Kalpavriksha

File:Kalpataru, Kinnara-Kinnari, Apsara-Devata.jpg

Kalpataru, the divine tree of life being guarded by mythical creatures Kinnara and Kinnari, flying Apsara and Devata. 8th century Pawon temple, Java, Indonesia.

Kalpavriksha (Devanagari: कल्पवृक्ष)(ADANSONIA DIGITATA - BAOBAB) 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 because of its ability to amply provide for human needs.

Baobab the “Chemist Tree” is a tree whose average life is more than 2500 years and is one of the trees which are traditionally used for health promoting effects. In India it is commonly known as Kalpavriksha. Kalpavriksha the wish-fulfilling divine tree

(Rig Veda) along with the kamadhenu, or 'wish-giving cow', originated during the Samudra manthan.

Baobab tree leave have several magically medicinal properties and can be used in various deficiencies* of calcium, vitamin B-1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B-2 (Riboflamin), and Vitamin C. Few leaves of Baobab everyday can help in supplementing the nutritional needs.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES (Source – UNCTAD Report) • Anti – allergic. • Anti-asthmatic. • Anti malaria (i.e. it slows down growth of the disease ) • As a febrifuge (i.e lowers temperature) its extracts are used in Paracetamol Tablets. • Used for gastro-intestinal disorders like gas, constipations and acidity • Expulsion of guinea worm ( one of the few natural products ) • Cure gastric, kidney & joint diseases. • Anti-oxidants (Anti Aging) • Tonic to treat ophthalmic infections and to cure and prevent parasites or insect bites • Anti-inflammatory – Treat insect bite

References

www.kalpvrikshanursery.com

http://envis.frlht.org.in/botanical_search.php?txtbtname=ada&gesp=55%7CAdansonia+digitata+L.

http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=143

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2009022654070400.htm&date=2009/02/26/&prd=th&

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=1b82ff96-22bd-43e0-9457-8bf9a4f7a8ee

www.kalpvriksha.net

• 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.