Vanaspati: Plants and Plant-Life as in Indian Treatises and Traditions c5.s5.97

c5.s5.97

"To ensure the growth of *Ballaris* (i.e., sprouting and the growth of luxuriant stems and foliage)," Varāhamihira directs, "the seeds should be properly soaked in an infusion of powdered paddy, *Māsha* (Bean), Sesame and barley mixed with decomposing flesh, and then steamed with *Haridrā* (turmeric). This process will succeed even with the *Tinṭiḍi* (Tamarindus indica). For the *Kapiṭṭha* (Feronia elephantum) the seeds should be soaked for about 2 minutes (literally such length of time as it would take one to make a hundred rhythmic claps with the palms (तालशब्दः) in a decoction of eight roots: *Asphoṭa* (Jasmine), *Āmalakī* (Phyllanthus embellicus), *Dhaba* (Grislea tomentosa), *Vāsika* (Justica guaderussa), *Veṭula* (Calamus rotung), *Suryyavallī* (Gynandropsis pentaphyla), *Shyāma* (Echites frutescens) and *Atimukṭaka* (Aganosma caryophyllata) boiled in milk. The seeds then should be dried in the sun. This process should be repeated for 30 days. A circular hole should be dug in the ground, a cubit in diameter, and 2 cubits deep, and this should be filled with the milky decoction. When the hole dries up it should be burnt with fire and then pasted over with ashes mixed with ghee and honey. Three inches of soil should now be thrown in, then the powder of bean, sesame and barley, then again three inches of soil. Finally washings of fish should be sprinkled and the mud should be beaten and reduced to a thick consistency, then the seed previously prepared should be placed in the hole under three inches of the soil and fish washings (with fish) poured. This will lead to luxuriant ramification and foliage which will excite wonder." 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26.