Friday 19 August 2011

Sanjeevani - The ‘Life-giving’ Plant!

According to Hindu mythology, Sanjeevani is a miraculous herb possessing the power to cure practically any ailment! What’s most astounding in this regard is that this herb is believed to even possess the ability to revive the dead!



This herb is mentioned in the Ramayana when Ravana’s son Indrajit severely injures and nearly slaughters Lakshmana.  To treat Lakshmana, Hanuman was summoned to fetch the Sanjeevani herb from mount Dunagiri  located in the Himalayas. On reaching mount Sumeru, Hanuman, unable to recognize the herb, lifted the whole mountain, bringing it to the battle-field!

The popular word “Sanjeevani”, when translated, means “One that infuses life”. This in turn derives from the myriad medicinal properties of this plant; the Sanjeevani herb is thought to possess 101 types of medicinal powers! In India, traditionally, the dry Sanjeevani has been used to treat several human health ailments for centuries together!

The Sanjeevani plant is found in the Indian Western Ghats, especially Coorg. This plant grows in regions that receive plentiful supply of rainfall. Sanjeevani is extensively utilized by the tribals of Coorg called the Kurubas, who use it as medication for wounds and ulcers. They also drink this plant’s juice with milk and honey to stay healthy. Interestingly, this is also a special medicine in the tribal areas.

The Sanjeevani plant can be spotted in abundance in the Orange County, Coorg surroundings, where it is difficult to miss!

Rama's brother Lakshmana had been mortally wounded in battle by Indrajita, and the only thing that could save him was the Sanjivini ("life-giving") plant, which grew far away on a mountain in the Himalayas. Rama was disconsolate at this news, and lamented his brother's approaching death, but Hanuman assured him that he would get the plant.
Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and found the mountain, but was unable to find the plant . Undaunted, he lifted the entire mountain and brought it back to Lanka, where the physicians quickly located the herb, and brought Lakshmana back to health. Cured, Lakshmana killed Indrajita.

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