Plant Myths and Traditions in India

by Shakti M. Gupta

Trees and plants play an important part in the myths and customs of India. Many are considered holy, often for reasons that are lost in the mists of antiquity - they are associated and identified with Gods, planets, months, etc. - certain plants are used as protection against witchcraft and the evil eye - some plants bring luck and are offered in the temples - and others play an important part in other religious rites.

These traditions and myths form an important aspect of the Indian’s metnal background and Dr. Gupta, has performed a most useful service in bringing together all those are known on these subjects from the older Indian literature to modern research. The author discusses the forty-five most important trees and plants and describes the myths and customs connected with each. Specimens of Indian sculpture illustrating-the various myths are reproduced on numerous plates.