Green Paradise Parijat Plant: A

Floral Gem from Hindu Mythology

In the realm of botanical wonders, there exists a plant shrouded in mystique and steeped in ancient legends - the Parijat plant, also known as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. This exquisite and fragrant flower has captivated hearts and minds for centuries, not only for its ethereal beauty but also for its profound cultural and religious significance.

A Blossom of the Night

• The Parijat plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in various parts of India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.

• It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 10 to 33 feet.

• What sets the Parijat apart from other flowers is its unique blooming pattern.

• The flowers of this plant bloom at night and shed their petals by dawn, creating a mesmerizing and fleeting spectacle.

• This distinctive characteristic has earned it the common name 'Night-flowering Jasmine' or 'Queen of the Night.'

The Legend of the Parijat

• The allure of the Parijat plant extends beyond its physical attributes; it is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology.

• According to the ancient texts, the Parijat plant is said to have originated from a celestial battle between Lord Krishna and Lord Indra, the king of the heavens.

• The legend goes that Lord Krishna brought this heavenly plant to Earth after his marriage to Princess Satyabhama.

• It is believed that the tree originally grew in the celestial gardens of Lord Indra and bore divine blossoms.

• As the story goes, Satyabhama wanted this celestial flower for her own garden, and Lord Krishna, in his efforts to fulfill her wishes, uprooted the tree and brought it to Earth.

• This divine act made the Parijat an eternal symbol of love, devotion, and the fulfillment of desires.

Cultural Significance

• Beyond its mythological roots, the Parijat plant holds a special place in various cultural and religious practices in India.

• The flowers are often used in Hindu rituals and ceremonies.

• They are particularly significant during the festival of Karva Chauth, where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

• On this day, Parijat flowers are considered sacred and are offered to the moon as a symbol of love and devotion.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses

• Apart from its cultural and religious significance, the Parijat plant has several medicinal and therapeutic properties.

• The leaves and flowers contain essential oils and have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.

• They are also believed to have benefits for respiratory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues.

Challenges and Conservation

• Despite its cultural and medicinal importance, the Parijat plant faces challenges in the wild due to habitat loss and deforestation.

• Efforts are being made to conserve and protect this species, which holds not only botanical value but also deep cultural and religious significance.

Unveiling the Mystique of Parijat: A Guide to Growing

and Nurturing This Enchanting Plant

There are few plants in the world that hold the same mystical allure as the Parijat plant, also known as the Night-flowering Jasmine or Harsingar. This plant, scientifically named Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, is renowned not only for its captivating blossoms but also for its historical and cultural significance. If you're eager to cultivate this ethereal beauty in your garden or home, then you've embarked on a journey that promises both challenge and reward.

Understanding the Parijat Plant

• Before delving into the art of growing Parijat, it's essential to grasp the plant's nature and characteristics.

• Native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent, Parijat is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 33 feet in height.

• It derives its name from two Sanskrit words, 'Pari' meaning 'Fairy' and 'Jat' meaning 'Hair,' alluding to the belief that the flowers bloom in the presence of celestial beings.

Selecting the Right Location

• Parijat is a sun-loving plant, which means it thrives in bright sunlight.

• When selecting a spot for your Parijat, ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

• However, it's also somewhat sensitive to extreme heat, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial, especially in regions with scorching summers.

Preparing the Soil

• The right soil composition is crucial for the well-being of your Parijat.

• It prefers soil that drains well and is rich in organic materials.

• It is best to use a mixture of garden soil, sand, and compost.

• The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH level between 6 to 7.

Planting Parijat

Planting Parijat can be done from seeds, cuttings, or saplings.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Seed Planting:

If you're starting from seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours before planting. Plant them in well-prepared soil, about half an inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Cuttings:

Parijat can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season. These should be around 4-6 inches long. Plant them in well-draining soil, and they should develop roots in a few weeks.

Saplings:

If you want an early start, you can buy Parijat saplings from a Green Paradise. When planting saplings, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the sapling, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly.

Watering and Maintenance

• While Parijat enjoys consistently moist soil, it doesn't appreciate waterlogged conditions.

• Allow at least one inch of soil to dry between waterings.

• During the growing season, which is typically from spring to early autumn, you may need to water more frequently.

• Watering should be reduced throughout the dormant winter months.

Fertilizing

• Feed your Parijat with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.

• Overfertilizing can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Shaping

• Parijat can grow leggy if left unpruned.

• Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.

• Remove dead or diseased branches promptly.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

• Parijat is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and powdery mildew.

• Treat infestations with neem oil or a mild soap solution.

• Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent mildew.

The Magic of Parijat Blooms

• The most enchanting aspect of the Parijat plant is, of course, its blooms.

• The fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with orange centers appear at night and fall to the ground at dawn.

• These delicate blossoms are used in various religious and cultural ceremonies across Southeast Asia, particularly in India and Nepal.