Ficus benghalensis Family : Moraceae Local name: Banyan tree, Bara, vata, Indian fig tree

Ficus benghalensis

Family : Moraceae

Local name: Banyan tree, Bara, vata, Indian fig tree

👉 Cultural values: Banyan tree is considered sacred by Hindus and is largely grown near temples. The banyan became a potent symbol of fertility, life and resurrection. It is believed that three gods – Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are symbolized by the Banyan tree. Mostly the childless couple worship banyan tree and it is supposed not to be cut. In most of the Hindu 

cultures.

👉 Medicinal uses: Various parts of these trees were used to cure many deadly diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, nervous disorders, tonic and astringent. 

👉 Ecological values: It provides food for animals, birds, insects etc. It is a fast-growing tree that has been used for soil conservation and as an afforestation species. 

The traditional worshipping has protected many plants which have tremendous medicinal value and made them as sacred, so that with the fear of deity nobody eradicates it. So we have to protect these sacred plants for us and our next generation for better survival. 

@ Sweta Mishra