|
Home > Temples of Kerala > Arayaal ArayaalThe Gobhila Grahya soothra describes Asvathha as a tree presided over by Aadithya (Sun). Its fully grown leaf is peculiar with oval shape with a long tail (length 10-20 cm. and breadth 6-12 cm.). The Arayaal tree is worshipped with the following prayer. Moolatho brahma rupaaya madhyatho Vishnu roopine Agratha Siva roopaaya vrksha rajaayaathe namah (The above sloka means that at the root the form is that of Brahma, in the middle that of Vishnu and at the top that of Siva. I worship thee O! King of trees). Though Aryaal is considered to represent the Thri-moortthis, it is particularly worshipped as the abode ofVishnu or ofSree Krishna (an incarnation of Maha Vishnu). To plant an Asvathha tree is considered an act of great piety and to destroy one a great sin. Almost in every temple in Kerala, whether of Vishnu, Siva or Bhagavathi or of any minor deities, an Arayaal tree is seen. 'Usually a stone platform is raised round, it not only for people to rest but also to enable them to take their pradakshina (devotional round) around the tree, an act of great merit with the Hindus. These rounds are regularly done through chiefly on Saturdays by women as it is believed that it will ensure the birth of good children. Such perambulations are also performed by all for averting the harmful influence of Sani (Saturn) especially during its period of 7 1/2 years during the course of his life, the period varying according to his birth'. There is another version that Jeshta Bhagavathi, when emerged from Palaazhi at the time of its churning for nectar was found by Thri-moortthis and was allotted the foot of this tree as her seat. On every Saturday Sree Lakshmi, her younger sister is supposed to visit this place. It is considered auspicious to have pradakshiry.a around this tree on this day. As Thri-moortthis are represented by the tree it is auspicious to have the marriages conducted beneath the tree. For serpent worship Arayaal forms an integral part as the stone images of hooded serpents are also installed at its bottom. It is believed that Vepp or Neem (Melia azadirachta) is the wife of Arayaal and is considered sacred if both trees are planted side by side in a temple complex. If Arayaal tree is planted in houses the most suitable and auspicious place for it is the western side, as the eastern side is considered inauspicious. The Hindu deems it not simply "a noble place of worship" but in his infantine simplicity identifies it with ~ature and worships it looking from Nature up to Nature's God. In fact what is worshipped is not the tree as such but the creative Power of that Almighty being materialised into the form of the tree. In the mysterious rustling of its tremulous leaves, which resembles those of the poplar", Monier Williams discovers, "one cause ofthe superstitious awe with which this tree is regarded". "It is remarkable" says he "that no native would venture to tell an untruth or deviate from the strictest rectitude of conduct while standing under a pipal tree"
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
