Every temple is supposed to have a tree and it is known as the Sthala Vriksham. These temple trees are sacred and are replaced at times when the earlier tree perished. Several temples had sacred groves and gardens dedicated to the enshrined deity. In fact, numerous devotees used to contribute resources for the purpose of creation and sustenance of such gardens. The temple trees and gardens have been studied by various eminent scholars and their findings have been remarkable.
The Perur Patteeswarar Temple, Coimbatore, has two botanical wonders – The first one is Piravapuli (a tamarind tree which does not germinate) and the second one is I ravapanai (a palm tree which lives for eternity). This drives home the point that the grace of God helps us become immortal, free from rebirth. Our culture marvellously conveys this concept because of its connection with Mother Nature. Even our scriptures are believed to have come out of a forest called Naimisha Aaranyam. It was in this forest that Veda Vyasa created the primary text of Santana Dharma – The Brahma Sutra. The Naimisha Aaranyam forest is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Narayana himself. This place is one of the hundred and eight Divya Desams as per the Ramanuja sampradhayam.
The murthis of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subadra and Lord Baladev are made out of auspicious Neem wood at Puri Shree JagannathTemple. It is done according to the prescriptions of Bhavishya Purana which declares that the idols of Lord Vishnu should be carved out of Neem wood. Nabakalebara ritual is associated with the reinstallation of the murthis. It is treated an important festival by the Hindu devotees of Orissa.
The Kanchipuram Ekambareshwar temple has a mango tree which is treated a scientific wonder special. This special Mango tree could give different types of mangoes and is believed to be 3500 years old. Its four branches represent the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. Presently, the tree is protected by the authorities. Similarly, the Thirupullani Adi Jaganatha Perumal temple has a very ancient Bodhi or Peepal tree. This tree is believed to be nearly three thousand years old.
Saint Nammazhwar lived in a tamarind tree at Nava Tirupati near Thirunelvelli. It was from here that he composed several songs in praise of lord Vishnu and these verses are part of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Dravida Vedam). Devotees visiting Nava Tirupati try to comeback with a small piece of the bark of tamarind tree. The entire prabandham was shared by Nammazhwar to Saint Nadamuni from the same place.
Lord Dakshinamurty is ever seen to be seated under a Banyan tree. He is found to be teaching the knowledge of the self to the four brothers Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanananda and Sanat Kumara. Lord Dakshinamurthy is known as the Adi Guru. Every good pupil is meant to resemble the growing shoot of the Banyan tree, for the shoot eventually develops into one more tree. It is interesting to note that during ancient times most of the teachings are done under a Banyan tree. It is because a Banyan symbolizes fertility. One of the possible interpretations can be, like the Banyan which is the symbol of fertility,knowledge gives the eternal fertility and maturity in life.The Banyan tree is known as Vatavriksham.
No wonder people of wisdom have made the Banyan our national tree!
According to Sanatana Dharma, it is believed that in Kaliyuga the world is meant to get submerged in water and once again Lord Vishnu as Vatapatrasayee begins the process of creation. This is none other than Aalilai Krishnan who happily spares one banyan leaf for the purpose of sustaining the cycle of nature. Vatapatrasayee means the Lord who is reclining on a banyan leaf.
The Vanni or the Khejritree is known to be residence of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This tree in a way helps us cure various ailments because of its medicinal value. It also has got numerous historical significances. The Vanni is also considered the symbol of bravery, particularly in southern states of India.
Every human being is born under a birth star and Vrksha Sashtram advices us to plant a tree which represents their star. In fact, every star sign has four parts, and each part is represented by a tree or plant. People who wish to flourish in life are advised to plant the tree which represents their birth sign.
Our literature and mythology are full of stories connected with trees. Kalidasa’s Malavika Agnimitram talks about the ritual connected with the blooming of flowers in a tree found in the royal garden. Bhagavata Purana shares us the story of Lord Krishna bringing the famous Parijaatha tree from heaven to Dwaraka at the behest of his consort Sathyabhama. Our history is full of such episodes. These nuggets are brought out here in order to help us to reconnect with Mother Nature and our own history.
– Rajesh Govindarajulu
