posted February 09, 2005 11:53 PM         

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Prof S S Katagihallimath extolls the virtues of the five
trees - bilwa, shami, ashwatha, margosa and audumbara - and
makes a case for establishing Panchvati

Though it is customary to call any place with a variety of flowering and evergreen trees a panchvati, the term actually refers to a group of five trees which possess certain medicinal properties. These trees, besides providing the needed thick shade, exude a variety of pheromonal secretions which are capable of cleaning environmental pollutions and mental pollutions of human beings, in addition to having high herbal and medicinal qualities. Panchavati in truth is an inexhaustible pharmacy on earth.

The five trees are:
1 Bilwa (Aegle marmelose)
2 Shami (Banni) (Acacia ferruginea)
3 Ashwatha (Arali) (Ficus religiosa)
4Margosa (Neem) (Azadirachta indica)
5 Audumbara (country fig) (Ficus racemosa)
In almost every village a large platform is built around any of these five species in particular around ashwatha, neem and audambara which form the nerve centre of many social, religious and community activities of the village.
It is believed that the minds of the decision makers squatting under the Panchavati trees are purified by the air they breathe while on these platforms. The Panchavati trees have been a source of inspiration for many of our saints and sages.

An attempt has been made here to present in brief some of the sailent features of the five trees
Bilwa (Aegle marmelose)
Many people believe that this tree is the abode of Lord Shiva. Every part of this tree is used extensively for medicinal purposes. Its fruits and kernel are rich in fructose, protein, vitamins, pectin, iron, calcium, magnesium and other useful elements. The juice extracted from the leaves of the bilwa tree removes all foul odours when applied on the human body. If a small quantity of this liquid is taken twice a day it will flush out worms from one’s intestines and set right stomach disorders. It is also believed to cure dysentery and diarrhoea. Similarly 5 gms of dry powder of the kernel taken along with 1 gm of ginger powder daily will create good appetite for food.

By inhaling bilwa flowers one will be cured of cold, cough and fever. A dose of 3 ml of juice of bilwa leaves plus 4 gms of honey will serve as an antidote for constipation. The paste prepared from bilwa roots will nullify the poisonous effect of scorpion bites besides acting as first aid for dog bites.
Bilwa fruits are also used for preparing pickles in Gujarat. The dry powder of the bilwa fruit when used as frankincense will drive away mosquitoes.

Shami (Banni) (Acacia Ferruginea)
The Shami leaves occupy pride of place during the Dussara festival and they are regarded as golden leaves. It is reported that the legendary poet Kalidasa got enlightenment and divine power by doing penance under the Shami tree and worshiping it. Our farmers believe that Shami trees in their fields enhance the fertility of land and sustain the productive capacity of their fields.

Ashwatha (Arali) (Ficus Religiosa)
This tree also purifies the environment. The milky juice that oozes from the roots, bark, leaves and flowers of this tree has great medicinal value. The fruit serves an effective purgative and it cures digestive disorders. It has great religious significance and is regarded as the most holy tree since it is believed that its base stands for Brahma, trunk for Vishnu and the top for Shiva.

Margosa (Neem) (Azadirachta Indica)
Neem leaves have great medicinal properties and this is widely known and scientifically acknowledged. According to Ayurveda, the roots, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits of neem trees provide an infallible panacea for a number of diseases and ailments and they are used in a number of medicines.

Audumbara (Atti) (Ficus Racemosa)
Legends tell us that Lord Dattatreya dwells in this tree and thus it is regarded as a sacred tree. The roots, bark, leaves, fruits and milk of this tree have the quality to improve blood circulation and vitality of man besides believed to cure several other diseases.