Tree of Life Motif in Gujarati Art and Architecture
The tree of life or Kalpavriksha in Hinduism holds a very significant position among the adherents. Various cultures across the world such as the Sumerian, Slavic, Nordic, Chinese cultures, etc. have different interpretations of it. In the Quran, it appears as Shajarat al-Kholoud which represents immortality. In Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology, Kalpavriksha is believed to be a divine tree that grants wishes. It is also known as Kalpataru , Kalpadruma , Kalpapadapa , etc. The tribal communities of India too revere it and it has been depicted in their art and culture. The first reference to Kalpavriksha is found in the Rigveda . As per the Hindu mythology, it was one of the products that emerged out of samudra-manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). Indra, the king of the devas (gods) and swarga (heaven) took it to the indralok or heaven and planted in his celestial garden. It can bear any kind of fruit, grant material prosperity and can also be instrumental in...