As kids we all have grown up hearing tales and folklore around the sacred peepal tree; while some stories were meant to scare us, others were about the mystical facts that made the ‘King of trees’ an abode of secrets. Here’s all you need to know about the peepal tree and its mysterious facts that make the peepal tree unique!What makes this tree special?The peepal tree, also known as Ashvattha, is a sacred tree and is believed to be the tree that never sleeps, even at night, as it is believed to be a bridge between the world and the spiritual world. The peepal tree has a lot of energy and in Vedic traditions, this tree is associated with Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
The tree that never sleepsInterestingly, the peepal tree is one such unique tree that releases oxygen all the time, unlike other trees that emit carbon dioxide at night. This is one of the reasons why it is known as the King of trees. Old sages knew that the peepal tree was special, and so they wanted to protect it and this is why it is considered a sacred tree. In fact, it is believed that standing under a peepal tree is good, as it always releases oxygen and positive energy.The mystery of moving leavesThe leaves of the peepal tree are always moving, which is why traditionally many supernatural tales were associated with this tree. However, according to science, the leaves of this tree are sensitive to the energy around them. The leaves of this tree are like detectors and they can feel the smallest changes in the air. The peepal tree is like a person; its leaves are like the mind. The trunk of the Peepal tree is like the soul. It is strong and steady.
Home to GodsThe peepal tree is home to gods; according to the Padma Purana, the peepal tree is a symbol of the Trinity. Lord Vishnu lives in the roots of the Peepal tree. Lord Keshav lives in the stem. Lord Narayana lives in the branches. All the other gods live in the leaves. That is why people do not cut down the Peepal tree. They do not want to disturb the gods. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says that he is the Ashvattha. This means that the Peepal tree is a symbol of God.Bridge between the living and the deadThe peepal tree helps our ancestors. Some people believe that the Peepal tree is a bridge between the living and the dead. During times of the month, people pour water on the roots of the Peepal tree. They do this to help the souls of their ancestors. The peepal tree can absorb the energy of the past. That is why people light lamps under the Peepal tree on Saturdays. They do this to appease Shani and to find peace.Why do people worship the Peepal tree? People worship the Peepal tree because they want to be strong like it. When people circle the Peepal tree and tie a thread around it, they are connecting themselves to the tree. They are asking the universe for strength and longevity. The peepal tree is a symbol of life and energy.
