Difference between revisions of "Kalpavriksha"
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[[Kalpavriksha]]; (the [[tree that yields whatever is desired]]). | [[Kalpavriksha]]; (the [[tree that yields whatever is desired]]). | ||
+ | [[Kalpavriksha]] ({{Wiki|Devanagari}}: कल्पवृक्ष), also known as kalpataru, kalpadruma or kalpapādapa, is a wish-fulfilling [[divine]] [[tree]] in [[Hindu]] [[mythology]]. It was mentioned in [[Sanskrit]] {{Wiki|literature}} from the earliest sources onwards. It is a popular theme in [[Jain cosmology]] and [[Buddhism]]. [[Sage]] [[Durvasa]] and [[Adi Shankaracharya]], [[meditated]] under the [[Kalpavriksha]]. [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] daughter Ashokasundari was created from [[Kalpavriksha]] [[tree]] by [[Parvati]], to alleviate her loneliness. Another daughter [[Aranyani]] was also gifted to Kalapvriksha for safekeeping. | ||
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+ | The [[Kalpavriksha]] originated during the [[Wikipedia:Samudra manthan|Samudra manthan]] or "churning of the [[ocean of milk]]" along with the kamadhenu, the [[divine]] {{Wiki|cow}} providing for all needs. The [[king of the gods]], [[Indra]], returned with this [[tree]] to his [[paradise]]. | ||
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+ | [[Kalpavriksha]] is also identified with many [[trees]] such as [[Parijata]], [[Ficus benghalensis]], coconut [[tree]], Madhuca longifolia, Prosopis cineraria, [[Bassia]] butyracea, and mulberry [[tree]]. The [[tree]] is also extolled in [[iconography]] and {{Wiki|literature}}. | ||
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+ | [[Religious]] [[beliefs]] | ||
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+ | [[Kalpavriksha]] is an artistic and {{Wiki|literary}} theme common to the [[Hindu]] Bhagavatas, the [[Jains]] and the [[Buddhists]]. | ||
+ | In [[Hinduism]] | ||
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+ | [[Kalpavriksha]], the [[tree of life]], also meaning "[[World Tree]]" finds mention in the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[scriptures]]. In the earliest account of the [[Wikipedia:Samudra manthan|Samudra manthan]] or "churning of the [[ocean of milk]]" [[Kalpavriksha]] emerged from the primal waters during the ocean churning process along with Kamadhenu, the [[divine]] {{Wiki|cow}} that bestows all needs. The [[tree]] is also said to be the Milky way or the birthplace of the {{Wiki|stars}} Sirius. The [[king of the gods]], [[Indra]] returned with this [[Kalpavriksha]] to his abode, the [[paradise]] and planted it their. [[Tree]] also finds mention in the [[Sanskrit]] text Mānāsara. In [[Indra's]] "[[Devaloka]]" it is said that there are five Kalpavrikshas, which are called Mandana, [[Parijata]], [[Santana]], [[Kalpavriksha]] and Harichandana, all of which fulfill various wishes. [[Kalpavriksha]], in particular, is said to be planted at [[Mt. Meru]] peak in the middle of [[Indra's]] five [[paradise]] [[gardens]]. It is on account of these wish-granting [[trees]] that the [[asuras]] waged a [[perpetual]] [[war]] with the [[devas]] as the [[heavenly gods]] who exclusively benefited freely from the "[[divine]] [[flowers]] and {{Wiki|fruits}}" from the [[Kalpavriksha]], whereas the [[demigods]] lived comparatively in penury at the lower part of its "trunk and [[roots]]". The [[Parijata]] is often identified with its terrestrial counterpart, the [[Indian]] {{Wiki|coral tree}} (Eyrthrina indica), but is most often depicted like a magnolia or frangipani ([[Sanskrit]]: [[champaka]]) [[tree]]. It is described as having [[roots]] made of {{Wiki|gold}}, a {{Wiki|silver}} midriff, lapislazuli boughs, [[coral]] leaves, {{Wiki|pearl}} [[flower]], gemstone buds, and [[diamond]] fruit. It is also said that [[Shiva]] created his daughter [[Ashok]] [[Sundari]] from a [[Kalpavriksha]] [[tree]] to provide relief to [[Parvati]] from her loneliness. | ||
