All about Bhulan Bel, a plant that makes people forget everything

Apr 4, 2025 etimes.in

A plant that makes you forget

In the forests and certain regions of India, there is a famous plant that is believed to make people forget what they were doing, where they were going, and erases their consciousness and memory for a set time. Representative-image-Canva

The Bhulan bel

This plant is called the Bhulan Bel, and it is a rather lesser-known plant, because people do not remember touching it, finding it in a forest, or even coming in contact with it. Representative-image-Canva

The meaning of the plant

The word ‘Bhulan�?means to forget, or ‘Bhoolna�? and Bel means ‘vine�? And so the Bhulan Bel is a vine-like plant that, when touched, makes people forget their way. Representative-image-Canva

The legends of Bhulan bel

The Bhulan bel has many legends and stories linked to it, and people talk about getting lost and losing consciousness when they even step or touch one such plant. It is said that the plant pricks their body and makes them forget! Representative-image-Canva

A King’s use

It is believed that in olden times, great Sages and Rishis, who knew what the Bhulan bel looked like, were important for the Kings. Why? Well just before someone would attack a Kingdom, the King would order the soldiers to accompany the Sages and spread Bhulan bel on the path. Representative-image-Canva

A saying

In some villages, it is said that when people step on the Bhulan bel, they do not return home for 2 days. And thus it gave way to the famous saying ‘Itni late aaye, Bhulan Bel lag gyi thi kya?�? or ‘You came so late, did you touch a Bhulan bel on the way?�? Representative-image-Canva

A possible explanation

One possible explanation people give of this forgetting phenomenon is that the Bel has certain chemicals that make people dizzy and light-headed, when you step on the leaf, and the thorns prick you, that chemical mixes in your body. Representative-image-Canva

Spiritual beliefs

In some places, Bhulan Bel is considered mystical and people believe that spirits or supernatural forces live within it, and thus it tricks travelers and even people from the nearby areas into losing their way. Representative-image-Canva

Black magic ways

Some people also report that the Bhulan bel is used in black magic and negative rituals to make the victims forget their way and identity. The culprits then manipulate them and steal from them. Representative-image-Canva

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