Author: P C Ojha
Publisher: Sundeep Prakashan
Year: 1991
Language: English
Pages: 134
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8185067643
Description
Asvattha, the Peepal, is deified as the manifestation of different gods. It has been also considered as the abode of gods and goddesses among the rural, tribal and urban groups of the people of India.
Trees have played a great role of significance in human life and the adoration of trees is perhaps one of the ancient forms of worship. The description of Asvattha has been found in almost all the religious scriptures, i.e. the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranas, the Upanishads and the Vedas, and its importance have been found in the folk tradition also.
The worship of trees is not confined to the Indian subcontinent but also prevails in other parts of the globe. The book narrates the importance accorded to the Asvattha in umpteen aspects of a person's life, as culled from the Puranas in particular.
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
PREFACE
FOREWORD
ABBREVIATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Genesis of Tree Worship
Tree Worship in Other Countries
Tree Worship in Ancient India
Origin of Asvattha
ASVATTHA IN VEDIC LITERATURE
Asvattha in the Trayi
Asvattha in the Atharvaveda
Asvattha in the Brahmanas
Asvattha in the Upanisads
Asvattha in the Sutra Literature
ASVATTHA IN EPICS AND PURANAS
Asvattha in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
Asvattha in Purana Literature
Asvattha-Abode of Visnu
Asvattha in Different Rites
ASVATTHA IN FOLK TRADITION
Asvattha, The Abode of Gods
Asvattha, the Abode of Nagas (Snakes)
Asvattha, the Abode of Mischievous Spirits
Asvattha Worship for Gaining Merit
Asvattha in Fertility, Rite and Prosperity
Asvattha in Funeral Rites and Propitiating Ancestors
Asvattha in Curing Diseases
Asvattha in Averting Evils
Asvattha Related to Various Fasts and Festivals
Felling Asvatha is a Sacrilege
Plantation of Asvattha, a Source of God's Grace
Consecration of Asvattha
Asvattha in Art and Sculpture
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX
INDEX