Did you know that the Kalpavriksha or Kalpataru, the tree of life, also meaning "World Tree", is a wish-fulfilling tree, common to the Hinduism a popular theme in Jain cosmology and Buddhism. which is also said to be the Milky Way or the birthplace of the stars Sirius?

The Kalpavriksha or Kalpataru, the tree of life, also meaning "World Tree", in Hinduism, is a wish-fulfilling tree, which emerged during the divine Samudra Manthana or the "churning of the ocean" along with Amrita or necatr and 14 other ratnas (gems) such as Kamadhenu, the divine cow, providing for all needs. Its earliest mention in Indian religions, like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism in Sanskrit literature. It is also a popular theme in Jain cosmology and Buddhism.

The King of gods, Indra took possesion of this tree as it emerged from the primal waters 'churning of the ocean event; and planted at Mt. Meru peak in the middle of Indra's five paradise gardens; the five gardens in Indra's abode are called Mandana, Parijata, Santana, Kalpavriksha, and Harichandana, all of which fulfill various wishes.

In some versions of Hindu mythology, Shiva and Parvati, after discussions while parting with their daughter Aranyani, gave her away to the divine Kalpavriksha for safe keeping when the demon Andhakasura waged war. Parvati requested Kalpavriksha to bring up her daughter with "safety, wisdom, health and happiness," and to make her Vana Devi, the protector of forests. The tree also finds mention in the Sanskrit text Mānāsara, part of Shilpa Shastras.

It is also said that Lord Krishna brought this tree to earth from Indraloka (heaven) to please his wife Satyabhama.

Kalpavriksha is described as having roots made of gold, a silver midriff, lapislazuli boughs, coral leaves, pearl flower, gemstone buds, and diamond fruit. 

In Jain Cosmology Kalpavrikshas are wish-granting trees which fulfill the desires of people in the initial stages of a world cycle.

In Buddhism a small wish granting tree is depicted decorating the upper part of the "long-life vase" held by "longevity deities" like Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya. The goddess Shramana devi holds jeweled branch of Kalpavriksha in her left hand.

In Theravada Buddhism, the significance of the Kalpavriksha is in the form of an annual ritual known as Kathina (presenting a robe) in which the laity present gifts to the monks in the form of money trees.

In Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib's scriptures have various references to the tree, more commonly referring to it as "Parjat", which translates to "Elysian Tree".

Historically, the ornamental Kalpavriksha design was a feature that was adopted on the reverse of the coins and sculptures in the Gupta period.

In iconography, Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree, is painted within a picture of a landscape, decorated with flowers, silks, and suspended with jewellery. In most paintings of Kalpavriksha Shiva and Parvati are a common feature.

Kalidasa, in his poetry Meghadūta epitomizing wish-fulfilling trees found in the capital of the Yaksha king extols the virtues of Kalpavriksha as "the dainties and fineries for the fair women of Alaka, coloured clothes for the body, intoxicating drinks for exciting glances of the eyes, and flowers for decorating the hair and ornaments of various designs".

The Gond tribe who are spread over 5 different states of Central provinces of India, for whom the Mahua tree is very sacred, and is known to be a “Kalpavriksha”. 

Kalpavriksha is also identified with many trees such as parijata (Erythrina variegata), Ficus benghalensis (,also called Nyagrodha tree), coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), Madhuca longifolia (Mahua), Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria), Diploknema butyracea (Chyur tree or Indian butter tree), Ashwatha tree (sacred fig tree), and mulberry tree (Morus nigra tree). 

Bhusunda, the wise crow mentioned in the Hindu Sanskrit scripture, Yoga Vasishta, is believed to be living even today on a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling divine tree) on a mountain peak northeast to Mount Meru. 

In Joshimath in Uttarakhand a mulberry tree, which is said to be 2400 years old, is renowned and revered as the Kalpavriksha as it was the location where, in the 8th century, Adi Sankaracharya did "penance" under the tree as he considered it an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Source: Extracts from the edited Good Article "Kalpavrikhsa" posted by me in Wikipedia on January 11, 2016.

- Narasipur Char