Did you know that Callicarpa tomentosa or Aarati gida is also known as Pandavara Batti (Pandavas’ torch), a plant whose leaves are said to have been used as a fire torch by the Pandavas of Mahabharata during their vanavasa (exile)?

Callicarpa tomentosa or Aarati gida

Did you know that Callicarpa tomentosa or Aarati gida is also known as Pandavara Batti (Pandavas’ torch), a plant 

whose leaves are said to have been used as a fire torch by the Pandavas of Mahabharata during their vanavasa (exile)? 

Callicarpa tomentosa or Aarati gida, a species of beautyberry plant in the family Lamiaceae, which is found in the Western Ghats in India, in Sri Lanka and Nepal. The plant’s Kannada name 'Aarati gida' is not accidental. It is so called because one can light a torch with even its fresh green leaf – a drop of oil applied on the tip of the leaf does the trick as it begins to act like a wick. The plant, , is still used in many South Indian temples like the Ayyanar temple and Bhairavar temple in Tamil Nadu. Its ancient pre-historic link is to the epic Mahabharata period of Dwapara Yuga when the Pandavas were exiled to live in forests they used this plant's leaves as a fire torch (Batti) to move around in the night , and hence it is also called "Pandavara Batti."

The genus Callicarpa is derived from the Greek words 'kalli' meaning beautiful and 'karpos' meaning fruit. Species tomentosa means thickly matted with hairs.

Known in English as French mulberry of the Western Ghats, Great woolly Malayan lilac, Callicarpa tomentosa has many vernacular names such as: Priyangu in Sanskrit; Pandavara Batti in Hindi; Aarati gida (ಆರತಿ ಗಿಡ), Dodda nathada gida (ದೊಡ್ಡ ನಾತದ ಗಿಡ), Rishipathiri in Kannada; Kattuthekku, Thiriperivelam, Nay-kkumpi in Malayalam; Aisar, Hesur in Marathi; Kattu-k-kumil, Vettilai-pattai in Tamil; and Bodiga chettu in Telugu; and Taramah in Bengal.

Callicarpa tomentosa (Pandava Battti) with botanical name, Callicarpa Lanata, is a large shrub or small tree which is genearlly found in Semi-evergreen forests. It grows up to 5 metres tall. Leaves are simple, opposite; elliptic to broadly elliptic; apex acute or acuminate. Its purplish flowers show branched axillary cymes. Fruit is 3-4 seeded globose drupe. Fruits provide food for wildlife. Species in this genus generally require a sunny position or light dappled shade. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil. Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

It is a bitterish rather aromatic plant. It has anthelminitics (anti-parasitic) and anti-inflammatory properties. They are sometimes used to make herbal medicine. The leaves are also food for wildlife.

The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. Its stem, leaves, and root are used cure fever, liver complaints, and skin disease.

- Narasipur Char