Toddy Palm or "toddy palm tree."
Palm tree that produces toddy, a somewhat fermented beverage
made from its sap, as well as long, flat leaves that were formerly employed for
writing down all kinds of literature, including religious ones.
Because alcoholic drinks are prohibited in
"respectable" Hindu culture, this tree was deemed filthy; nonetheless,
the manuscripts inscribed on the leaves might be among the holiest of
scriptures.
This palm is used by the poet saint Ravidas to show how the
power of the heavenly name can change something that is generally seen to be
low and nasty.
He is also alluding to himself, who was seen to be polluted
as a tanner and leather worker since his employment included handling the skins
of deceased animals.
