Green Pearls of India: Tracing the Roots of Sacred Trees

It is undeniable that primitive man worshipped trees with singular impartiality in reverence of their
life-giving nature. Throughout the world, every culture has formed enduring bonds with trees, and in appreciation of their inherent spiritual value, some have even been singled out for special veneration. India is no different. Here, too, people, irrespective of religion and race, revere and worship trees. In Green Pearls of India: Tracing the Roots of Sacred Trees, V. Sundararaju captures the essence and beauty of 27 such sacred trees. He vividly describes the religious, social, economic, ecological, cultural and medicinal values of each and explores the stories and legends associated with them. From the origins of the ‘germ-killer’ tree and ‘sorrow-removing’ tree to the trees associated with Lord Shiva and Gautam Buddha, this meticulously researched and richly illustrated book o˜ers us a glimpse of the devotion that our ancient culture has shown towards sacred trees. A must-read for environmentalists, scholars of religion and ecology, and people interested in the continued connection between spiritual practice and the natural environment, this book not only appreciates the special place that these trees have in our lives but also underscores the fact that communion with nature is indispensable for healing our planet.