds its mention in the Rig-Veda. According to Vedic sources its wood was used as fire vessels and as drill for producing sacred fire. As mentioned in ancient Ayurveda, Peepal is sprinkled with water accompanied by prayers for the removal of certain ills, such as throbbing of the eyes and arms, dreadful dreams, etc.

The most reverent feature of Peepal tree according to Hindu mythology is that this tree is the abode of Trinity consisting of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Peepal tree is considered to embody the trinity in its roots (Brahma), in its stem (Vishnu) and in its leaves (Shiva). This tree is also called Vruksharaja or the king of trees.

To cut down a peepal is considered a sin equivalent to killing a Brahmin, one of the five deadly sins or Panchapataka. According to the Skanda Purana, a person goes to hell for doing so. Maa Lakshmi visits Peepal tree every Saturday and therefore peepal tree is being worshipped especially on Saturdays to get blessings of Maa Lakshmi.

Spiritual significance of Peepal tree

The peepal is also sacred to Buddhists, because the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under it. Hence it is also called the Bodhi tree or tree of enlightenment. Hindu monks still mediate below this sacred tree. Pradakshina (circumambulation) is practiced by Hindus as a mark of worship, walking around the tree in clockwise direction.

Scientific significance of Peepal tree

Apart from religious beliefs associated with peepal tree, there are some scientific facts as well. Many people have a myth that peepal tree emit oxygen 24 hours a day but this is not true. Peepal tree however is considered to be the largest oxygen provider and it has the capability to provide oxygen for maximum hours among all trees. Researchers have also proved that the interacting flow of wind as well as the sound, with the leaves of peepal tree kills the infectious bacteria slowly.

It is used extensively in Ayurveda for several other purposes. One very useful thing about its leaves is that, when heated in ghee, it can be used as a healer to cure the wounds. Decoction of its bark with honey is good for curing skin diseases. From the dried fruit of this tree a powder is prepared and dissolved in water and taken twice a week to cure the deadly disease asthma.

Right Method of worshipping Peepal tree
  1. The simplest method is to offer water to its roots regularly in the morning.
  2. It is never advisable to give water during afternoon or evening time and not on Sunday.
  3. Another way is to lit a Mustard oil lamp on Saturday evening and Desi Ghee lamp on other days in the evening time.
  4. A common mistake which every person commits while offering water to peepal tree is using copper vessel. Copper element is related to planet Sun which is inimical to Saturn. Therefore you are advised to use a steel vessel to offer water to peepal tree.
Benefits of offering water to peepal tree
  1. Bring stability in thoughts and actions
  2. Initiate logical thinking,
  3. You will get favor of luck, fortune and intelligence.
  4. Removes obstacles in marriage
  5. Children as it is the significator for children
  6. Great for Religious and charitable bent in life
  7. Uninterrupted flow of income & even multiple sources of income.
  8. Good health
You can read this post at our website at following link:

http://lalkitabastro.com/articles-and-information.php                               

"Hari Om Tat Sat"

Acharya Vikas Malhotra
Lal Kitab Astro Centre (LKAC)
lalkitabastro.com

No comments:

Post a Comment