PLANTS, TREES & HERBS MENTIONED IN THE MAHĀBHĀRAT

Introduction

The Mahābhārat is not only a grand epic of dharma, war, philosophy, and human complexities — it is also a remarkable ecological document. The text is filled with detailed references to forests, herbs, trees, flowers, and sacred plants that shaped ancient Indian life. These botanical mentions reveal how deeply connected people were with nature in the epic age. They show what the environment looked like thousands of years ago, what plants were used in medicine, rituals, and daily sustenance, and how certain trees even carried symbolic meaning in warfare.
Below is one of the most comprehensive lists of plants referenced directly or indirectly in the Mahābhārat.

1. Major Forest Trees

  1. Aśvattha (Peepal)
  2. Nyagrodha (Banyan)
  3. Plakṣa
  4. Udumbara
  5. Bilva (Bael)
  6. Śāla
  7. Śiṃśapā (Indian rosewood)
  8. Devadāru (Himalayan cedar)
  9. Tāla (Palmyra palm)
  10. Khajura (Date palm)
  11. Hintāla (palm variety)
  12. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
  13. Pippala
  14. Vata (Banyan)
  15. Dhava
  16. Khadira (Acacia catechu)
  17. Saptaparṇa
  18. Karnikāra
  19. Kovidāra
  20. Nagakesara

2. Aromatic / Medicinal Herbs

  1. Soma
  2. Jīvaka
  3. Rishabhaka
  4. Sanjīvanī
  5. Vishalyakarani
  6. Rohini herb
  7. Bhallātaka
  8. Sarala
  9. Kunjarakarna herb
  10. Priyangu
  11. Yashti-madhu
  12. Haridra (turmeric)
  13. Daruharidra
  14. Nimba (neem)
  15. Arka
  16. Shatavari
  17. Kusha / Darbha
  18. Eranda
  19. Apamarga

3. Flowers

  1. Lotus (Padma, Kumuda, Utpala)
  2. Mandara
  3. Mallikā (jasmine)
  4. Parijata
  5. Champaka
  6. Ketaki
  7. Karavīra
  8. Bakula
  9. Tamāla
  10. Padmāraaga blossoms
  11. Śirisha

4. Creepers & Climbers

  1. Madhavi-lata
  2. Krishna-sarpi creepers
  3. Vanda creepers
  4. Vanamala forest creepers
  5. Ishika reeds

5. Grains, Fruits & Edible Plants

  1. Rice (Vrihi, Shali)
  2. Barley (Yava)
  3. Sesame (Til)
  4. Wheat (Godhuma)
  5. Pulses (Masha, Mudga, Chanaka)
  6. Banana (Kadali)
  7. Mango (Amra)
  8. Jambu (Jamun)
  9. Badara (Ber)
  10. Pippali (Long pepper)
  11. Dhanyaka (Coriander)
  12. Narikela (Coconut)
  13. Dadima (Pomegranate)
  14. Draksha (Grapes)

6. Sacred Ritual Plants

  1. Kusha grass
  2. Darbha
  3. Palasha (Butea monosperma)
  4. Samidh woods
  5. Ashvattha leaves
  6. Arka leaves

7. Trees in War Symbols & Flags

  1. Tala (Palm) – Bhishma’s flag
  2. Kovidara – Krishna’s emblem
  3. Parijata – symbolic in Krishna lore
  4. Punnaga
  5. Shalmali (Silk cotton)

Conclusion

The Mahābhārat’s botanical richness proves that the epic is far more than a historical or spiritual narrative — it is also a window into the ecological world of ancient India. The forests of Naimisha, Kamyaka, and Dvaita were alive with medicinal herbs, sacred trees, flowering plants, and fruit-bearing species that supported the life of rishis, warriors, and common people. Each plant carries cultural, medicinal, and symbolic significance, showing the deep respect ancient Indians had for nature.
Understanding these plants helps us better appreciate the environment, lifestyle, and worldview of the era in which the Mahābhārat was composed.

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