Page:Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic.djvu/508



trees are regarded as sacred; they being representative of, or peculiarly dear to, some of the deities. It is a meritorious act to plant and water them, and such is the respect cherished for them, that even their withered branches are not allowed to be

burnt. The same ceremonies are observed at the planting of these trees, or, when they have been taken care of for some time, at their consecration, as are observed at the setting up of an image. The following are the names of the sacred trees :—

The Asvatta, or Pipul Tree (Ficus religiosa), sacred to Vishnu.