Monday 21 May 2007

Peepal tree weds Neem tree..

Yes you heard it right.

I wasn't very aware of this intriguing custom until recently.
It is believed that Peepal tree, called Ashvattha in Sanskrit should be married off to the Neem tree, both of which are normally grown near each other. The significance of this marriage, though not specified in any holy scriptures,are stated differently by different people.

One version of the belief maintains that the fruit of the Neem tree represents the male; the leaf of Peepal stands for Yoni, the power of female; and the union of the two ( the fruit placed on the Peepal leaf ) depicts 'Shivalinga' which stands for 'creation' through sexual union.
It is said that people circle the trees, after this ceremony to get rid of their sins.

There are others who believe that attending such a wedding, can bless you with whatever you ask for. Many unmarried souls attend this holy marriage to ask for the obvious.
Many women tie red and yellow threads around the tree in the belief that they will be blessed with children.

In some northern states, people are also said to have married of Peepal trees with Banyan trees (Alada mara) with similiar intent.

Well, among all the interesting beliefs and rituals associated with trees, this is one.Yesterday, the long standing Peepal and Neem close to our house were married off. It was a two day long celebration and many attended the same.
I will end this post by wishing our Peepal and Neem a very happy married life, from all our readers..

4 comments:

Aj said...

Are there any two trees that can be married of to get a girl friend???? pls pls pls let me know.... i ll pay for the whole wedding, and the honeymoon.... :)

Aj said...

" depicts 'Shivalinga' which stands for 'creation' through sexual union." Han isnt shiva the god of destruction if i know right????

kpowerinfinity said...

Wow, you started late, but almost seem to be writing with a vengeance! Good going..

You should definitely try to catch the play .. it was awesome.

I tried to remove the sign-on earlier, but there doesn't seem to be any method. I guess a way by Live Spaces to get more and more people signed on. But now, actually I don't mind it since I hardly expect comments and particularly don't like anonymous comments.

Interesting ritual btw, was certainly not aware of this. Trees getting married to each other after getting married to leading actresses!

Prateeksha said...

@Ajay: Though Shiva is considered the destroyer (Trimurti) according to Hindu belief, creation (Srishti) follows destruction. The linga is therefore associated with the sexual union of Shiva and Parvati, which results in creation. It is a symbol of the procreative power of the universe.
src:http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/shivalinga.htm