Banyan tree, India’s national tree, scientifically known as Ficus Benghalensis.
Birth and Spread.
The Banyan tree is spread by fruit-eating birds. After consuming the fruit, the birds deposit the seeds, often on other trees or structures, where they germinate. As the seedling grows, it send down aerial roots that eventually reach the soil, forming a strong foundation. The pods from its branches also stick to the soil, creating an illusion of multiple trunks.
Cultural Significance
The Banyan tree holds immense significance in Hinduism, described as an important forest tree in the Puranas. Women in villages worship Lord Shani at its roots, seeking blessings. Various rituals revolve around the tree, including writing Hanuman’s name in vermilion on 11 leaves on Tuesdays to bring happiness and prosperity, and tying a white thread 11 times on a leaf and pouring water to remove poverty. For business success, placing a betel, betel nut, and a coin at the tree’s root on Saturday or wrapping a coconut in a red cloth and placing it under the tree is believed to yield positive results. However, bringing a small branch of the tree into the house on Saturday is cautioned against, as it can drive away positive energy and cause harm.
Medicinal Properties
The Banyan tree’s fruit is exceptionally nutritious, boasting numerous medicinal properties and essential nutrients. Rich in mineral salts with antioxidant and analgesic properties, it contains protein, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. According to traditional healers, the fruit’s unique elements offer various health benefits, including reducing mental stress, alleviating stomach problems, boosting immunity, maintaining heart health, and mitigating diabetes issues, making it a valuable resource for overall well-being.
Environmental Value
Whether it is protecting the environment or protecting the life of the animal world, trees are always directly and indirectly helpful. Even when there is a natural danger, they join in to protect others like unique warriors. From village to city, old trees are guards of many intersection and hold many stories. From the crematorium to the fairgrounds, animals are always in service. At their roots are Justice Nisap and the village deity. The devotion and faith created here blend strange worship, systemic mantras, and scientific testing.
Historical Importance
However, while the Banyan tree carries special value in our worship, tradition, and heritage, history reveals that when Gandhiji marched across the country to liberate India from British rule, Pandit Godabarish Mishra brought Gandhiji to Banpur on December 8, 1927. There, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, held a meeting under an old Banyan tree near Godbarish Mishra’s Ashram. The bloody hanging of Jai Rajguru, Odisha’s great warrior, still recalls the inhumane goosebumps massacre by the British regime. On December 6, 1806, Jai Rajguru was brutally killed by the British, who tied his legs to the branches of an old Banyan tree in Baghitota, Medinipur. Since then, villagers have worshiped the tree’s branches and performed yajna and sankirtan in Jai Rajguru’s name.
Cultural significance
Many such stories surround the Banyan tree, described in the Puranas as Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. Famous Banyan trees in Odisha, such as Kalpabot, Chatiyabot, Sakhibot, and Udaybot, hold past stories of various events. The saying “the tree is life” is exemplified by the story of an old Banyan tree. Standing at the village head, it teaches service and dedication to human society across generations. This huge tree, with roots and leaves, is home to many animals and birds. Animals find safe refuge in its trunk, while birds nest on its branches. The surrounding area resonates with birdsong morning and evening. Whether rain or shine, the old tree shelters all. After finishing farm work, farmers rest at its root. During floods, people built nests on its branches, living safely. Even cows seek refuge under its shade.
Conclusion
Once ubiquitous in streets and villages, old trees now slowly disappear. Some have died; others are uprooted for paved roads or cut down for profit and housing. By felling thousands of trees, humans harm the environment and nature, prioritizing self-interest. Planting a Banyan tree is likened to giving birth to seven worthy children, as it lives for hundreds of years. Trees increase atmospheric oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. This tree prevents soil erosion during rains, conserving soil. Called the “best tree,” it blesses all living beings. A playground for children, refuge for youth, and support for the elderly, the Banyan tree reminds us of bygone times. Let us plant trees for future generations, ensuring environmental balance and preventing climate change.
(Sushanta Panda,Journalist)
