Ashoka Flowers:- The flower of love

Here’s a very interesting matter during my surfing on the net some couple of days ago, it is about Asoka tree. Asoka tree is flowering throughout the whole year. I came across an article that leads me to the myth and legend around Asoka tree in India.

In Ramayan the story of Rama and Sita, it is said that when Sita (Rama’s wife) was kidnapped by Ravana, she was hidden in a garden which is overwhelmed with Asoka trees. Thus for India’s society, this flower is dedicated to Rama.And the name Asoka (after sandhi vichhed) gives a meaning as one who takes away all sorrows. It is believed Sita prayed to Ashoka tree to take away her misery and sorrow of being away from her husband Rama.Thus, it is considered the symbol of Love in Hinduism.

In Buddhism, It is believed that Sakyamuni(Gautama Buddha), the founder of Buddha and Nirvana doctrine, was born under Asoka tree in X century. Asoka trees are worshipped by the Buddhist. While for Hinduism, this flower is a symbol of love.

Both Buddhist and Hinduism Asoka trees is planted in the surrounding of their temples. In India, this flower is widely used for medication; the juice obtained from the flower nectar and by boiling the branches of Asoka is believed to cure gynec diseases.

In Bengal, during Dusherra Puja, On the maha saptami day, nine plants decorated as Maa Durga is worshipped. One of these plants is Ashoka along with Banana,Wood apple, Pomegranate,  Arum, Jayanti, Rice,Cola cassia and turmeric. It is believed the ladies in Bengal consume Ashoka flowers on this occasion.

The Hinduism believes that by drinking the boiled water of Asoka flower will keep their children fearful and grieve.

True or wrong it has been a part of India’s exotic culture