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+ | In [[Hindu]] [[mythology]] [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]] after much [[painful]] discussions while parting with their daughter [[Aranyani]] gave her away to the [[divine]] [[Kalpavriksha]] for safe keeping. [[Parvati]] requested [[Kalpavriksha]] to bring up her daughter with "safety, [[wisdom]], [[health]] and [[happiness]]," and to make her [[Vana]] [[Devi]], the [[protector]] of forests. | ||
+ | In [[Jainism]] | ||
+ | Main article: [[Jain Cosmology]] | ||
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+ | Kalpavrikshas are wish-granting [[trees]] which fulfill the [[desires]] of [[people]] in initial stages of [[worldly]] cycle as per [[Jain Cosmology]]. In initial times children are born in pairs (boy and girl) and don't do any [[karma]]. There are 10 Kalpavrikshas which grant 10 {{Wiki|distinct}} wishes such as an abode to reside, garments, utensils, [[nourishment]] including {{Wiki|fruits}} and sweets, [[pleasant]] [[music]], ornaments, fragrant [[flowers]], shining lamps and a [[radiant light]] at night. | ||
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+ | According to [[Jain cosmology]], in the three Aras (unequal periods) of the descending arc ([[Avasarpini]]), Kalpavrikshas provided all that was needed, but towards the end of the third ara, the yield from them diminished. Eight types of these [[trees]] are described in some texts, each of which provided different [[objects]]. Thus from the "Madyanga [[tree]]" delicious and nutritious drinks could be obtained; from the "Bhojananga", delicious [[food]]; from "yotiranga", {{Wiki|light}} more radiant than the {{Wiki|sun}} and the [[moon]]; while from "Dopanga" came indoor {{Wiki|light}}. Other [[trees]] provided homes, musical devices, table ware, fine garments, wreaths and [[scents]]. | ||
+ | In [[Buddhism]] | ||
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+ | In [[Buddhism]] a small wish granting [[tree]] is depicted decorating the upper part of the "[[long-life vase]]" held by "longevity [[deities]]" like [[Amitayus]] and [[Ushnishavijaya]]. The [[goddess]] [[Shramana]] [[devi]] holds jeweled branch of [[Kalpavriksha]] in her left hand. | ||
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+ | {{Wiki|Worship}} of the [[Nyagrodha]] [[tree]] as a [[form]] of {{Wiki|non-human}} {{Wiki|worship}} is depicted in a [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|sculpture}} at [[Besnagar]]. This {{Wiki|sculpture}} in [[Besnagar]], also known as [[Vidisa]] ([[Bhilsa]]), is dated to third century BC and is exhibited in the [[Calcutta]] Museum. | ||
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+ | In [[Myanmar]], where [[Theravada Buddhism]] is practiced, the significance of the [[Kalpavriksha]] is in the [[form]] of an annual [[ritual]] known as [[Kathina]] (presenting a robe) in which the laity {{Wiki|present}} gifts to the [[monks]] in the [[form]] of [[money]] [[trees]]. | ||
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+ | Identification with other [[trees]] | ||
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+ | In different states of [[India]] some [[trees]] are specifically referred to as the [[Kalpavriksha]]. These are stated below. | ||
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+ | The [[banyan tree]] ([[Ficus benghalensis]]) also called [[Nyagrodha]] [[tree]] which grows throughout the country is referred to as [[Kalpavriksha]] or Kaplaptaru because of its ability to amply provide for [[human]] needs. | ||
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+ | The coconut [[tree]] found in most regions of the country is called "[[Kalpavriksha]]", as every part of it is useful in one way or the other. The coconut [[water]] inside the nut is a delicious drink. In dried [[form]] it is called copra and is used to [[manufacture]] oil. The coconut husk, called coir, is used to make rope. Leaves are used to make huts, fans, mats. Palm [[sugar]] is made from budding [[flower]]. The dried midrib is used to make boats. | ||
