Chapter 248 - Greatness of Palāśa Tree

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Vāṇī said:

1-4. The Palaśa tree is served in the form of Hari by persons conversant with ancient lore. Worship of the Brahma Vṛkṣa (i.e. Palaśa) should be carried out with many types of services. It is mentioned as the bestower of all desires and destructive of great sins.

There are three leaves in the Palāśa (bunch, or twig). The middle one is adjured by Viṣṇu. On the left side is Brahmā and on the right is Hara. This has been proclaimed (by ancient seers).

An excellent man who always takes food on a Palaśa leaf undoubtedly obtains the benefit of a thousand horse sacrifices. Especially during Cāturmāsya it causes salvation to him who eats on it.

5. This tree if adored regularly with milk or water on Sundays during Cāturmāsya facilitates a devotee to attain the greatest region.

6. If after getting up early in the morning Palāśa is seen by men they shall shake off Narakas quickly and attain the greatest region.

7. Palāśa is the basic support of all the Devas. It is a means of acquiring Dharma (merit). Whatever man may covet, this great tree should be worshipped for realizing it.

8. Just as Brāhmaṇa is the most important person among all castes, so also the Brahmavṛkṣa (Palāśa) is the most excellent one among all the trees.

9-14. At its root Hara is always present. Śūladhara (Tridentbearing One) himself is present on its stem. Lord Rudra is in the branches. Tripura-slayer is present in the flowers. Śiva is present in the leaves and Gaṇapati in the fruit. The Lord of Gaṅgā is in the bark and Lord Bhava in the pith-marrow, Īśvara is present in the twigs. The whole tree is a favourite of Hara.

Hara is white like camphor and is duly extolled always. So also the highly esteemed (tree) in the form of Brahmā is white in colour.

If it is meditated upon, it is conducive to the destruction of enemies and quelling of sins.

Undoubtedly it is conducive to the bestowal of desires.

On a Thursday in Cāturmāsya if it is adored, eulogized or meditated upon it destroys all miseries.

15. The absolute Brahman has attained the state of the Brahmavṛkṣa. It is worthy of being eulogized by the Devas. It is the seed (source) of the Devas. It is in the form of Sthāṇu and should be served always. If it is served during Cāturmāsya it shall quell sins.