An excellent treatment for tooth decay is a mix of Peepal and Banyan tree barks. Actually not every peepal tree is supposed to be called as a Bodhi tree, a peepal tree can be called so only if its origin can be traced back to that of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha got the enlightenment. Both the trees have joined together into one . However, for the young plants to grow properly, either the seeds have to germinate where there is enough space for the roots to grow, or someone has to replant it in well drained and prepared soil. I like learning about plants. The new plants grown from the seeds can be replanted or the cutting of a branch can be used to plant this tree. Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 22, 2014: Beautiful trees with a unique shape and height I have learned so much more about these trees from your hub. Thanks for sharing this wonderful hub, great photos too! It is believed that the largest banyan tree in the world is located in the Botanic garden in Kolkata, India. Today, thousands of pilgrims travel to Bodhgaya each year to revere a sacred pipal tree here, which is a direct descendant of the ancient Bodhi tree. The average life span of an Indian banyan tree is thought to be more than 1000 years, although no valid records of this can be cited. The tree covers about a circumference of half a kilometer and it has about 3300 aerial roots. I have searched using the said words in google and found what you have mentioned. When the AMC decided to cut a 70-year-old Banyan tree in Vastrapur, several citizens came together to stop it. Eight or 11 or 12 years after the tree has been planted, the upanayan ceremony is performed for the tree. The major noticeable difference being in the appearance of leaves. To Hindus, banyan and pipal are both a symbol of the mighty god Vishnu – friend and preserver of mankind. Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on February 21, 2015: VioletteRose (author) from Atlanta on February 21, 2015: Hi Jackie Lynnley, that is so kind of you! a plant that grows on another plant, when its seed germinates in a crack or crevice of a host tree or edifice. Often known as the sacred fig tree. This is actually a single tree. Banyan Tree/बरगद/ആല്/Peepal tree/ Ficus Religosa. The trees have flowers and fruits, but these are not edible. The life span of the banyan tree and peepal tree. The fruits are eaten by birds, monkeys and bats. Demas W Jasper from Today's America and The World Beyond on April 25, 2020: I understand that the next Buddha will be found praying under a Banyan tree. Contact: Hardy Highlanders – People and Wildlife of the Himalaya, Iran 1973: Car breakdown at the Caspian Sea, Iran & Turkey 1973: “Kurdistan! Anupama July 24, 2014 August 12, 2018. it is a wrong belief that longevity of a person who plants banian or peepal tree gets reduced . The picture of the banyan tree that looks like many trees but is really one tree is fascinating! The time from birth to an organism’s natural death reflects its lifespan. The Banyan tree is the male equivalent and Peepal is the female counterpart. This is the oldest flowering plant in the world and it is planted in Sri Lanka using a branch of the Bodhi tree, where Buddha is believed to be enlightened, brought from India in 289 BCE. The Indian Banyan trees are considered very sacred in Hinduism. This tree is a symbol of the Universe’s never-ending expanse – indeed, it is revered across the Indian subcontinent, particularly amongst the Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, as the Tree of Life . The central mother-trunk was destroyed by a lightning in 1919 and has since rotted away, but about 1,825 of the aerial roots have grown into trees, which today are c. 25 m high, covering an area of more than 14,000 m2, equivalent to almost 1.5 ha (3.7 acres). Text & photographs © Kaj Halberg, 2015. The peepal trees are sometimes referred to as pipal trees, pippal trees or pippala trees and they can grow up to a height of 98 feet, with the main trunk diameter reaching up to 3 metres. For 49 days and nights he sat here, deep in meditation. This tree is sacred to those of the Buddhist faith, as it is believed to be the personification of Buddha. The two fruits which fit into this kind of school’s thoughts are the Banana and the Coconut. It's probably because I have always seen these trees together on चौतारीहरु (chautaris) in villages- mostly on the opposing sides of a chautari. Alun. 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The most important thing to be known about the Indian banyan trees and the peepal trees is that both the trees are considered very sacred by Hindus and Buddhists and they are often planted together in the temple surroundings. This is known as the Great Indian Banyan tree which is more than 250 years old and it covers an area of about 4 acres. Peepal tree is considered to be a realised soul, and hence it hears your yearning, and it responds to you in the same manner. Voted up,beautiful ,useful and interesting. With our flexible cancellation policy, plan trips to over 40 hotels worldwide with peace of mind. It's really quite an evocative sight to see, particularly for Buddhists who regard the tree as sacred. I always thought बर (Banyan) was the husband of पीपल (Peepal). Pipal has broad, heart-shaped leaves, ending in a long, tapering point. Pipal also often grows in cracks on buildings, and, if allowed, its aerial roots will envelop the building and, over time, destroy it. Thanks for sharing the information about the famous banyan tree in the Thai capital. The above image from Wikimedia Commons Image is that of the Great Indian Banyan tree, which looks like individual trees. Most pipals begin their life as an epiphyte in another tree, the seed often sprouting in a pile of bird dung, delivered by the bird that ate the fig fruit. Peepal tree or Pipal (Ficus Religiosa) is considered to be one of the most sacred trees in our Hindu culture for ages. Banyan has broadly oval leaves and long aerial roots, which hang down from the branches, often taking root and over time creating a ’forest’ of trunks, all of which are in fact a single individual. Banyan tree can be used to treat various sexual problems like female infertility, pre-mature ejaculation and other weakness very effectively. A banyan, also spelled "banian", is a fig that begins its life as an epiphyte, i.e. The tree can be either planted from a new plant, a branch or its seeds. Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family.It is also known as the bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, peepal tree or ashwattha tree (in India and Nepal). Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this native deciduous tree of India. I didn't know of that yet, but I am going to read more about that now. Peepal trees are also known as the sacred figs, bodhi trees or pipal trees. Both Indian banyan trees and the peepal trees are very similar species, in fact different varieties with in the fig trees, with much similarity in appearance and other features. Cuttings from this tree exist in Sri Lanka that date back to 288 B.C. In Bengal, peepal and banyan trees are married. I PLANTED ONE BANIAN TREE SOME 30 YEARS BACK AND i am still alive at 72 . In many places, especially in temples, a raised floor is built around these giant trees, where people can sit, take rest or even sleep. Learn how to use this tree as medicine. On … The peepal tree is medium-sized and has heart-shaped leaves. While the banyan was the bride, the peepal growing next to it was the groom. Over the following centuries, a village, named Bodhgaya, sprung up around this tree, and many Buddhist temples were built here. Greensleeves Hubs from Essex, UK on October 24, 2014: Thanks VioletteRose for your reply. Peepall trees are also very large trees which can be grown as shading trees. This was a great educational hub with terrific photos, too. That looks really unique and interesting, which I never knew before. Every evening the village women light lamp at these trees. There are many stories from history, where people describe about using banyan trees and peepal trees as shelters. The Peepal is often known as the Sacred Fig, and the peepal botanical identify is Ficus religiosa. Some of the examples are Tulsi ( The sacred plant of Indian Hindu Culture), Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa) and Audumbar Tree (Ficus racemosa).. This species belongs to a group of fig trees, called strangler figs. It must be one of the most distinctive looking trees in the world. VioletteRose (author) from Atlanta on May 01, 2014: Dave from Lancashire north west England on April 24, 2014: Interesting,informative and well written enhanced by beautiful images. The Buddha and Buddhism are descibed in detail on the page Religion: Buddhism. The banana tree is considered an equivalent to the householder, while the Banyan is considered and equivalent to the hermit. In India these trees are planted near roads as large shading trees which can give shelter to numerous birds as well as the tired travelers. FlourishAnyway from USA on April 23, 2014: These are beautiful trees I have never personally encountered, and I enjoyed learning about them. Don't cut that Banyan tree! The main thing that one need to keep in mind while planting an Indian banyan tree is that the tree will grow very large in years and hence there should be enough space for the spreading of large tree branches and also the aerial roots which grow very deep and long in the soil. Alun. Over the years, aerial roots of the pipal wrap around the host tree, growing down to the ground, where they take root. The picture in the introduction module is downloaded from Wikimedia Commons Image, which shows a Peepal tree in the front area and an Indian banyan tree in the background. The natural propagation of the trees happen through the seeds, however, just like the case of the Indian banyan trees, they need enough space to grow up. Both Indian banyan trees and the peepal trees are very similar species, in fact different varieties with in the fig trees, with much similarity in appearance and other features. Even though the roots of peepal trees also grow deep and large and woody in time, they are not aerial. The trunk and leaves of an Indian banyan tree. The acquainted and widespread Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is a relative of the Peepal, as are Gular/Dumar (Ficus racemosa), Pukar (Ficus Benjamina) and Kamarup (Ficus microcarpa). Commuters and passersby rest in the shade. Large banyan tree. A traditional shade where stones are laid for sitting on. Voted up. Eventually, the host tree is strangled to death, and as its trunk decays, it leaves the pipal tree, standing as a hollow cylinder of aerial roots. Banyan (Bargad) National Tree of India Let me first start with Banyan tree One might NOT believe me but the Banyan Tree is being considered as to be the national tree of India. To Buddhists, pipal is a symbol of nirvana (enlightenment). Peepal tree or pipal tree is a very similar species with the scientific name Ficus religiosa. Apparently, the leaves and other parts of sacred figs are used in many traditional medicines too, although honestly I am not very well aware about the exact uses of the Indian banyan trees and peepal trees in medicines. People say wherever they find such joining of peepal & banyan tree; first of all they arrange marriage of the trees and then they begin to worship them for the development of the village. The banyan trees usually reach a height of about 30 meters, however in terms of circumference, an almost grown tree can cover an area of about 1 acre. Banyan is an evergreen tree of great medicinal value. All these beliefs might be due to the fact that, these large trees would have provided the best environment for prayers and meditation for even sages and saints, since they are the best trees that