ASCLERIADE XE. 499, 
: » History, Uses, &c. —Calotropis is mentioned by the 
wistbost Hindu writers, the leaves, ar kapattra, arkaparna, 
“sun leaf” or “lightning leaf,” so called from their cuneiform 
shape, were used in Vedic times in Sun- worship. According 
_ to the Shatapatha Bréhmana every part of the human fornt 
was supposed to be represented in the different parts of the 
plant, nevertheless it would appear to have been dreaded 
(Panchatantra i. 57), and was supposed to blind those who 
approached it. (Mahabhérata i. 716.) These myths appear to 
have arisen from the Hindus attributing to the plant the pro- 
_ perties possessed by lightning aad the sun’s rays. (De Guber- 
- ts.) As a medicine Calotropis is noticed by Susruta and 
_ other medical writers, some of whom mention two varieties, 
 arka, and alarka, “*a white-flowered kind.” Calotropis bears 
many synonyms in Sanskrit, such as Rudra, Aditya, Surya- 
patira and Mandira, from the last of which i is derived the 
mernsoutar form Madar, 
dn Western India, and probably elsewhere, there i is a curious 
Dadetisitins that a leaf of the Akra (Arka) fetched from the 
tree with certain ceremonies is of use in tedious labour. The 
friends of the woman take a packet of betelnut and leaf anda 
Piece of money, and proceed to the plant, which they address 
in the most respectful manner, placing the betel packet at its 
root and asking for the loan of one of its leaves, which they 
promise to return shortly, They then take away a leaf and 
place it upon the head of the parturient woman, where it re- 
mains for a short time, and is afterwards returned to the plant. 
This practice appears to be connected with the worship of the 
oa i or winds, demigods subject to Rudra, to whom these 
Plants are sacred. ~The Maruts are “worshipped | on Saturday 
with a garland of the flowers. The twigs are used as samidhas, 
and the leaves are used by some in the shati puja to propitiate 
the goddess of parturition. Calotropis is also the kul or Arbor 
nade of the Bhand§ri caste, whose business iti is to tend 
palm gardens and extract the j juice of the trees. Another 
‘eesti general’ amongst all castes of Hindus is that a man 
rho has. lost three wives must make his fourth —— with 
Ree Meee eae? 
Pewee eee tt 
aN. 
at ee eae” 
TB ae tae Pettey gags ey eee rs San SATs 3 
Piss SRS pom aig ht eee : Dice 
