THE VEDIC DEITIES.
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The Vata, Banyan or Indian Fig Tree[1] (Ficus Indica), also sacred to Vishnu.
The Vilva, or Wood-apple, or Bēl Tree (Ægle Marmelos), sacred to Siva.
The Vakula (Mimusops Elengi).
The Harltāki (Terminalia chebula).
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THE BEL.
The Amalaki, or Emblic Myrobalans (Phyllanthus emblica).
The Nimba, or Nim Tree (Melia azadirachta).
The Tulsi (Ocinium gratissimum or sanctum).
The Tulsi is very commonly worshipped by the followers of Vishnu; and the plant is most carefully tended as his representative. Every morning the ground near it is cleaned with cow-dung and water; at night
- ↑ See p. 472.
