Odisha - Ashoka, Sorrowless Tree Flower

Botanical Name: Flower of Saraca asoca

'Sita-Ashok (Saraca asoca) flowers in Kolkata', by J.M.Garg, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Importance

Ashoka tree is one of the sacred trees of India. The tree is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains. It is believed that Gautama Buddha was born under this tree. It is grown as an avenue tree due to its foliage and fragrant flowers. The flowers are orange or orange yellow in colour.

Symbolic Meaning and Religious Significance

In Hinduism, this flower is a symbol of love. When Sita, wife of Rama was held captive she preferred to stay in the Ashok Vatika instead of Ravana's palace.

It is also associated with Kamadeva, the god of love in Hinduism, who is believed to have included an Ashoka blossom among the five flowers in his quiver where the flower represented seductive hypnosis.

Uses

Its medicinal importance of the tree and its flower is inscribed in various Ayurvedic scriptures. Flower extract is consumed to treat haemorrhagic dysentery. The dried flowers of the Ashoka tree are found to be useful in treating diabetes.

Bibliography

http://bsienvis.nic.in/State_flower/Odisha%20State%20Flower%20%20-%20Final%20-%2010.12.2013.pdf

https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/saraca-asoca

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saraca_asoca

https://www.lybrate.com/topic/ashoka-tree-uses-benefits-and-side-effects