Vriksha Rajaya Namah, Salutations to the King of Trees!
My name is Maha. I am the eldest child of the Ancient Peepal tree. My father was the kindest, most thoughtful being the world had the privilege of knowing. He served the people and the Gods for thousands of years before others' greed and jealousy ended his time too soon. Before his passing, my father wished for me to share some of the stories he witnessed during his 3,000 years of life.
We the Peepal are the most sacred fig trees, and have been a mark of worship for many millennium. Lord Yama, the God of Death, takes up residence within our branches so your ancestor's souls are residing safe within us. Our trees are revered during ancestral ceremonies and offerings are placed upon the roots for the departed. It is good of you to remember that no evil souls are permitted to live amongst us.
Shani Deva, Lord Yama's brother, will ward off evil and remove obstacles from your life. There is an ancient story told about the time Shani Deva defeated two demons that used the Peepal to lure and kill innocent worshippers. It is because of Shani Deva that good fortune will come to you if you touch our trees on a Saturday. Goddess Lakshmi, well known for bringing her followers wealth, fortune, and prosperity, will also be within us on the day of the Full Moon. I'd recommend stopping by early, as the best shade spots under our leaves will be occupied as the day passes.
Lakshmi's eternal consort Vishnu was born under the Ancient Peepal. Over the years Vishnu has been a frequent visitor. Through his many visits with us, many people come by to offer spontaneous devotion to Vishnu. If you wish to offer prayers to Vishnu after worshipping his wife, you are welcome to use a Peepal as his image. No need to search for a temple.
Vishnu once amusingly showcased his fondness for us after Goddess Parvati cursed the Gods to become trees. The Gods wished to visit Lord Shiva but was warned it wasn't a good time for him. The egocentric Indra assured everyone that nothing was going to happen if they bother Shiva, and if anything did happen he would protect them. Parvati heard of Indra's lack of respect for her husband and cursed the entire group to turn into trees. While Indra become a Mango tree, probably to mess about with Hanuman who hadn't yet matured, Vishnu became one of us. Parvati promised the Gods they would one day attain fame as trees. This is why Vishnu worshippers accept us as a symbol for him.
Actually, the more I think about it, there is quite a party happening within the Peepal trees. Lord Ganesha, the compassionate and benevolent son of Parvati and Shiva, often takes rest under our great canopies. Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu will hold their councils beneath the leaves. Very important decisions regarding the management of the universe are made by the Trimurti during these councils. Many believe energy is left over from the council meetings and will use the same space to make their own life decisions.
Cutting down a Peepal is as great a sin as murdering a Brahman. Whoever commits either of the despicable acts will be doomed to hell. I cannot understand the thoughts of skeptical naysayers. My father, the wisest Ancient Peepal, was able to stay positive during dark moments. I have not yet reached such level of spiritual understanding. Thankfully, faithful supporters always replant our seeds and spread high virtues. In thanks for watering and growing us, you may be liberated from the bond of life and death and earn good merit for your descendents.
There are some who believe the Peepal's can produce oxygen day and night. I do not know the workings of modern science but I do know we are a life sustainer. We charge the air with freshness and remedy pollution. We are within the environment so naturally we protect it. Vishnu gives life, we provide the life fuel oxygen, therefore we are doing Vishnu's work. If you plant a tree you are also doing Vishnu's work.
Author's Note:
The Peepal can live a very long life in almost any climate. Sometimes it is even considered a weed because of its resilience. I wouldn't want to call it a weed though when it has such high religious significance attached. Depending on your religion in India, the Peepal tree can also be known as the Bodhi tree. Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi, making it just as important to Buddhists as it is to Hindus.
Peepal fruit is often used to explain the difference between body and soul. The fruit is the body, used to feel and enjoy. The seed is the soul, the inside witness to life's events.
In some story versions, Sita is believed to have sat under this tree too. Somehow this lady has sat under every tree in India. That would actually be impressive, maybe she should be the one writing this storybook.
The stories included are close to the originals. I edited most of them down and omitted a lot of stuff about how to perform proper worship around a Peepal. If you find yourself in India asking Lakshmi for some wealth and prosperity, I recommend checking this out. It'll tell you the established approaches. I hope you enjoyed Maha's storytelling. She's still young and her abilities are developing more and more each day.