The Wish-fulfilling Paradise

Outgrowing hunger and desires

-  Devdutt Pattanaik

In Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology, paradise or Swarga, is described as a place where the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpataru, grows; where the wish-fulfilling cow, Kamadhenu, lives; and where Chintamani, the wish-fulfilling jewel, is found. In other words, it is a place of infinite plant, animal and mineral resources, where all needs and wants and dreams are satisfied.

The residents of Swarga are the Devas; Indra is their king. These Devas are invoked in the Rig Veda through hymns of flattery. This is done with the hope that they will share some of their vast fortune with humans. But the Devas are not worshipped in a single Hindu temple. There is no temple to Indra. Why? It's clear that possessing this wish-fulfilling tree or cow or jewel does not make you a God worthy of worship.