The Religious Trees of Nepal

                               The Religious Trees of Nepal

 In Nepal trees are closely linked with religion. Not only are some associated with Gods and Goddesses themselves, But many play an integral part in religion of Aninmism which held that every thing had a soul, and that good and bad spirtits dwelt in trees and other natural objects.

Pipal Tree by the bhadrakali Temple

Of all the trees the pipal which is a fig is probably the most important. It was under a pipal that Buddha sat and received Enlightenment. Both Buddhists and Hindus consider it to be one of the most sacred trees, and although its leaves may be used for fodder the wood is never burnt as a fuel and it is sacrilege go cut one down. The tree is worshipped on various auspicious occasions and often there is a lingam or shrine at its foot. On Sundays, or sometimes during marriage ceremonies rice flowers and incense sticks are placed under pipal trees.

 In times gone by it was the custom to dispense justice under one of these trees, perhaps for the reason that it is considered to be very unwise to tell a lie whilst in the shade of a pipal

 The tree is easy to recognize by its leaves which have very long thin points and one can often see strings of such leaves hanging over a doorway or window to keep away evil spirits and to bring good luck.

Another fig the Banyan is also worshiped being considered to be the home of good spirits. One Banyan provided shelter for lord Krishna in his childhood, and the god Vishnu was born in the shade of one of these trees. The banyan can usually be recognized by the masses of rope like aerial roots hanging down from the lower wide spreading branches.pipal and Banyan trees are often planted in pairs, ( the Banyan will give shade when the pipal is leafless along roads and main paths and surrounded by stone platforms. There chautaras as they are celled are resting places for travelers and meeting places for villagers.

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