Plant Summary:
Among the 21 leaves offered to Lord Ganesha during Patra Pooja/leaves offering ritual, Arka/Yekka leaf is one of them.
Pooja to Lord Hanuman is incomplete without the offering of a garland made with Arka flowers or Arka leaves. Hindus worship the plant and the leaves are used while having a bath on Rathasapthami/festival of Sun god. In the ancient scripts of Ayurveda, Arka is mentioned as a healing herb. There are two varieties of this plant, the plant with the white flowers is said to be more sacred and its botanical name is Calotropis Procera and the other with lilac colored flowers is called as Calotropis Gigantean.
Picture – Calotropis Procera/White Arka
Arka means “ray of light” in Sanskrit and the Arka plant is native to India and grows in dry wastelands. It grows to a height of 3-5 meters. Its branches are thick and ash colored. When the plant is cut or broken, a milky sap oozes out of it, hence the name Giant Milkweed. Another common name of the plant “Crown Flower” is justified by the fact that the flowers are clustered into a bunch and each of these beautiful flowers has five petals with a structure in the middle resembling a crown.
The mature leaves are large, greenish gray, 8 – 12 cm long and 5 – 7 cm broad. The fruits of these trees are greenish gray, puffed up, 10 – 12 cm long. The fruits contain numerous seeds with tufts of silky hair at one end to help it fly.
Leaves of Arka is offered to Ganesha during the 21 patra (leaves) pooja while chanting “Om Kapilaaya namaha, Arka Patram Samarpayaami”.
Flowers of Arka are also offered to Lord Ganesha during the 21 pushpa (flower) pooja while chanting “Om Shudhaaya Namaha Arka Pushpam Samarpayami”.
The fruits are green, large up to 6-12 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The skin of the fruits is thick and spongy. On maturity, the fruit opens to reveal flattened seeds.
Medicinal Value:
Many medicinal benefits have been derived from different parts of the Arka tree. It is used externally as well internally. An Ayurvedic practitioner will be able to guide in prescribing the right treatment for the ailment.
The Arka is known to have cured skin diseases, digestion problem, abdominal pain, tumors, joint pains, wounds, toothaches etc. The latex of this plant is known to have controlled hair fall and lessen edema. The flowers and the skin of its roots are used to cure asthma and cough.
Related Images:
I would like to know were I can purchase ganesha made out of arka beru(roots).
Ramya, Sorry, I have no information regarding this..
where can we find this tree in mumbai city? plzzzzzzzzz reply its urgent.
Hi Srijja,
I am sorry I do not have the slightest clue where this plant is available in Mumbai as I live in Bangalore. Here it grows as a weed and is found in vacant sites.
Regards,
Shantha
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Hi,
In case if any one of you find people/place selling ganesha idol made out of root of Yekka/Arka please plet me know .. . I need one. Also, please mail me the rituals/poojas one should perform.
Rgds,
Keshav
keshav_blr@yahoo.com
The sacred tree (Arka tree) also symbolizes SURYA GOD. The flowers of this tree look very beautiful especially when the flowers the silky tufts from the fruit start flying.
Sudhir, Thanks for the information…
Hi,
I’m from California, USA and wanted to know how can I find the Arka leaves here in States. I would appreciate if you can give me the name to how i can go by finding the leaf. you can email me at annuk@hotmail.com
Thanks
Annu
Hi Annu,
Sorry, I am clueless about the availability of Arka leaves in California.
Regards,
Shantha
you could find this plant in my back yard in trinidad w.i.
please inform safty measurus for internal use
Hi Balu,
Please consult an ayurvedic doctor.
Regards,
Shantha
hello all, people who cant find aarka flowers,erukam puv, ekkada huvu in there place can go to markets whre they seel all flowers and tell them specifical in local language or known lang they will get it. in mumbai thats waht many do
Hi,
I have just used your blog as a reference for my query in a forum.
Hope i have the permission to quote as a reference.
thanks
.
Hi Rashmi,
Sure, you can quote.
Regards,
Shantha
Can I get its juice as a medicine in some shop?
Hi,
Where can I buy ARKA plant in Delhi or its neighbourhood.
I nee to buy 100 of Arka plants to be given away as return gift on my son’s birthday
What is the common name of Arka in Delhi?
Virender
Hi Virender,
You will have to check at the nearest nursery. They will be able to guide you.
It is a great and green idea to gift plants.
Regards,
Shantha
Dear readers,
If any body require arka plant, leaves, flowers, roots, seeds may call me for any quantity on 9828552114, 9024078207
If any body knows the use of seeds of arka plant and the ferns on the seed 9828552114 9024078207 or emai sk9828552114@yahoo.co.in
Arka Ganapathi is available in Chittor in Kanipakam Temple, Kanipakam temple is situated between Chittoor and Tirupathi route. People going to Tirumala Tirupathy Temple can visit this temple on the way. It is also available in some TamilNadu temples where Suryanarayana templesare situated.
Thanks for the information Sujatha.
Available in plenty in Najran Habuna areas of K.S.A.
thanks for the information – with complete details which helpful for me.
Hi if any anybody wants ganapathi idols made arka. Please do contact us 91 8105192519
Can anybody suggest me is there any pooja to be done if we remove the arka plant from our land
can we grow Arka plant at home ??
Can arka plant grow in a large flower pot at home (balcony)?
Thanks for the information.
You are most welcome, Mukunda.
Hi Mahesh,I am not aware of any pooja to remove arka plant. It is a weed and hence is cut down very often in vacant sites.Regards
Why not?
Once I saw a huge gigantic Arka tree in UAE, it had a sort of wool Cotten like white stuff along with fruits
No harm in trying.Regards,Shantha
Hi,
Can I keep only the flowers in cupboard…?
Hello,
I haven’t tried doing this. Ensure you dry them and then keep in the cupboard.
Somebody told keeping the leaf under ur feet and wearing socks s good for diabetes do u have information about ths
I am not aware of this. Please consult a doctor regarding this query.