Parijat Tree

Parijat tree, also called ‘Paarijat’ and ‘Paarijaat,’ is not only a beautiful but mysterious tree whose flowers fall to the ground after blooming completely. It is referred to as a flower best-fitted for the Gods. Moreover, the term ‘Parijat’ literally means descended from or celestial. These flowers bloom during the night and fall from the branches in the first rays of light, leaving us wishing for more. You must be wondering what the Parijat tree in English is called? It’s globally known as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis or night-flying Jasmine.

According to the mythological story, Parijat is a sacred tree brought to earth by Lord Krishna. Furthermore, the Parijatham flowers are fragrant flowers with seven to eight petals on an orange-red stem. These lovely flowers are used in several spiritual activities. Let us know all the essential Parijat tree flowers.

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Fig: Parijat Tree with Flowers

Importance of Parijat Tree 

In Harivansh Puran, the Parijat tree is considered the ‘Kalpa-Vriksha’ and is called the wish-bearing tree. Thus, most newly married couples are suggested to worship this tree and seek pure blessings from the same to ensure eternal love, happiness, and marital bliss. As the flowers of this tree bloom in the night and fall on the ground, they basically need no external force to grow. Thus, these flowers are the only flowers that can be offered to Gods even if they were gathered up from the ground. 

If you’re still thinking, what is Parijat tree? It’s basically a tremendous antipyretic that has several medical benefits, too, like curing various nauseous kinds of fever like dengue, chikungunya, malaria fevers. Most importantly, based on recent studies, it’s suggested that a Parijat leaf and bark extract is beneficial to ease fever immediately. It also helps in increasing the platelet count in chikungunya and dengue fever. 

Legend Associated With Parijat Tree 

So, what’s so special about this tree? There is a famous Parijata flower story associated with this tree that dates back to the ancient era. While Gods and demons were doing the Samundra Manthan, there were various things that emerged from the ocean as a result of the stirring, and one such thing was the Parijat tree. 

It’s widely believed that this tree bore pretty white flowers and had a divine fragrance. As a result, both Gods and demons wished to possess the tree, but the Lorn Indra, the God of rain and thunderstorm, took it away. 

Later, he planted the Parijatha flower tree in his garden in Indrapuri, the heavenly quarters of Lord Indra. After that, it’s believed that the tree was led to the earth by Arjuna (one of the Pandavas), the son of Lord Indra. Kunti, the mother of Pandavas, was known to worship Lord Shiva by giving these flowers to him. 

Although, as per some mythology, the tree originated from the ashes of Kunti, and some stories also state that Lord Krishna stole one branch of this tree while it was still in Indra’s garden. He then brought the branch on earth and planted it in his garden. 

The motive behind stealing the branch was that once, Narad Muni brought a few Parijatham flowers and offered them to Satyabhama, one of the wives of Lord Krishna. After inhaling the fragrance of these flowers, Satyabhama couldn’t stop herself and asked about these flowers and their origin, and Narad Muni informed her about the garden of Lord Indra. 

This resulted in Satyabhama wishing to have the same tree in her garter as well. So, she asked Lord Krishna to get the tree from Indrapuri as suggested by Narad Muni, but later, he went and warned Lord Indra that someone might try to steal the tree. 

So, when Lord Indra saw Lord Krishna leaving his garden, he confronted Lord Krishna, resulting in a fight between them. After realising he’ll lose the fight against Lord Krishna, he cursed the tree that it will never bear any fruit. Thus, that’s the legendary tale of the Parijata flower and Krishna, believed by many people. 

Benefits of Parijat Tree 

Parijat is known to be a magnificent and lucky plant in Ayurveda prevalent for its main health benefits. Because of its wide-spectrum medicinal properties, it has become a topic of interest for various researchers. Thus, here are some of the major Parijat tree benefits that will help students to know why this tree is so significant. 

Treating arthritic knee pain and sciatica 

Arthritis and sciatica are known to be some of the most painful conditions. Parijat levels and flowers hold anti-inflammatory properties and certain essential oils to make them useful in the treatment of arthritic knee pain. 

How to use it: Usually, Ayurveda doctors recommend that decoction of Parijatham tree leaves is excellent for relieving arthritis and sciatica pain. Moreover, add 6-7 drops of Parijat essential oil in coconut oil and apply it to the affected area to minimise pain. 

Anti-allergic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties 

Parijat oil works incredibly as an antiviral, anti-allergic, and antibacterial. Furthermore, it helps slow down germs such as staph infection, E. coli, and some fungal infections. It can also be utilised to treat numerous fungal infections of the skin. 

Cures dry cough 

People suffering from regular coughs and irritation of the throat can make some tea from Parijat flowers and leaves. This tea can help in reducing cold, cough, and bronchitis. According to expert studies, it’s shown that ethanol extract of the Parijat plant is a perfect bronchodilator, which also works efficiently in asthma. 

How to use it: Grab some Parijatham flowers and leaves with ginger and bring it to boil with 2 cups of water for about 6 to 7 minutes. Ensure to steep the residue and drink it by adding honey to it. 

Control of diabetess

One of the main health benefits of Parijat is to handle high blood sugar levels. According to some studies, it’s said that Parijat flower extract has a critical potent anti-diabetic effect.

Immunity booster 

Parijat leaves and flowers act as immunostimulatory to enhance immunity because of the presence of ethanol in them. 

How to use it:

1. Take at least 20 to 25 Parijat flowers and grind them by adding 1 glass of water.

2. Bring the mixture to boil, reduce it to half, filter it out, and divide it into three equal parts.

3. Ensure to take each part in the morning, afternoon, and evening, 1 hour before the meals, and continue for at least 2 months.

Nourishment of hair

According to experts, a decoction of Parijat seeds clears and manages hair lice and dandruff. Parijat flowers act as a hair tonic and are used to boost the hair while preventing further hair fall. Moreover, Parijat also helps in preventing fading of hair and various other scalp related issues. Thus, there is not just a single importance of Parijata flower, but so many health and hair benefits are associated with Parijat. 

Ancient Belief About Parijat Tree 

There is an ancient belief related to the Parijat tree that there used to be a princess named ‘Parijat’  who was deeply in love with Lord Surya. Regardless of all the efforts, Lord Surya did not accept her love. Therefore, Princes Parijat committed suicide. So, the place where the tomb of Princess Parijat was constructed, the Parijat tree, was born. 

Parijat is also widely known as Harsingar or the ornament of the Gods in India. Thus, it’s the only that can be offered to Gods after picking it up from the ground. The flower is said to help one remember one’s past lives and incarnations. Moreover, the Parijat flower is unisex and was presumed to be given to the wives of Lord Krishna as a present showcasing love. Thus, growing this flower is regarded as auspicious to newlywed couples and is also believed to boost and embellish love. This exclusive article covers all the vital information related to Parijatham tree.