Harsingar – The Night Jasmine That Heals and Inspires
Harsingar blooms beautifully at night but gently falls to the ground by morning without holding on. This teaches us an important lesson—sometimes, we need to let go of pain, past relationships, or failures instead of clinging to them. Just like the flower, we must accept change and move forward with grace.
The Tree of Sorrow or the Tree of Hope?
One morning, while walking through the peaceful paths of Rajghat, I came across a tree—Harsingar, Parijat, or Night Jasmine. Its tiny white flowers, with bright orange stems, were scattered on the ground, looking like fallen stars. As I stood there admiring its beauty, I overheard someone talking about its amazing health benefits.
But what surprised me was its unusual nickname—the “Tree of Sadness” or “Tree of Sorrow.”
For a moment, I wondered—how could something so beautiful, so helpful, be called a tree of sorrow? This tree gives so much to us, yet it is linked with sadness. And then I realized—we should never judge something just by its name (Don’t judge a book by its cover).
A Healing Tree, Yet Called the Tree of Sadness
The Harsingar tree is not just a tree; it is a silent healer.
Its bark and leaves help relieve joint pain and arthritis.
It improves digestion, reducing problems like bloating and acidity.
It fights fevers caused by malaria and dengue.
Its flowers make skin and hair healthier, treating rashes, pigmentation, and dandruff.
It can even help with high blood pressure, anxiety, and scurvy.
Yet, despite all these benefits, people call it the Tree of Sorrow. But isn’t this how we treat some people in our lives?
Think about our parents. Sometimes they scold us or seem strict, but deep down, they only want the best for us. Just like this tree, they silently protect, guide, and care for us without expecting anything in return.
The Hidden Kindness of Nature
The Harsingar tree blooms in the night, spreads its sweet fragrance, and then lets go of its flowers by morning. It gives everything selflessly, asking for nothing. Yet, we humans often fail to appreciate such quiet kindness.
Aren’t we the same in life? We focus so much on what we don’t have that we forget to be grateful for what we do have. We take our loved ones, our health, and even simple joys for granted—only realizing their value when they are gone.
A Lesson from the Parijat
In Indian mythology, the Parijat is a sacred tree. It is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita and Harivansh Purana and is said to have come from the ocean during the great churning (Samudra Manthan). It is a symbol of beauty, strength, and resilience.
Parijat leaves offer a range of impressive health benefits, from easing joint pain and aiding respiratory health to supporting hair and skin care. This versatile plant has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, providing natural relief for various ailments.
Its therapeutic properties make it a powerful remedy for managing colds, coughs and infections, including malaria. In Indian mythology, Parijat is celebrated as a “heavenly tree,” which is mentioned in sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Harivamsa Purana, where it is highlighted as an offering to Goddess Durga.
This deeply symbolic plant carries both cultural significance and healing potential, making it a valuable resource in traditional medicine.
However, while Parijat is generally safe when used in moderation, it is important to start with small amounts and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns, especially if using it long-term.
Maybe it’s time we stop calling it the Tree of Sorrow and start calling it the Tree of Hope. Because even in pain, there is healing. Even in darkness, there is light. Even in loss, there is giving.
So the next time we meet someone who seems distant or tough, let’s remember the Parijat. They might be the ones silently bringing beauty, strength, and hope into our lives—just like this tree.
About the Author
Aakanksha Pandey
A student of B.Sc. specializing in Food science and nutrition at Lady Irwin College, Delhi University. Passionate about health, wellness, and the science of nutrition. She loves to protect the environment and is keen to learn the nutritional benefits of the plants.
❤️🫣why is she and her words are so beautiful.
Thankyou dear Rimjhim . I hope you had a nice time reading this blog . All the best for your upcoming exam.🙂🙂🫠
Very informatic blog.
“Such a beautiful read! I love how Harsingar symbolizes healing and inspiration—truly a flower with a soul.”