Kalpavriksha
Kalpavriksha (Devanagari: कल्पवृक्ष) is a mythological, wish-fulfilling divine tree that is a common trope in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources onwards – see Rig Veda (1.75; 17.26). Along with the kamadhenu, or 'wish-giving cow', the kalpavriksha originated during the Samudra manthan or "churning of the milk ocean", and the King of the gods, Indra returned with it to his paradise. While there is no attested Sanskrit source conclusively identifying this mythological tree with any real, known tree kalpavriksha can figuratively refer to a source of bounty. In India, therefore, the coconut tree is conventionally known by the synonym kalpataru on account of its ability to amply provide for human needs. At the recently renovated cave shrine in Joshimath, Uttaranchal, which commemorates the residence of Adiguru Shankaracharya, there is a large, ancient bodhi tree known locally as the kalpavriksha.
Other attested synonyms include: kalpataru, kalpadruma and kalpapāda.
References
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dhallapiccola
- V.S. Apte Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Kyoto: Rinsen Book Company, 1992.
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