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+ | Ashwatha [[tree]] ([[sacred fig]] [[tree]]) is also known as Kalapvriksha where the [[deities]] and [[Brahma]] are stated to reside, and it is where [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Narada]] [[taught]] the [[rishis]] on the procedure for worshipping the [[tree]] and its usefulness. | ||
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+ | Mahua [[tree]] holds an important place in the day-to-day [[life]] of the tribal [[people]]. It is like the [[Kalpavriksha]] wish [[tree]] called [[madhu]] (Madhuca indica). | ||
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+ | Shami [[tree]] (Prosopis cineraria), found in desert areas of the country, called in local {{Wiki|dialect}} as khejari or jaant is called [[Kalpavriksha]]. In {{Wiki|Rajasthan}} desert area its [[roots]] go deep to a depth of 17–25 metres (56–82 ft). This checks the erosion of the sandy soil of the desert. For this [[reason]] the [[tree]] stays [[green]] even drought [[conditions]] of weather. [[People]] of {{Wiki|Rajasthan}} hence regard this [[tree]] as [[Kalpavriksha]], because at the time of drought when no grass or fodder is found anywhere the [[animals]] are able to sustain by eating its [[green]] leaves. | ||
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+ | Chyur [[tree]] in the high altitudes of the [[Himalayas]] growing at an altitude between 500 to 1000 m, known as the [[Indian]] butter [[tree]] or [[Bassia]] butyracea is called a Kalpavriskha, or [[tree]] of [[paradise]] by the [[people]] of the mountainous region as it yields [[honey]], [[jaggery]] and ghee. It is in the shape of an [[umbrella]]. | ||
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+ | In Joshimath in [[Uttarakhand]] a mulberry [[tree]], which is said to be 2400 years old, is renowned and revered as the [[Kalpavriksha]] as it was the location where, in the 8th century, [[Adi Sankaracharya]] did "penance" under the [[tree]] as he considered it an [[incarnation]] of Lord [[Shiva]]. It is also believed that [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Durvasa]] [[meditated]] under this [[tree]], in Urgam. The mountain slopes of [[Kailasa]] are stated to have a profusion of Kalpavrikshas. | ||
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+ | At Mangaliyawas near Ajmer, {{Wiki|Rajasthan}}, there are two revered [[trees]] ({{Wiki|Male}} and {{Wiki|Female}}) which are more than 800 years old, known as Kalpavrikshas. They are [[worshipped]] on an Amavasya day in the [[Hindu]] month of Shravan. | ||
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+ | In {{Wiki|Tamil}} Nadu's {{Wiki|culture}}, tala ([[Borassus flabellifer]]) a variety of [[Palmyra palm]] (Borassus), also known as toddy, is referred to as {{Wiki|Kalpataru}} as all its parts have a use. This [[tree]] is also native to {{Wiki|Asia}} and {{Wiki|South East Asia}}, has normally a [[life span]] of 100 years, grows up to 20 metres (66 ft) height; its leaves in the shape of a fan are rough {{Wiki|texture}}. The leaves were used for [[writing]] in the [[ancient]] times. | ||
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+ | In the Harivansh Puraan, the [[Parijata]], baobab [[tree]], is called a [[Kalpavriksha]], or wish bearing [[tree]], which apart from the village of Kintoor, near Barabanki, [[Uttar Pradesh]], is only found in [[heaven]]. It The [[tree]] has [[mythological]] link with {{Wiki|prince}} {{Wiki|Arjuna}} of the {{Wiki|Pandava}} {{Wiki|clan}} who is said to have brought it from [[heaven]]. His mother [[Kunti]] after whom the village Kintur is named used to offer [[flowers]] from this [[tree]] to {{Wiki|worship}} Lord [[Shiva]]. It is also said that Lord [[Krishna]] brought this [[tree]] from [[heaven]] to please his wife Satyabhama. | ||
