Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s4.72

v1.c3.s4.72

Udumbara.—This name of the *Ficus glomerata* does not occur in the Rigveda, but is often found from the Atharvaveda¹ onwards. For ritual purposes of all kinds its wood was constantly used. The sacrificial post (*yūpa*)² and the sacrificial ladle³ were made of it, and amulets of Udumbara are mentioned.⁴ Its wood, like that of other kinds of figtree—Aśvattha, Nyagrodha, and Plakṣa—was considered suitable for employment at the sacrifice.⁵ The sweetness of its fruit is referred to in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa,⁶ where it is put on the same level as Madhu. It is there also spoken of as ripening three times a year.⁷ A forest of Udumbara trees is mentioned in the Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa.⁸