Mystique divine tree of life, the KalpaVriksha

During my recent visit to the picturesque district of  Banswara in Rajasthan, I was utterly captivated by the sight of two ancient KalpaVriksha trees, believed to be a loving couple, each gracefully standing for over a thousand years. Kalpavriksha, also known as Kalpataru, Kalpadruma, or Kalpapādapa, is a cherished wish-fulfilling tree in Hindu mythology, with deep roots in Sanskrit literature throughout history.

Beneath the majestic shelter of the Kalpavriksha's sprawling canopy, sages of bygone eras, including the revered Sage Durvasa, ventured on a spiritual journey to establish deep connections with the divine. In a touching and captivating narrative of creation, Devi Parvati gave life to Shiva's cherished daughter, Ashok Sundari, who emerged from the very essence of this sacred tree, born to alleviate the profound loneliness of the Goddess.

The fascinating origin of the Kalpavriksha can be traced back to the divine event known as the Samudra Manthan, where it appeared alongside Kamadhenu, the benevolent divine cow, showering boundless blessings upon all. Indra, the king of gods, carried this precious tree back to his heavenly abode, a resounding tribute to its exceptional importance.

In the realm of symbols cherished by royalty, the Kalpavriksha is painted as a treasured emblem in the Sanskrit masterpiece Mānāsara. Hemādri's splendid creation, Caturvargacīntama, vividly depicts the Kalpavriksha in resplendent gold, embellished with precious gemstones, evoking a vision of richness and grandeur that dazzles the senses.

Adding to its mystique, the divine tree of life, Kalpataru, is believed to be lovingly guarded by mythical creatures known as Kinara and Kinari, along with the graceful presence of celestial entities like the flying Apsara and Devata. This ethereal guardianship underscores the tree's status as a living embodiment of spiritual and material abundance within the fascinating world of Hindu mythology.

References:

“Archaeology and Language IV: Language Change and Cultural Transformation by Roger Blench, Matthew Spriggs - Books on Google Play.” Google, Google, play.google.com/store/books/details/Archaeology_and_Language_IV_Language_Change_and_Cu?id=oz5PEAAAQBAJ&gl=US. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.

Apte, Vaman Shivaram. “Revised and Enlarged Edition of Prin. V. S. Apte’s the Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary.” The Digital South Asia Library, Poona : Prasad Prakashan, dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/apte/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.

Dallapiccola, Anna L. “Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend.” Apple Books, Thames & Hudson, 17 Nov. 2002, books.apple.com/us/book/dictionary-of-hindu-lore-and-legend/id831238952.