+ | In [[iconography]] | ||
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+ | In [[iconography]], [[Kalpavriksha]], the [[wish-fulfilling tree]], is painted within a picture of a landscape, decorated with [[flowers]], silks, and suspended with jewelry. It is a pattern which has a prominent [[symbolic]] meaning. Ornamental [[Kalpavriksha]] design was a feature that was adopted on the reverse of the coins in the [[Gupta period]]. | ||
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+ | [[Kalpavriksha]] is also dated to the [[Dharmachakra]] period of [[Buddhism]]. The paintings of this period depicting the [[tree]] with various branches and leaves have a {{Wiki|female}} figure painted on its top part. The {{Wiki|female}} figure is painted from mast upwards holding a [[bowl]] in her hand. Similar depiction of {{Wiki|female}} figure with [[tree]] representing it as presiding [[deity]] was a notable feature during the {{Wiki|Sunga}} period as seen in the image of "Salabhanvka" in the railing pillars. | ||
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+ | In most paintings of [[Kalpavriksha]] [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]] are a common feature. It [[forms]] a {{Wiki|canopy}} over [[Shiva]]. In one painting Paravati is paying obeisance to Lord [[Shiva]] with her hands held up in adoration when she is blessed with a {{Wiki|stream}} of [[water]] from the [[Kalpavriksha]]. | ||
+ | In {{Wiki|literature}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | A [[Kalpavriksha]] is mentioned in the [[Sanskrit]] work Mānāsara as a {{Wiki|royal}} insignia. In Hemādri's work Caturvargacīntama, the [[Kalpavriksha]] is said to be a [[tree]] of {{Wiki|gold}} and [[gem]] stones. | ||
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+ | In [[poetry]] [[Kalpavriksha]] is compared to [[Lakshmi]] as its sister [[emerging]] from the sea. It is born to the [[Naga King]] [[Kumuda]], the fifth descendant of [[Takshaka]], along with his sister Kumudavati. It emerged from below the bed of the Sarayu [[River]] challenging [[Kusa]] considered an [[incarnation]] of [[Vishnu]] just in the disguise as a son. | ||
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+ | [[Wikipedia:Kālidāsa|Kalidasa]], in his [[poetry]] epitomizing wish-fulfilling [[trees]] found in the capital of the [[Yaksha king]] extols the [[virtues]] of [[Kalpavriksha]] as "the dainties and fineries for the fair women of [[Alaka]], coloured [[clothes]] for the [[body]], [[intoxicating]] drinks for exciting glances of the [[eyes]], and [[flowers]] for decorating the [[hair]] and ornaments of various designs" | ||
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{{E}} | {{E}} | ||
{{SanskritTerminology}} | {{SanskritTerminology}} |
Revision as of 04:38, 11 November 2015
Kalpavriksha; (the tree that yields whatever is desired). Kalpavriksha (Devanagari: कल्पवृक्ष), also known as kalpataru, kalpadruma or kalpapādapa, is a wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology. It was mentioned in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources onwards. It is a popular theme in Jain cosmology and Buddhism. Sage Durvasa and Adi Shankaracharya, meditated under the Kalpavriksha. Shiva's daughter Ashokasundari was created from Kalpavriksha tree by Parvati, to alleviate her loneliness. Another daughter Aranyani was also gifted to Kalapvriksha for safekeeping.
The Kalpavriksha originated during the Samudra manthan or "churning of the ocean of milk" along with the kamadhenu, the divine cow providing for all needs. The king of the gods, Indra, returned with this tree to his paradise.
Kalpavriksha is also identified with many trees such as Parijata, Ficus benghalensis, coconut tree, Madhuca longifolia, Prosopis cineraria, Bassia butyracea, and mulberry tree. The tree is also extolled in iconography and literature.
