Peepal Baba : Friends Forever

 

In this article, we will talk about Peepal Baba. The Peepal and Banyan (Vat) trees are two such unique and mystical trees that are described in our scriptures. As Krishna said, “Among trees, I am the Peepal,” and similarly, the Banyan tree is counted among the 14 treasures that emerged during the Samudra Manthan. Though it is formally called Kalpavriksha, in common tradition it is known as the Banyan (Vat) tree—what the rest of the world says doesn’t matter to us.

In childhood, in Maharashtra, we used to swing a lot on the large branches of Banyan trees. Even today, at the old sacred places of our deities, there stands a massive Banyan tree. There is also the festival of Vat Savitri Vrat dedicated around it.

Now, around 8–9 years ago, in another state, in a posh locality, I developed such a deep love for a Peepal tree standing across the road from a temple that it’s hard to even explain. There is also a Peepal tree inside the temple, and I have seen and sat near many Peepal trees before—but with this one, I feel a connection from the heart.

Every day, before going for my routine work, I make sure to meet it and spend some time there before moving ahead. Even if I don’t go, I still remember it. See, I don’t go there to place any old idol or perform any ritualistic acts—I just go to meet it, walk around it, observe it, and then continue on my way to work. It always feels so natural like I am meeting my dearest friend and much more than that. 

A few times, people passing by on the road have stopped and questioned me. Once, a police officer from another religion stopped his scooter and said, “Son, God is not found here; God is beyond such rituals.” Another time, a man in a car stopped me as I was leaving. When I still had my helmet on, he got out aggressively as if he was about to lecture me—but the moment I removed my helmet, his face softened instantly and he spoke as if just to talk and interact.

I simply go there to meet, and sometimes I chant a mantra of the Divine Mother silently in my mind.

Till today, only once did something happen—and it happened in a moment. Otherwise, I never ask Mother or even feel like asking from Mother what benefits or experiences I’m getting from Peepal Baba.

One day, on a holiday, I went there and had just bowed down when I heard the voices of 3 boys, around 20–22 years old, coming from a distance on a bike. They were jokingly saying, “People these days don’t know anything about studies or education, they just come to worship **** useless things.”

I was still mentally talking to Peepal Baba when suddenly my anger rose. I thought, “Let me just finish what I’m saying to Baba, then I’ll chase these fools on my bike and teach them a lesson. How can someone mock Baba like this?” as I was so engrossed in talking to him while overhearing those folks.

They had just moved a little ahead when suddenly there was a loud blast-like sound from their bike—as if some internal engine part had broken apart. I completed my thought, passed by them, and saw that the sound was so intense that their bike refused to move even a step.

There are countless energies seated on that Peepal Baba. Even in the photo, I have shown it in a Y-shape—because Baba also appears like that, different from other Peepal trees.