REMEDIES IN SHRI KRISHNA’S GARDEN

Shri Krishna Meera Temple Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh

Shri Krishna, a multifaceted God in Hinduism and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped by the majority of Hindus worldwide. He is said to be responsible for the preservation of the universe. He is often depicted as deeply connected with nature, including plants and animals. He is mostly portrayed under a tree with a flute, a peacock feather crown, and a Vaijayanti mala around his neck, which depicts his compassion for nature and harmony with all life forms.

Shri Vishnu Bhagwan in Lukshmi Narayan Temple Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Our sacred literature contains magical stories of Shri Krishna roaming in forests and special references to plants like Kadamb, Parijat, Tulsi, Vaijayanti, Kamal, and many others. Shri Krishna speaks of himself as a source of all creation, including the natural world in the Shri Bhagavad Gita, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything in the ecosystem. Sacred plants have been revered across all cultures of the world for centuries and are associated with innumerable spiritual practices, healing rituals and traditional ecological wisdom of the communities. Associating essential components of ecosystems with Gods and Goddesses plays an important role in their conservation. Many keystone species, including both trees and animals, have been associated with Gods, Goddesses, Planets, Zodiacs, Nakshatras, Tribes and Festivals in India and are worshiped by the devotees. Sacred groves, patches of forests preserved for spiritual reasons, often have higher biodiversity than the adjoining areas, indicating the importance of the divinity of life forms. Some of the venerated plants associated with Shri Krishna and their healing properties are discussed below:

1. TULSI

Tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum; Family: Lamiaceae), an annual delicate holy herb extensively cultivated in the courtyards, is worshipped as an embodiment of the goddess Lakshmi and is dear to Shri Krishna. Tulsi is also associated with Vrinda, an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Offering Tulsi leaves to Shri Krishna is considered highly auspicious. It is one of the most important medicinal plants in India. It is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems, digestive ailments and skin diseases. Recent experimental studies have proved it to be a promising immunomodulator, potent anti-microbial and anticancer agent.

2. KADAMB

Most of the old literature mentions Neolamarckia cadamba as the Kadamb tree of Shri Krishna. However, recent correlations, new evidence and phytogeographic surveys point out that the true kadamb tree of Shri Krishna in Vrindavan is Mitragyna parvifolia. Our sacred literature is full of interesting tales of Sri Krishna’s childhood, where He is depicted as playing flute and playing with Radha and other Gopis under a Kadamba tree.

True Kadamb or Kaim (Mitragyna parvifolia; Family: Rubiaceae) is a medium-sized tree (up to 15m) with a spreading canopy (over 5 m). Its fragrant flowers are yellow and organised in ball-shaped heads (1-2 cm). True kadam is medicinally important plant with anti-arthritic, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties.

True kadamb or Kaim

Kadamb or burflower-tree (Neolamarckia cadamba; Family: Rubiaceae) is a large less branched tree growing up to 45 m tall. The flowers are sweetly fragrant, red to orange in colour and arranged in dense, globular heads (up to 5.5 cm). This plant is also medicinally important. It is considered useful in many diseases such as diabetes, anaemia, infections, stomatitis, leprosy and cancer.

Kadamb or burflower-tree

3. PARIJAT

Parijata, Harsingar or the Coral Jasmine Tree (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis; Family: Oleaceae) is a small-sized tree with highly fragrant flowers. Parijat is considered a divine tree by the Hindus. It is associated with Lord Shri Krishna, the 'Kanha of Gopis. ' The legends say that Shri Krishna brought the Parijat tree from the heaven of Indra Dev and planted it in the courtyard of Satyabhama to placate her. Despite having the tree in her courtyard, the flowers of the tree used to fall into the adjacent backyard of Rukmini, the favourite wife of Shri Krishna. Parijat is one of the most important medicinal plants in India and finds uses in many traditional systems of medicine. Medicinal uses of Parijat include usefulness in diabetes, arthritis, analgesic properties, hepatoprotective properties, immunomodulatory effect, anti-viral and antibacterial properties.

4. KAMAL

Kamal, Padma or Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera; Family: Nelumbonaceae) is a herbaceous hydrophyte with large floating leaves and pinkish flowers. It holds great importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. Shri Krishna is often depicted sitting on a blooming lotus, signifying his transcendence over the material world. Medicinal uses of kamal include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer properties.

Kamal

5. PEEPAL

Peepal, Ashvattha or Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa; Family: Moraceae) is a medium-sized tree found throughout the Indian sub-continent. Legends say that Shri Krishna enchanted his fellow cowherds with captivating melodies of his flute under a peepal tree. Medicinal uses of peepal include antidiabetic, cognitive enhancer, wound healing, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, antiasthmatic, antitumor and antiulcer properties.

Peepal

6. BARGAD

Bargad, Vat or Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis; Family: Moraceae) is a large-sized evergreen tree with a broad canopy. It is commonly worshiped in India by the Hindus and Buddhists. Bargad is said to have provided respite to Shri Krishna and his friends from the scorching heat of the Sun during their childhood. This tree symbolizes the nurturing and safeguarding aspect of Krishna's divine presence. Medicinal properties include anti-thrombotic action, anti-atherogenic activity, hypolipidemic action, hypotensive effect, anti-inflammatory potential, and antioxidant activity.

Banyan tree

7. MAULSARI

Maulsari, Bakul or Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi; Family: Sapotaceae) is a very beautiful medium-sized tree with a round and dense canopy. The sweet-smelling flowers of Maulsari are offered to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations by the Hindus. A large number of medicinal properties have been reported for the maulsari plant, which include antibacterial, antifungal, anticariogenic, antihyperglycemic, antineoplastic, gastroprotective, antinociceptive and diuretic effects.

Maulsari or Bakul (Photo source: Wikipedia)

8. NEEM

Neem (Azadirachta indica; Family: Meliaceae), a plant with innumerable medicinal properties, is also associated with Shri Krishna. He is depicted as chewing neem leaves in some tales. Neem, colloquially called the ‘village pharmacy’, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antipyretic, hypoglycaemic, antigastric ulcer, antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, immunomodulatory and antitumour properties.

Neem 

Shri Krishna bearing Viajayanti mala