Kalpavriksha is an artistic and literary theme common to the Hindu Bhagavatas, the Jains and the Buddhists. In Hinduism
Kalpavriksha, the tree of life, also meaning "World Tree" finds mention in the Vedic scriptures. In the earliest account of the Samudra manthan or "churning of the ocean of milk" Kalpavriksha emerged from the primal waters during the ocean churning process along with Kamadhenu, the divine cow that bestows all needs. The tree is also said to be the Milky way or the birthplace of the stars Sirius. The king of the gods, Indra returned with this Kalpavriksha to his abode, the paradise and planted it their. Tree also finds mention in the Sanskrit text Mānāsara. In Indra's "Devaloka" it is said that there are five Kalpavrikshas, which are called Mandana, Parijata, Santana, Kalpavriksha and Harichandana, all of which fulfill various wishes. Kalpavriksha, in particular, is said to be planted at Mt. Meru peak in the middle of Indra's five paradise gardens. It is on account of these wish-granting trees that the asuras waged a perpetual war with the devas as the heavenly gods who exclusively benefited freely from the "divine flowers and fruits" from the Kalpavriksha, whereas the demigods lived comparatively in penury at the lower part of its "trunk and roots". The Parijata is often identified with its terrestrial counterpart, the Indian coral tree (Eyrthrina indica), but is most often depicted like a magnolia or frangipani (Sanskrit: champaka) tree. It is described as having roots made of gold, a silver midriff, lapislazuli boughs, coral leaves, pearl flower, gemstone buds, and diamond fruit. It is also said that Shiva created his daughter Ashok Sundari from a Kalpavriksha tree to provide relief to Parvati from her loneliness.
In Hindu mythology Shiva and Parvati after much painful discussions while parting with their daughter Aranyani gave her away to the divine Kalpavriksha for safe keeping. Parvati requested Kalpavriksha to bring up her daughter with "safety, wisdom, health and happiness," and to make her Vana Devi, the protector of forests. In Jainism Main article: Jain Cosmology
Kalpavrikshas are wish-granting trees which fulfill the desires of people in initial stages of worldly cycle as per Jain Cosmology. In initial times children are born in pairs (boy and girl) and don't do any karma. There are 10 Kalpavrikshas which grant 10 distinct wishes such as an abode to reside, garments, utensils, nourishment including fruits and sweets, pleasant music, ornaments, fragrant flowers, shining lamps and a radiant light at night.
According to Jain cosmology, in the three Aras (unequal periods) of the descending arc (Avasarpini), Kalpavrikshas provided all that was needed, but towards the end of the third ara, the yield from them diminished. Eight types of these trees are described in some texts, each of which provided different objects. Thus from the "Madyanga tree" delicious and nutritious drinks could be obtained; from the "Bhojananga", delicious food; from "yotiranga", light more radiant than the sun and the moon; while from "Dopanga" came indoor light. Other trees provided homes, musical devices, table ware, fine garments, wreaths and scents. In Buddhism
In Buddhism a small wish granting tree is depicted decorating the upper part of the "long-life vase" held by "longevity deities" like Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya. The goddess Shramana devi holds jeweled branch of Kalpavriksha in her left hand.
Worship of the Nyagrodha tree as a form of non-human worship is depicted in a Buddhist sculpture at Besnagar. This sculpture in Besnagar, also known as Vidisa (Bhilsa), is dated to third century BC and is exhibited in the Calcutta Museum.
In Myanmar, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, the significance of the Kalpavriksha is in the form of an annual ritual known as Kathina (presenting a robe) in which the laity present gifts to the monks in the form of money trees.
Identification with other trees
In different states of India some trees are specifically referred to as the Kalpavriksha. These are stated below.
The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) also called Nyagrodha tree which grows throughout the country is referred to as Kalpavriksha or Kaplaptaru because of its ability to amply provide for human needs.
The coconut tree found in most regions of the country is called "Kalpavriksha", as every part of it is useful in one way or the other. The coconut water inside the nut is a delicious drink. In dried form it is called copra and is used to manufacture oil. The coconut husk, called coir, is used to make rope. Leaves are used to make huts, fans, mats. Palm sugar is made from budding flower. The dried midrib is used to make boats.
Ashwatha tree (sacred fig tree) is also known as Kalapvriksha where the deities and Brahma are stated to reside, and it is where sage Narada taught the rishis on the procedure for worshipping the tree and its usefulness.
