Top 10 Iconic Religious Trees of India

Kalpavriksha mentioned in Sanskrit literature and originated during the Samudra manthan, There are list of trees identified as Kalpavriksha in India such as Parijata, Mahua, Cocount, mulberry tree, Khejri and baobab tree. Here is the list of most iconic, religious and sacred trees found in India.

Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos)

Bael also known as stone apple or wood apple tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and most sacred trees of Hindus. The bael leaves and fruits can be eaten fresh from trees or sharbat known as Bela Pana with fruit pulp, sugar and pepper. Another species fruit (Limonia acidissima) looks similar in appearance to the Bael fruit.

Bargad Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

Indian Banyan tree is native to the Indian Subcontinent and among the largest trees in the world. The great banyan is the national tree of India and there are 5 giant banyan trees in India, Thimmamma Marrimanu in Andhra Pradesh, The Great Banyan in the Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanic Garden and Dodda Alada Mara in Karnataka.

Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa)

The sacred fig or ashwattha tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and also known as the bodhi tree, having religious significance in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, also used in traditional medicine of Ayurveda.

Kadamba Tree (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Kadam tree is associated with Lord Krishna, grown as an ornamental tree in India and the flowers are used in perfumes. Kadamba also known for its medicinal properties and Karam – Kadamba harvest festival celebrated during Bhadra month.

Ashoka Tree (Saraca asoca)

Saraca asoca is another most important tree in the culture and traditions of India also has medicinal use, considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent and especially Nepal, Butan, Sri Lanka and India.

Goolar Tree (Ficus racemosa)

Indian fig tree is known as goolar in Hindi, associated with the Guru Dattatreya and known as Udumbara in Buddhism, used for achieved enlightenment by Lord Buddha. Audumbar tree is very sacred and fruitful, also favourite wild fruit of the Indian macaque,flying fox, butterfly and giant squirrel.

Amla Tree (Phyllanthus emblica)

Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry tree is small to medium size tree, known for edible fruit by the same name Amla. All parts of the Amla tree are used in Ayurveda for medicine and Amla Navami festival celebrated for the tree.

Aam Tree (Mangifera indica)

Mangifera indica or mango tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and Mango fruit is the national fruit of India. The tree leaves are used by Hindu for religious purpose and bark, leaves, stems are used in Ayurveda Rasayana.

Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)

Azadirachta indica or Indian lilac is native to the Indian subcontinent and its fruits, seeds are the source of neem oil. The fast growing tree is noted for its drought resistance and leaves are used in Ayurveda for medicinal properties.

Chandan Tree (Santalum album)

Sandalwood Tree or Indian sandalwood is native to India, considered sacred by Hindus and used in different religious traditions. Indian sandalwood tree has medicinal properties used for treatment of common colds, skin disorders and primary source of sandalwood and derived oil.

Adansonia digitata or baobab tree is the most iconic tree of the African continent but also found in India, particularly in the regions of Golkonda, Mandu and Ranchi.

Sacred trees and plant of India also include Tulsi, Banana, Bamboo, Parijat, Cocount and Khejri tree are also part of the sacred trees in Hinduism along with Sacred Jackfruit Tree, baobab tree,Tamarind tree, jamun, babul and Bidi leaf tree and the leaves of Bauhinia racemosa are exchange during the festive day of Dussehra in Hinduism.