[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v1.c3.740 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.740 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.740 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.740](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v1.c3.739](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.739) - [Next: v1.c3.741](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.741) - [Up: v1.c3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.740](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.740) · Pramāṇa