Mahua tree holds an important place in the day-to-day life of the tribal people. It is like the Kalpavriksha wish tree called madhu (Madhuca indica).
Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria), found in desert areas of the country, called in local dialect as khejari or jaant is called Kalpavriksha. In Rajasthan desert area its roots go deep to a depth of 17–25 metres (56–82 ft). This checks the erosion of the sandy soil of the desert. For this reason the tree stays green even drought conditions of weather. People of Rajasthan hence regard this tree as Kalpavriksha, because at the time of drought when no grass or fodder is found anywhere the animals are able to sustain by eating its green leaves.
Chyur tree in the high altitudes of the Himalayas growing at an altitude between 500 to 1000 m, known as the Indian butter tree or Bassia butyracea is called a Kalpavriskha, or tree of paradise by the people of the mountainous region as it yields honey, jaggery and ghee. It is in the shape of an umbrella.
In Joshimath in Uttarakhand a mulberry tree, which is said to be 2400 years old, is renowned and revered as the Kalpavriksha as it was the location where, in the 8th century, Adi Sankaracharya did "penance" under the tree as he considered it an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that sage Durvasa meditated under this tree, in Urgam. The mountain slopes of Kailasa are stated to have a profusion of Kalpavrikshas.
At Mangaliyawas near Ajmer, Rajasthan, there are two revered trees (Male and Female) which are more than 800 years old, known as Kalpavrikshas. They are worshipped on an Amavasya day in the Hindu month of Shravan.
In Tamil Nadu's culture, tala (Borassus flabellifer) a variety of Palmyra palm (Borassus), also known as toddy, is referred to as Kalpataru as all its parts have a use. This tree is also native to Asia and South East Asia, has normally a life span of 100 years, grows up to 20 metres (66 ft) height; its leaves in the shape of a fan are rough texture. The leaves were used for writing in the ancient times.
In the Harivansh Puraan, the Parijata, baobab tree, is called a Kalpavriksha, or wish bearing tree, which apart from the village of Kintoor, near Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, is only found in heaven. It The tree has mythological link with prince Arjuna of the Pandava clan who is said to have brought it from heaven. His mother Kunti after whom the village Kintur is named used to offer flowers from this tree to worship Lord Shiva. It is also said that Lord Krishna brought this tree from heaven to please his wife Satyabhama. In iconography
In iconography, Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree, is painted within a picture of a landscape, decorated with flowers, silks, and suspended with jewelry. It is a pattern which has a prominent symbolic meaning. Ornamental Kalpavriksha design was a feature that was adopted on the reverse of the coins in the Gupta period.
Kalpavriksha is also dated to the Dharmachakra period of Buddhism. The paintings of this period depicting the tree with various branches and leaves have a female figure painted on its top part. The female figure is painted from mast upwards holding a bowl in her hand. Similar depiction of female figure with tree representing it as presiding deity was a notable feature during the Sunga period as seen in the image of "Salabhanvka" in the railing pillars.
In most paintings of Kalpavriksha Shiva and Parvati are a common feature. It forms a canopy over Shiva. In one painting Paravati is paying obeisance to Lord Shiva with her hands held up in adoration when she is blessed with a stream of water from the Kalpavriksha. In literature
A Kalpavriksha is mentioned in the Sanskrit work Mānāsara as a royal insignia. In Hemādri's work Caturvargacīntama, the Kalpavriksha is said to be a tree of gold and gem stones.
In poetry Kalpavriksha is compared to Lakshmi as its sister emerging from the sea. It is born to the Naga King Kumuda, the fifth descendant of Takshaka, along with his sister Kumudavati. It emerged from below the bed of the Sarayu River challenging Kusa considered an incarnation of Vishnu just in the disguise as a son.
Kalidasa, in his poetry epitomizing wish-fulfilling trees found in the capital of the Yaksha king extols the virtues of Kalpavriksha as "the dainties and fineries for the fair women of Alaka, coloured clothes for the body, intoxicating drinks for exciting glances of the eyes, and flowers for decorating the hair and ornaments of various designs"