can provide shades. An organism’s lifespan can depend on the species. The Significance Of The Ardhanarisvara Concept In Hinduism, Investing in Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate, More. Another fact that supports this theory is that the leaves of these trees can freshen the polluted air, and since these are very large trees, the air surrounding the trees will be the most fresh, always, which in turn can help people improve their concentration and clear the negative thoughts, thus bringing positive energy to the mind and body. In India and Nepal, villagers often plant two species of fig trees, banyan, or Bengal fig (Ficus benghalensis), and pipal, or sacred fig (F. religiosa), side by side, and as they grow larger, stone benches, called chotara, are constructed around their trunks. Just as a hermit cannot raise a family or support a household and only has spiritual aspirations. The banyan has aerial roots and is grown as a houseplant. It is believed that peepal tree emits the pranic energy, which is helpful in achieving the enlightenment in the life. The pipal tree, beneath which he had obtained nirvana, was called the Bodhi Tree (’Tree of Enlightenment’). As I mentioned above, Indian banyan trees and peepal trees are considered very sacred trees by both Hindus and Buddhists. Then he got up, convinced that he had found the answer. Peepal tree (popularly known as ‘Bodhi Tree’) is considered auspicious in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Peepal is a storehouse of medicinal worth and is used to deal with many illnesses and ailments, starting from bronchial asthma and pores and skin ailments, to kidney and varied blood-related issues. 162 likes. Foot-sore, he sat down to rest in the shade of a huge pipal tree, determined not to leave, before he had found a satisfying answer to his question. The figs of the tree house the flowers and grow in pairs. Peepal trees are native to India and thrive in hot, humid weather. They water the plant in the month of vaishakh and at times of difficulty. b) Planetary transits bring a lot of turbulence and hindrance in your life and to overcome from it . I loved the cultural and religious information that you discussed in relation to the trees. There is a myth that says young people should never plant these sacred trees since this can reduce the lifespan of those who plant them. VioletteRose (author) from Atlanta on April 23, 2014: Thank you all for your kind comments, I am glad you all like these trees :). So thanks for that - an informative hub about two very attractive and significant trees. I agree with you, actually the banyan tree is more popularly known but the pipal tree is something many have not heard of. The aerial roots are used to make tent-poles and cart-yokes. PEEPAL TREE AND BANYAN TREE – THE TWIN FLAME. Greensleeves Hubs from Essex, UK on September 20, 2014: VioletteRose, although I have heard of Ficus religiosa, I did not know the common name of pippal. The major noticeable difference being in the appearance of leaves. Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on April 22, 2014: I enjoyed this hub very much, VioletteRose. If at any time, I could gather more information on the use of banyan trees and peepal trees with regards to medicine and such, I will add them to the article. There is a famous tree - I think a banyan, though it may be a pippal - in the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, in which the broken head of a Buddha statue is surrounded at ground level by the roots of the tree in what is seen as a symbolic loving or protective embrace. peepal tree and banyan tree Apart from all these medicinal uses, banyan tree is considered a sacred tree in India and is worshipped. It is one of the most iconic images from the site, and the tree is consequently much revered. The banyan tree, on the other hand, is very familiar to me, not only as a specimen plant in horticultural gardens, but also on travels to Asia, and in particular to Thailand. In many parts of rural India, it is still a tradition to gather under a banyan tree or peepal tree when there are issues to be discussed and decisions to be made. They prefer full sunlight and can grow in … Why do I mention the Indian Banyan tree and the Peepal tree together? Since ancient times it is said that when there is no hope left for a particular thing or output you expect is not attained, then peepal tree can come to your rescue. According to the studies, these trees may live up to even 2000 years. The Indian Banyan trees and the peepal trees produce small green berries which turn orange or red in color as they ripen, and these fruits are known as figs but they are not edible. The peepal tree, Ficus religiosa, also known as the "bodhi" tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to India. I love to hang out near them on picnics, I can just gaze at them and their intricacies for so long. Book a luxurious stay with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Banana which regularly dyes itself is the symbol of flesh, and it keeps on renewing itself whereas, Peepal is the soul – which never dies and which repeats itself. The peepal tree has heart shaped leaves and is medium sized. The small fruits of the two species are an important food item for various birds, including blue-headed barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus), red-billed blue magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha), and rosy starling (Sturnus roseus), and also for monkeys, including rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) and bonnet macaque (M. radiata). Best wishes. Thank you so much for sharing the information! In the above pictures from Wikimedia Commons Image, the first image shows the leaves in a peepal tree and the second image shows its trunk. The above picture from Wikimedia Commons Image shows monks praying near the peepal tree or Bodhi tree. 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