The Hindus believe that the Peepal tree houses the souls of ancestors. As a result, anyone who waters the tree on any given day earns Punya and merit for their children.
Many rituals and traditions are observed on a daily basis in Hinduism. Religion entails widespread belief, and there are also traditions that people follow in many parts of the world. Protecting and worshipping cows and some trees as sacred is a way of life in India. The Peepal tree is so revered in India that it is classified as a “Ficus religiosa or sacred fig,” a fig species native to India and Indochina. It is a member of the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. Bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, peepal tree, or ashwattha tree are some of the other names for it (in India and Nepal).
The majority of Hindus adore the peepal tree. Excavations at Mohanjodaro, one of the Indus Valley civilization’s sites from 3000 BC to 1700 BC, reveal that the Peepal was revered even then. In the ancient science of Ayurved, tradition, religious practise, and much more, every sections of the tree, the root, trunk, branches, leaves, and even saplings, offer benefits. Hanumanji seated on a Peepal tree in the Ramayana, observed Mata Sita’s anguish while in Ravana’s imprisonment in Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka. During the vanvaas period, Lord Ram is said to have used the peeple tree as a refuge. As a result, Hanumanji holds a special place for this tree.
Peepal trees, along with neem and tulsi, are renowned as one of the major oxygen generators in today’s world. According to various studies, the contact of air with Peepal leaves destroys infectious germs slowly. Furthermore, licking honey spread on a Peepal leaf will cure any impairment. The Peepal tree also holds special value for Buddhists because it is said that Bhagwan Buddha attained enlightenment under it hence, Peepal is also referred to as the Bodhi tree.
The majestic Peepal trees at Ghati Subramanya shrine and Vidur Aswattha temple are highly respected by childless couples. Offering snake idols under these trees has helped many people achieve their dream of having a child. On Saturdays, women circumambulate the Peepal tree, offering crimson thread, garments, and bangles to Mata Lakshmi in exchange for the blessing they seek. Saturdays in the month of Shravan are very auspicious for this.
The Hindus believe that the Peepal tree houses the souls of ancestors. As a result, anyone who waters the tree on any given day earns Punya and merit for their children. Watering the Peepal frequently is thought to alleviate disease and bring happiness. Peepal trees are also revered for their ability to fend off enemies. Devotees sing the mantra provided to them by their guru while lighting an earthen lamp filled with mustard oil beneath the Peepal tree. Throughout the prayer, incense sticks are also lit.
There is much unrest that occurs due to planetary movements and for this reason; it is suggested to recite Hanuman Chalisa while praying the Peepal tree on the Amavasya night. It is said that it helps to stop all the instabilities in one’s life.
Plants emit oxygen throughout the day and are thus the greatest spot for an afternoon nap, but sleeping beneath a tree should be avoided at night because they release carbon dioxide. But, the Peepal Tree is immune to this process because, thanks to a unique process of photosynthesis known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), it produces oxygen even at night.
