In Hindu religion, there are so many rituals & traditions which are followed every day. Religion involves mass belief & likewise there are traditions in different parts of the world which people follow to under all circumstances. Hindus protect & worship rivers, trees & cows. Hinduism is solely connected to the nature & protecting the nature. The holy fig-tree (अश्वत्थः) is worshipped widely in Hinduism. The holy fig-tree is also known as "अश्वत्थः" in Sanskrit & also globally known as the peepal tree. It is a very large tree & holds a very vital place in Hinduism.
     Excavations from Mohenjo-Daro, one of the sites of the Indus Valley civilization during 3000BC to 1700BC, depicts the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) being worshiped even during ancient times. All parts of the tree, the root, trunk, branches, leaves & even saplings have benefits in the ancient science of Ayurveda, Indian Culture, religious practices & much more. Those who worship this sacred tree are rewarded with wealth, prosperity & fame. Worshipping & circumambulating the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) not only bestows the wealth & prosperity, but it also brings an abundance of happiness & good luck to an individual. In Hinduism, the trees are considered as a realised soul, it hears your yearning & it responds in the same manner.

Significance of the holy fig-tree (अश्वत्थः) –
1. According to Atharva Veda & Chandogya Upanishad, the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is considered as the paradise of Gods.
2. It is considered as the abode of the gods & the ancestors.
3. According to the Scriptures, the tree represents the Trimurti i.e. the roots represents Lord Brahma; the trunk represents Lord Vishnu & the leaves represents Lord Shiva.
4. According to the Brahma Purana & the Padma Purana, the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is a symbol of Lord Vishnu.
5. According to Mahabharata, Lord Krishna died under this tree, after which the present Kaliyuga started.
6. According to Bhagavad Geeta, Lord Krishna states that – अश्वत्थः सर्ववृक्षाणाम् (10.26) i.e. “Among the trees I am the holy fig-tree”. The fifteenth chapter of Bhagavad Geeta also suggests the importance of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः). Thus, the peepal tree is also considered as the symbol of Lord Krishna.
7. According to the Skanda Purana, to cut down the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is considered as a sin.
8. According to the Scriptures, Lord Vishnu resides on the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) during day time until the sun sets, Lord Shani resides for an hour after the sunset & departed souls of the ancestors resides after an hour of the sunset.
9. The peepal tree has a peculiarity of not growing with the help of its seeds because, it grows naturally only with the excreta of the crow & due to this uniqueness, it is considered as the sacred of all the trees. This is the reason why Hindus feed the crows during Shraddha month (श्राद्ध पक्षः) (a ceremony performed in honour of the departed ancestors). Therefore, anybody waters the peepal tree after an hour of sunset receives the blessings of their ancestors.
10. Even Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) & thus the peepal (अश्वत्थः) is also sacred in Buddhism. Hence, it is also known as the Bodhi tree or the tree of enlightenment.
11. The peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is considered inauspicious when it grows from the walls of the house, because the roots of the tree spreads widely & damages the whole house from its base.

Scientific benefits of the holy fig-tree (अश्वत्थः) -
     It’s not just that it is religiously significant but it also has great scientific importance. Worshipping the tree means being in the vicinity & thus breathing in health & breathing out impurities. It is a source of positive energy & eliminates negative vibrations. This tree is also said to possess a good amount of medicinal properties. Its leaves, wood, roots & bark are the source of remedy for many diseases. The parts of this tree also dominate the Ayurvedic Science. According to the science of Ayurveda, every part of peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is useful for treating numerous health issues & disorders. Ayurveda explains how every part of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) can be used for holistic wellbeing. The bark of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) allotted in a lot of Ayurvedic beauty treatments. It works powerfully in balancing the cough/phlegm (कफः) & acidity (पित्तम्). This tree can cure more than 50 disorders including diarrhoea, asthma, gastric troubles, etc. Following are some of the scientific benefits of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) based on the Ayurvedic Science & Modern Science;
1. A lot of health problems are the result of the impurities in the blood. The natural way to purify the blood is by taking 1-2 gms seeds of peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) with honey & because of its blood purifying remedy, the extract of peepal leaves can be used to remove the poison from the body system after a snake bite.
2. The bark of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः), rich in vitamin K, effectively works as strengthening blood capillaries & minimising inflammation.
3. The bark of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) & its ripe fruits are helpful for treating asthma. Making a powder of the bark & fruits separately, mixing both in equal quantities & consuming the mixture thrice a day relives asthma.
4. Peepal leaf is a magical antidote when it comes to treating stomach disorders. Eating ripe fruits of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is helpful in treating poor appetite & burning sensation in the stomach. Adding peepal tree fruit to the daily diet is a great way to get relief from constipation. Eating 5-10 fig fruit daily, one can solve the problem of constipation permanently.
5. It is helpful in treating pigmentation issues, wrinkles, dark circles & it also lightens surgery marks, pregnancy marks, scars & stretch marks.
6. The bark of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) can be used for preparing tea that is helpful in treating eczema & itching. Not only this, one can even apply the powder of the leaves to the affected areas to get relief. The powder prepared from the barks can be used as face packs by combining it with gram flour. This face pack helps in brightening the complexion. It is also helpful in treating boils, pimples & blackheads. This tree is rich in antioxidants & nutrients that are great for the skin & can also removes skin tan.
7. Applying the milk extracted from the leaves of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) on the affected areas cures the cracked heels. This helps in softening & healing the cracks.
8. Bark of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is also used in curing the toothache & helps in strengthening teeth & gums.
9. Extracting the milk from peepal leaves & applying it on the eye cures, eye pain & bulgy eyes.
10. One of the major benefits of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) for health is treating bleeding diarrhoea. Make a mixture by taking the soft stem of peepal tree, coriander seeds & sugar in equal quantity. Taking 3-4gms of this mixture twice a day cures the bleeding diarrhoea.
11. The leaves of the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is very useful for treating heart-related issues such as palpitations & cardiac weakness.
12. Pouring 2-3 drops of the extract from the peepal leaves into the ear helps in treating ear infection.
13. The foremost scientific benefit is that, the plants & trees releases oxygen during day time & carbon dioxide during night. But this peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is beyond this process as it releases oxygen even during the night due to a special photosynthesis process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). Peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) is said to be a great source of oxygen & thus considered as an auspicious among all the trees. It purifies the surroundings where it is planted & kills harmful bacteria.
     Thus, the peepal tree (अश्वत्थः) has an important & dignified status in Hinduism. The nutrient rich peepal leaves & bark are used as a part of numerous Ayurvedic health remedies. This tree is considered as the most sacred tree among the Hindus due to its unique qualities of growing & healing. It is considered to be a source of good health, luck, fortune & wisdom.

निज. अश्विनः शुक्लपक्षे ३, २०७६

अस्तु।