Pavizhamalli Plant 

Care tips and Benefits

Dr,N,K,MANOHARAN

 

        Rich in the fascinating legends of Indian mythology, known as the parijata flower, night-blooming jasmine, and coral coriander, its beauty and fragrance are a bittersweet tale of love, longing, and divine mercy. But this is not the Parijata of us Keralites, but this is another plant known as Parijata. Hindu mythology claims that the gods and demons discovered the Parijata tree when they united and crossed the Palazhi in search of the nectar of immortality. Legend has it that this tree was later planted by Indra, the king of the gods, in his heavenly garden of Nandana forest.The tree is known for its unparalleled beauty and divine fragrance, but sadly its flowers bloom at night and fall to the ground in the morning.In another legend, this tree is also a story of love and heartbreak. A long time ago, there lived a princess named Parijataka, who was very famous for her beauty and kindness, and once she fell deeply in love with the sun god. But knowing this love of hers, the Sun God remained indifferent to that love. Heartbroken at this, Princess Parijataka ended her life. Later from her ashes, the Parijata tree emerged, a testament to her eternal love and unfulfilled desires.

That is why it is said that its flowers bloom only at night and fall to the ground when the first rays of the sun touch them. Its flowers, like princesses, move away from the sun's gaze. Apart from this,

There is another story; it is like this: once Lord Krishna visited the heavenly garden of Devedra with Satyabhama. Attracted by the beauty and fragrance of the Parijata tree she saw there, she wanted to have it in her palace. To please her, Krishna uprooted the tree and threw it on the ground. Devendra, who was angry at Krishna's action, asked Krishna a little impatiently. O great benefactor. What a crime you have done. Of course, this is not a good deed. The fragrance and beauty of this Nandana forest have been destroyed by your despicable act. To the enraged Lord Indra, Lord Krishna gently said, Oh King of Gods, if this flower tree grows on the earth, it will bring great happiness to humans, for their happiness, we have done so. But Lord Indra, who understood everything, reluctantly agreed. On his return, Satyabhama planted this tree in his yard and ensured that it would not only bloom in his garden. But seeing this, Rukmini, another wife of Krishna, who was also a devotee of Parijata flowers, told Krishna that she also wanted a tree like that. It is believed that Krishna, in such a predicament, to resolve this conflict between the two, blessed the tree itself so that while it grew in Satyabhama's garden, its flowers would fall in Rukmini's backyard, thus becoming a symbol of love and balance. 

 

The Parijata flower is associated in Indian culture with unrequited love, eternal attraction, divine beauty, and spiritual awakening, and it is often associated with detachment and humility. Used in worship, especially dedicated to deities like Vishnu and Shiva. Even today the Parijata tree is revered in many parts of India. The famous Parijata tree in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the same tree brought to earth by Lord Krishna. It is said to be more than 1,000 years old, standing as a living relic of these ancient legends. Now let's take a look at this tree in the present tense. It is a small tree or shrub in the family Oleaceae. Its scientific name is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis; common names are parijata, night jasmine, harsringar, and shefali; in Malayalam it is called Pavizhamallichedi.

A beautiful and fragrant flowering plant native to South and Southeast Asia. It has medicinal, cultural, and ornamental value. Usually grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers a well-drained, sandy loam soil. Full to partial sunlight is required for good growth. Can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers. Regular watering is required during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter. Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage flowering.

Also apply organic fertilizer or compost every two or three months. Use organic pesticides to control pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Also, this plant has many medicinal properties. It is widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine. It contains phytochemicals, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, and essential oils. It also contains components such as Nyctantin, friedelin, and arboristroside that are anti-inflammatory in arthritis and inflammatory conditions. It is used as a remedy for many ailments, including antipyretic, malaria, dengue, fever, antioxidant, oxidative stress, liver health, jaundice, worm infestation, asthma, cough, bronchitis, fungal infection, eczema, acne, constipation, loss of appetite, and the body's natural defenses. Another is because of its cultural and religious significance; it is considered a sacred plant in Hinduism, whose flowers are offered to deities. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. It also acts as a natural air purifier. Provides shade and habitat for small birds and insects. The flowers are used to extract essential oils that have therapeutic properties. The stem of the orange flower is used to prepare natural dyes for textiles. It is also known as arbor-tristis because the flowers bloom at night and fall to the ground at sunrise, the name meaning "sad tree."But its flowers are very fragrant and are used in perfumes and potpourris. The plant is drought tolerant and requires minimal care. Moderate use is recommended, as excessive use may cause nausea or irritation. A very important thing. Before using this plant for medicinal purposes, always consult a health professional and follow their advice to use it, or it can be dangerous.

 

See you again thank you for reading.