In India, the pomegranate was thought to bring health and is a Hindu symbol of prosperity and fertility, while in China pomegranates are also seen as a symbol of fertility, as well as representing abundance, posterity and a blessed future.

563–483 BC: It is believed that while the Buddha was camping in the kingdom of Bindusara, many of his wealthy disciples presented him with lavish gifts. Another of his disciples, an old, poor woman who had traveled many miles to see him, presented him with just one small pomegranate. The Buddha rang the bell of honor in her name, as he considered the pomegranate to be the greatest gift. In Buddhism, the pomegranate is one of the three blessed fruits and represents the essence of favorable influences in Buddhist art.

500 BC–300 BC: Ganesha emerged as one of the best known and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism and his avatar, a figure with an elephant’s head and many arms, is easily recognized. Ganesha is revered as the Remover of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings, patron of the arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. In Hinduism, the pomegranate is viewed as a bearer of health and a symbol of an appeal for god’s blessing.  In art, six of the 32 avatars of Ganesha are depicted holding a pomegranate.

138–125 BC: Pomegranates first came to China from the Middle East via the legendary Silk Road.

AD 467: Buddhism made its way to Japan after traveling from Central Asia to China via the Silk Road. Of the several Myoos, or Radiant Wisdom Kings, worshipped in Japan, Kujaku Myoo (Radiant Wisdom Queen of the Peacock) is the only female and the only Myoo with a pleasant expression on her face. In art, Kujaku is depicted holding a pomegranate to repel evil spirits.
AD 520: Bodhidharma, an Indian monk and meditation master, arrived in China where he founded Zen, a school of Buddhism. After the Buddha, it is Bodhidharma who was most significant in giving Zen its distinctive character. Pomegranates, among other things, decorate the Temple of the Founder of Zen, which was built in 1195 in China to honor Bodhidharma.