Shloka 7
Matsya Purana — Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī Vrata: Monthly Śiva-Names
अश्वत्थं च वटं चैवो-दुम्बरं प्लक्षमेव च पलाशं जम्बुवृक्षं च विदुः षष्ठं महर्षयः //
aśvatthaṃ ca vaṭaṃ caivo-dumbaraṃ plakṣameva ca palāśaṃ jambuvṛkṣaṃ ca viduḥ ṣaṣṭhaṃ maharṣayaḥ //
The great sages recognize these as the six principal sacred trees: the aśvattha (sacred fig), the vaṭa (banyan), the udumbara (cluster fig), the plakṣa (white fig), the palāśa (flame-of-the-forest), and the jambu tree.
FAQs
This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it lists a canonical group of six sacred trees recognized by sages, relevant to ritual and auspicious ordering rather than cosmic dissolution.
By identifying ritually esteemed trees, it supports a householder’s and ruler’s duty to maintain auspicious groves, support yajña-related resources, and cultivate sacred landscapes that uphold dharma and public sanctity.
In Vastu and temple precinct planning, these trees are treated as highly auspicious species—suitable for sacred planting and for sourcing ritual associations—helping define a sanctified environment around homes, gardens, and temples.