According to the Hindu mythology, ashvastha (or Assattha) , that is, the Ficus religiosa, is a sacred tree for the Hindus and has been extensively mentioned in texts pertaining to Hinduism. Buddhist texts term the tree as Bodhi tree, a tree under which Gautam Buddha meditated and gained enlightenment.

The Hindu mythology states that the ashvastha tree has its roots in heavens, and it is a tree of eternal life. The fire sticks used in Hindu sacrificial fire like agnihotra also contain dried wood of ashvastha tree.

References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola