Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.740

v1.c3.740

1. Aśva-ttha (‘horse-stand’) is one of India’s greatest trees, the Ficus religiosa, later called *pippala*¹ (now Peepal). Vessels made of the wood of the Aśvattha are mentioned in the Rigveda,² and the tree itself is constantly referred to later.³ Its hard wood formed the upper of the two pieces of wood used for kindling fire, the lower being of Śamī.⁴ It planted its roots in shoots of other trees, especially the Khadira, and destroyed them;⁵ hence it is called ‘the destroyer’ (*vaibādha*). Its berries are referred to as sweet, and as eaten by birds.⁶ The gods are said to sit under it in the third heaven.⁷ It and Nyagrodha are styled the ‘crested ones’ (śikhaṇḍin).⁸