PARIJAT TREE
NAIMISHARANYA TALES — PURANAS & TREES
In HarivanshPuran, the tree is mentioned as the ‘KalpaVriksha’. This is also referred to as the wish bearing tree, and thus, newly married couples are advised to worship the tree and seek blessings from an equivalent to make sure eternal love and marital bliss. The Parijat tree bears white flowers that have five thin white petals with a pleasant fragrance. The flowers of this tree used to bloom during the nighttime and fall on the ground without having any external force. Therefore, these are the sole flowers that will be offered to God, albeit they’re picked up from the bottom. The flowers usually spread their fragrance during the night and therefore is also known as the ‘Night Jasmine’.
The Parijat tree has so many medicinal properties and may be used as a home remedy for various diseases. Its flowers are good for the heart, and its leaves are mixed with honey to cure cough and various skin diseases.
There are many stories and references within the Puranas and the Mahabharat to the Parijat tree. It is referred to as the night jasmine and even Queen of the night; it’s several beneficial properties for the mind and body. It is said that it had been one among the sacred milestones and among the five divine trees that came out from the universe which the Gods kept this flower in the garden of Indra. But justice and karma play out even on Gods; thus, even it had been meant to be, Parijat is now shared by everyone.
Parijat is additionally known in India as Harsingar or the “Ornament of the Gods”. The flower is also alleged to help one remember one’s past lives and incarnations.
On this reference, there’s a story from ancient texts:
Princess Parijat was an exquisite yet sensitive princess who fell in love with Surya, the Sun God, after seeing him rode his fiery chariot from east to west within the sky. Everyone, including her father, warned her that loving a divine being isn’t advisable for earthbound humans, most importantly Surya, the Sun God, whose power is supremely intense. However, Parijat couldn’t be persuaded and was dedicated to Surya with all her heart. Surya was swayed to go away to the heavens and was available right down to Earth to be with Parijat for a short time, but soon grows bored with Earth and longed to return to his heavenly abode. Summer came, and Surya’s power became so huge that he was forced to leave for the heavens, and Parijat tried to follow him but was burned down while doing so.
At last, Surya turned to God for help. Parijat had loved Surya with her all heart; God knew this. So God granted her another life, and she is reincarnated as a tree. From her ashes arose one tree with the purest white flowers and with burning orange hearts. There is a sign that Surya always remained in her heart — now Surya visits her during the night. Therefore the flowers are so fragrant because they want to get the attention of Surya. However, they still can’t bear the sun’s rays and at the early period of dawn, at the sight of the beams. Parijat trees spread their sweetest fragrance by shedding their flowers which are the tears of pain, reminding us of the lingering love that Parijat pledges to the sun even after she had died.
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