Thanks Deviji for sharing this. May I share my experience in connection with dasapushpam and nakshthra marangal (trees of zodiac signs)? I have been involved in planting dasapushpam, trees of zodiac signs (http://thenmala.info/trees.html) in collaboration with forest department and different temple authorities in different parts of Kerala. It was a good experience as people from different corners (school & College) students, teachers, involved in the program to restore a Kavu (sacred forest) last month in Central Kerala (Nagapuzha, near Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala). Here people have realized the fact that they have lost the natural habitat near the pristine Kavu by the activity of different authorities handled the temple for the last 30-40 years. During this period they have renovated and temple (which was just a small idol beneath a tree when the kavu was there) and build new temple and expanded the existing one. Now they realize that unless they get the kavu back, the divinity of the area would not be complete. Now they are planting trees and other plants with local importance. I am in the restoration committee along with experts from different fields. We insisted them plants (only indigenous/endemics) of ethnic and medicinal importance. We suggested trees of zodiac signs (Nakshathra marangal), Dasapushpangal, Dasamoolangal (major plants used in the preparation of Dasamoolarishtam, an ayurvedic preparation). Kerala Forest department and Devaswam Board are showing keen interest in generating awareness by planting trees in such places in collaboration with local people or interested public bodies towards conservation. MS Swaminathan Research Foundation regional station (MSSRF, Waynad, Kerala) is involved in such kind of activities in Kerala. They distribute seedlings of these trees/plants as well!
Thanks and Regards, Giby On Jul 17, 8:24 am, Devi Nair <tcld...@gmail.com> wrote: > The month of Karkkidakam has started today as per the Malayalam calendar. > This is the wettest month of the season and the ten sacred flowers, > 'Dashapushpam', are given a lot of importance in rituals. This is because > it is also the season when a lot of illnesses surface due to the damp > weather. > > Even though they are termed as flowers, in reality it is the whole plant and > the leaves that are medicinal. The flowers in most cases are small and > inconspicuous. > > Many of these can also be used as pot herbs and added to batters or Dhals to > make healthy and tasty dishes. The leaves of of the Mukkutti are crushed and > the greenish black juice is used by the women to make a bindi during this > month. It is supposed to attract 'Shree' , prosperity. > > *Dashapushpam* > * > * > * > * > * > * > 1. Karuka Cynodon dactylon > 2. Valli uzhinja Cardiospermum halicacabum > 3. Poovankurunnela Vernonia cinerea > 4.Muyalchevian Emilia sonchifolia > 5.Kayyonni Eclipta alba > 6.Nilappana Curculigo orchioides > 7.Vishnukranti Evolvulus alsinoides > 8.Mukkutti Biophytum sensitivum > 9.Cherula Aerva lanata > 10.Thirutali Ipomoea sepiaria > > Regards, > Devi
