An Ethno-cultural and Archaeological Review: the Retrieval of Origin of Banyan (Pipal) in Iran and India

A tree is interpreted as the sign of friendship, peace, knowledge, and prosperity in cultures and myths of the world nations. Since early time, the tree has maintained its importance status in the ritual, religious, and national beliefs of Iranian people. Of such respectful trees in Iran are cedar, pine, grape, and sycamore tree. A tree is grown in offshore of The Persian Gulf and The Oman Sea which is named “Korek” in local language, and it is similar to a tree which is popular in Indian Subcontinent as “sycamore of temples” or “Pipal”. This tree has a long life and more often is planted in vicinity of shrines. In Indian Subcontinent, according to Buddha, this tree is the holiest plant and according to Hindu, is the symbol of “Vish'nu”. The followers of Buddha believe that Buddha is reached to truth and light under the shadow of this tree. In Iran also this tree has religious worth and people bring in their alms and vows in order to fulfill their promises in return. With using of the printed sources available and observations in Indian culture, the main goal of this article for drawing such question is the comparison between ritual similarities of this holy tree in Iran and Indian Subcontinent. The necessity of comprehending of such issue help to perceive and unraveling the cultural roots in both regions.