sacred fig

tree

Also known as: Ficus religiosa, peepul, pipal, pipal tree

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June 25, 2026

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The sacred fig, scientifically known as Ficus religiosa, is a species of fig tree deeply revered in Buddhism. According to tradition, the Buddha attained Enlightenment under a specific sacred fig tree, known as the Bodhi tree, at Bodh Gaya in India. This tree is a significant pilgrimage site, and descendants of the original Bodhi tree are found in various locations, including Sri Lanka.1

The genus Ficus, to which the sacred fig belongs, comprises about 900 species of trees, shrubs, and vines native to tropical regions worldwide. Many Ficus species are characterized by their unique pollination system involving specific fig wasps. The common fig (Ficus carica) is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is a good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.23

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Bodhi tree
…to Buddhist tradition, the specific sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha sat when he attained Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India. The Mahabodhi Temple, which marks the place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, features a descendant of the original Bodhi tree and is a major site of…
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…to Buddhist tradition, the specific sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha sat when he attained Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India. The Mahabodhi Temple, which marks the place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, features a descendant of the original Bodhi tree and is a major site of…
Read More

Ficus
Major species
The Bo tree, or pipal (F. religiosa), is sacred in India because of its association with the Buddha. Another notable Ficus species is the sycamore fig (F. sycomorus), which has mulberry-like leaves, hard wood, and edible fruit.
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The Bo tree, or pipal (F. religiosa), is sacred in India because of its association with the Buddha. Another notable Ficus species is the sycamore fig (F. sycomorus), which has mulberry-like leaves, hard wood, and edible fruit.
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lac
…particularly on the sacred fig, Ficus religiosa, in India, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The lac is harvested predominantly for the production of shellac (q.v.) and lac dye, a red dye widely used in India and other Asian countries. Forms of lac, including shellac, are the only…
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…particularly on the sacred fig, Ficus religiosa, in India, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The lac is harvested predominantly for the production of shellac (q.v.) and lac dye, a red dye widely used in India and other Asian countries. Forms of lac, including shellac, are the only…
Read More