Definition

Noun: * A large, long-lived fig tree (Ficus religiosa) native to the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and held as sacred in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Unlike the banyan, it does not develop prop roots from its branches.

Examples of Usage

• The ancient pipul tree in the temple courtyard is said to be over a thousand years old.
• Monks often meditate in the shade of the sacred pipul.
• The pipul, with its distinctive leaves, is a common sight in villages across the region.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical, religious, or botanical contexts to refer specifically to this species of fig tree, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance rather than just its botanical characteristics.

Variants and Related Words

• Peepul: An alternative and common spelling for the same tree.
• Sacred fig: The direct English translation and a more descriptive common name.
• Bo tree (or Bodhi tree): A name specifically used for the sacred fig under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. All Bo trees are pipul trees, but not all pipul trees are called Bo trees.

Synonyms

• Sacred fig
• Peepul tree
• Bodhi tree (in a specific religious context)
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• To sit under the pipul: An idiom referencing meditation, contemplation, or seeking enlightenment, derived from the story of the Buddha.
  • He went into the forest to sit under the pipul and find clarity.

Noun

1. fig tree of India noted for great size and longevity; lacks the prop roots of the banyan; regarded as sacred by Buddhists