Continuation…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
Vastu and Sacred
Vegetation
Part
1
Lord Vishnu is ssociated
with various trees and the Tulasi plant as per the Pauranik traditions. Certain
trees, plants and some other items have their own place of importance in the
Hindu life style and tradition including Vastu Sastra during initial puja
ceremony and remedies, these are used, since the approach of Vastu is
scientific, but the goal is always spiritual.
Asvattha
(Pippala) Tree- The Skanda Purana, says that Vishnu is the
same as the Asvattha tree and this tree is to be worshipped as Vishnu, the idol
of the latter is not available. Especially in the Karttika month, worship of
this is enjoined. As Vishnu is closely associated with the Asvattha tree, it is
interesting to note and it is not surprising that even the semblance of the
latter should figure in the worship offered to the Sun, which is identified
with Asvattha in the brahmanical ritual tradition. The Brahmanda P. enjoins
that before engaging in the muttering of sacred formula of the goddess Lalita,
one should give offering to the Sun in a vessel or ladle shaped like the leaf
of Asvattha. The Padma P. contains a mantra, which identifies the Asvattha tree
with the Bodhisattva and which states that the Asvattha tree is the resort of
Vishnu. It is worth noting that the mention of the Bodhisattva here is clearly
the influence of the concept of Vishnu’s incarnation as the Buddha. Bodhisattva
is slightly less in status that of the Buddha but spiritually is on par with
him. The same Purana says that in ancient times, when the demons defeated the
gods, the latter entered the trees to save their vital breaths, assuming a
subtle form. At that time, Vishnu took resort in the Asvattha tree.
It has been accepted as
the most auspicious and divine tree and is being worshipped all over the
country. Lord Krishna had declared that `Among trees I am Aswatha’. Modern
scientists too admit that the oxygen produced by this tree is very strong,
heavy and concentrate below the branches. To circumambulate the tree early in
the morning, before the Sun rays fall on the tree is considered very healthy.
According to Indian tradition, it is a must near every temple. Since its roots
spread to a very large area it should be planted sufficiently away from any
structure. These sacred trees have very long life and there are trees which
have survived for centuries and also they are prohibited from being cut.
Vata
(Banyan) Tree- Though the Vata tree is associated with
Siva and some goddesses such as Candi, Sasthi, it is also associated with
Vishnu. The Varaha P; gives that Vishnu Himself says that he resides on the
Vata tree. The Brahma P. says that the Vata tree is called here Purusesa (Lord
of men i.e. Vishnu). When the whole earth gets submerged in the flood, at the
time of deluge, Vishnu as an Jagannathapuri, a Vata tree is mentioned as being
the form of Vishnu. The Agni says that if a person dies at the place, where the
Aksaya Vata is situated at Prahaga, he is said to reach the Visnupuri. It is
said by the Skansa P. that Vishnu is present in the Bodhi tree and then in all
trees.
Amalaki-
The worship of this tree is enjoined on the Vaikuntha Caturdasi, which is the
fourteenth day of the bright half of Karttika when the idols of Radha and
Krisna are said to be worshipped under this tree as well as in the grove of
Tulsi. The Padma P. and Skanada P. point out that Vishnu is believed to stay at
the root of the tree, the men at the top of it and many gods and sages at the
branches and on the joints thereof.
Tamarind
tree-
said to be the resort of Vishnu. The Skanda P. says that the trees are said to
be produced from the body-hair of Vishnu.
Turmeric powder and kumkum
are known as Mangala Draivyas i.e. auspicious powders. They are used in all the
religious functions and daily pujas and are daily applied to threshold, as it
is believed that germs, worms and even evil spirits keep away from them.
Turmeric power is extensively used in cooking because of its digestive power.
It clears irritating throats too. It has not only many other medicinal values
but also pleasing bright yellow colour and smell. A mix of coconut oil and
turmeric powder applied over body before bath prevents many skin diseases.
Continue…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
Profile: www.connectingmind.com
Research work and articles on Bhrigu Nadi astrology: www.shankerstudy.com
www.shankarsastro.com
Published articles on Articlesbase.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/shanker-adawal/149926
or search keyword "shanker adawal" in google search for published articles
Join my Facebook Group for free Astro Queries: www.facebook.com/adawal
Published articles on Newspapers: http://tinyurl.com/2wyxtfk
Research work and articles on Bhrigu Nadi astrology: www.shankerstudy.com
www.shankarsastro.com
Published articles on Articlesbase.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/shanker-adawal/149926
or search keyword "shanker adawal" in google search for published articles
Join my Facebook Group for free Astro Queries: www.facebook.com/adawal
Published articles on Newspapers: http://tinyurl.com/2wyxtfk
