1870.] The Vdstu Yaga % 227 



In the month of Chaitra on the thirteenth lunar day, the Mada- 

 notsava is celebrated and the Asoka tree is worshipped. 



But the most important instance of tree worship is the Durga- 

 puja. Although the festival is a rejoicing at the promising crops 

 in the field, and although it may he traced to the solar myth and 

 TJsha or dawn worship, it is undoubtedly one of the most extensive 

 festivals of tree-worship. 



Along with the goddess Durga, the JVava patrici or the nine 

 leaves are worshipped. The nine are 



On the morning of the first day of the puja, nine branches with 

 leaves are tied together with a plant of ^f TTfw«TT, ( CUtoria ternata, 

 alba) and* 1 a twig of the f^^ bearing a pair of fruits with suitable 



* The following mantras are repeated before cutting the twig. 



■^rr%f% TT^TT 3F^ W^J ^3TH?T^qfP II 

 3Z^^T <T^ ^T^T^[ ^^t<?Wf ^f^T35}^ II 



srrar^rg'sr ^:*a ^r ^ wry ppn sj^rr ! 



^tj^cciT ?T^T^f *T5SJT ^afffrf^^frr: || 

 f«[^Tl%fl : rr^'lT^ f^~§W ^T^f ^ II 



Sripkala tree, you are born on the mountain Mandar, Meru Kailasa and at 

 the top of the Himavat, you are always a favourite of Ambica. Born on the 

 top of the Sri hill Sriphala ! You are the resting-place of prosperity, I take 

 you away to worship you a3 Durga herself. 



Om Vilva tree, most prosperous, always a favourite of Sankara, I worship 

 the devi, having takon away your branch. O Lord, you must not mind the 

 pain generated by the separation of your branch, for it is said the gods have 

 worshipped Durga, having taken away your branch. I bow to the Vilva tree 

 born on tho Himalaya mountain, favourite of Parvati and embraced by Siva. 

 You are auspicious in action and a favourite of Bhagavati ; for the sake of Bha- 

 vaui's words, give me all success. 



