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The national tree of India, Banyan is often regarded as the wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology. It is also known as the Kalpavriksha. It is mentioned in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources. The famous Sages Durvasa and Adi Shankaracharya, prayed and meditated under the Banyan tree. The birth of Ashokasundari, the daughter of Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati, is attributed to the Kalpavriksha tree. Another daughter Aranyani was also gifted to Kalpavriksha for safekeeping.

According to legend, the Kalpavriksha came to existence during the Samudra manthan along with the Kamadhenu, the divine cow providing all needs. The king of the Gods, Indra, returned with this tree to paradise.

Kalpavriksha, the tree of life, also means ‘World Tree’, and finds mention in the Vedic scriptures. In the earliest account of the Samudra manthan or ‘churning of the ocean of milk’, Kalpavriksha emerged from the primal waters during the ocean churning process along with Kamadhenu, the divine cow that bestows all needs.

Perhaps the most significant legend associated with the tree is when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati after many painful discussions about parting with their daughter Aranyani, gave her away to the divine Kalpavriksha for safe keeping when the demon Andhakasura waged war. Goddess Parvati requested Kalpavriksha to bring up her daughter with safety, wisdom, health and happiness, and to make her Vana Devi, the protector of forests.

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