Arjuna Tree
There is a history behind the pair of arjuna trees. In their previous lives, the trees were born as the human sons of Kuvera, and their names were Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva. Fortunately, they came within the vision of the Lord. In their previous lives they were cursed by the great sage Nārada in order to receive the highest benediction of seeing Lord Kṛṣṇa. This benediction-curse was bestowed upon them because of their forgetfulness due to intoxication.
(Krsna book Chapter 9)
Upon seeing the place where the twin arjuna trees had been broken by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was moved to great ecstatic love.
(CC Madhya 18.68)
Arjuna trees are still found in many forests, and their skin is used by cardiologists to prepare medicine for heart trouble. This means that even though they are trees, they are disturbed when skinned for medical science.
(SB 10.10.23)
Prabhupāda: Yes. not . . . going to hell, that’s all. We are trying to be naked; nature will say: “Yes, you stand here naked for ten thousand years.” Yes. That is the punishment for being naked. Human life is not meant for becoming naked. That is according to Vedic civilization a great sin. You see. So their, their propensity they are increasing to become naked like our George . . . what’s his name? Lennon, Lennon. So next time he is going to be tree, stand up. Otherwise where from the trees come? They cannot explain. You become tree. That’s all. Just like the Nalakūvara; they were taking bath naked without caring for Nārada. All right, you become naked for one hundred years.
(730515 – Morning Walk – Los Angeles)
