Banyan Tree -Truly symbolic of His Strong Personality and Characteristics

Banyan Tree we planted in the Memory of Late Shree Virendra Kumar Lahoti is Truly symbolic of His Strong Personality and Characteristics 

Banyan Tree, National Tree of India , is associated with permanent spiritual reality. Banyan is the soul – never dying, never renewing itself. The Banyan tree is said to be Immortal: it is Akshaya, that which survives Pralaya, the destruction of the whole world. Banyan tree represents the spiritual aspiration of People , not the material aspiration .

The Vat, Bargad or banyan tree is one of the most venerated trees in India. It has the ability to survive and grow for centuries and is often compared to the shelter given by God to his devotees. It also symbolizes the personality of a benevolent ruler or head of family who nourishes and looks after all those under his care. 

The Hindu Mythology the banyan tree is considered a sacred tree. It is worshipped as the abode of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). The following Sanskrit shloka alludes to this fact. Moolatho Brahma Roopaya, Madhyato Vishnu Roopini, Agratas Shiv Roopaya, Vriksha Rajyate Namaha. (Brahma shaped at the roots, Vishnu in the middle, Shiva shaped at the top, we salute you the king of trees).

The banyan tree is said to have nourished mankind with its ‘milk’ before the advent of grain and other food. According to the Agni Purana, it symbolizes fertility and is worshipped by those who want children. For the same reason, it is never cut. Even its leaves, which are used as cattle fodder, are broken only when there is a famine.

The banyan tree is found growing in the tropical and sub tropical areas of the world. It is a huge evergreen tree, which is known to attain a height of up to 70 to 100 feet and covers a vast areas. This enormous spread is possible because of the unique features of aerial roots or prop roots. These roots, which are sent down from the branches, on reaching the ground underneath, anchor themselves and start growing to form pillar-like trunks that support the widely spreading canopy overhead. 

Medicinal and other value of Banyan tree –

- The bark and leaf buds of the tree are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding.

- The fruit exercises a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes, alleviates swelling and pain, and serves as a mild purgative. It is also nutritious. 

- The leaf buds of Banyan are beneficial in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. The buds should be soaked in water' overnight and taken as infusion in the treatment of these diseases. The latex is also useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. 

- A few drops of the latex of the banyan tree mixed in milk and taken daily helps cure bleeding piles. With this treatment, the diet of the patient should contain liberal quantities of green vegetables especially fenugreek and manattakkali or black nightshade leaves. 

- Tender roots of Banyan are considered beneficial in the treatment of female sterility. These roots should be dried in the shade and finely powdered. This powder should be mixed 5 times its weight with milk and taken at night for three consecutive nights after menstruation cycle every month till the conception takes place. No other food should be taken with this . 

- A regular douching of the genital tract with a decoction of the bark of the Banyan tree and the fig tree is helpful in leucorrhoea. A tablespoon each of the powders of the bark of the two trees should be boiled in a litre of water till it is reduced to about half. Douching with the lukewarm decoction will keep the tissues of vaginal tract healthy . 

- Cleaning the teeth with the aerial roots of the Banyan is beneficial in preventing teeth and gum disorders. As one chews the stick and brushes, the astringent secretion from the root-stick cleanses and strengthens the teeth and gums 

- The latex is commonly used locally for rheumatism, pain and lumbago

- A hot poultice of the leaves can be applied with beneficial results to abscesses to promote suppuration and to hasten their breaking. The milky juice from the fresh green leaves is useful in destroying warts. The latex is commonly used locally for sores, ulcers and bruises .

- Coarse rope is made from the bark and aerial roots.

- Parts of the banyan tree are useful. Leaves are sewn together and used as plates.

- Cracked and inflamed soles of the feet are treated with the milky exudation of the stems

- An infusion of the bark was in olden times given as a tonic for diabetes. This treatment has been scientifically proved in recent times.

The magnificent appearance, its multifarious uses truly make the Banyan the “KING of Trees” as referred to in the Sanskrit shloka.