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Introduction
The Indian national tree is the Banyan tree. The huge tree towers above its neighbours and boasts the largest and longest-running roots of all trees, with a total area of several acres. It sprouts new shoots out of its roots.
This means it is an intricate tangle of branches, trunks, and roots. Banyan trees can regenerate and last for an amazing amount of time. Hence, it is referred to as the tree that will never die.
The size of the shelter and its lush vegetation is cherished as a place of shelter in India as a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection and also to protect from the scorching sun. It’s still the main location and gathering point to hold local councils and other meetings. India has a long tradition of paying tribute to this tree. It is prominently featured in several of the oldest tales of the nation.
Why Was it Chosen as an Emblem of the Nation?
Ficus benghalensis, also known as Indian Banyan, is native to India and is inseparable from the beliefs of its culture. The tree of the sacred is believed to be the final Lord Krishna’s resting place.
Also, it’s connected with various Hindu celebrations, including Vat Savitri, where married women gather around it and secure an edging around the tree’s trunk to obtain a long-lived existence for their life partners. The Banyan’s lengthy life (approximately 25 years) is the main reason for the ritual. It has an amazing ecological value as well.
It provides shelter and support to other animals and is an environment for birds and some other animals who seek shelter in its trunks and crevices. They also provide shade in the hot climate of the country.
Scientific Classification of the Banyan Tree
Here are some more details regarding the Banyan tree
- Division: Magnolia
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Class: Magnoliophyta
- Order: Urticales
- Genus: Ficus
- Family: The Moraceae Family
- Species: Ficus benghalensis
Some Famous Banyan Trees in India
- The banyan tree, which is 550 years old, is present in the Indian Botanical Garden in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- A 500-year-old banyan tree Kalpabata is present on the grounds of Jagannath Temple in Puri.
- 250 years old and the biggest Banyan trees in the world are present in Kolkata and cover approximately 4.67 acres
- One banyan tree is located in Andhra Pradesh called the Thimmamma Marrimanu. It’s about 35 km from the temple of ‘Kadri-Lakshmi Nar, present in the Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. It covers 5 acres, and its canopy extends to around 19,107 square metres.
| Language | Name |
| English | Banyan Tree |
| Hindi | Barh, Bad, Baragada |
| Telugu | Marri |
| Malayalam | Aalu / Peeralu |
| Gujarati | Wad |
| Tamil | Aala |
| Marathi | Wad / Vada |
| Punjabi | Barh |
| Kannada | Aalada Mara |
| Tulu | Goalimara |
| Bengali | Bot |
| Oriya | Bara |
| Konkani | Vodacho Ruk |
Why is the Banyan Tree Important?
The Banyan tree has a lot of positive aspects and properties that are usable to treat ailments. Let’s discuss the significance of this tree using the following tips:
- This Banyan tree is considered to be the national tree in India. It is also called “Ashwath Vriksha.” According to legend, the Banyan tree will give eternal life because of its constantly growing branches.
- It is believed that the Banyan tree is often referred to as Kalpavriksha, which translates to the tree of divine wish-fulfilling.
- In Hindu mythology and religion, the Banyan tree symbolises a particular place. It has also been mentioned as a tree in the Bhagavad Gita.
- The Banyan tree is also of important symbolic significance in Indonesia. It represents a nation with many roots.
- Ta Prohm in the Angkor Wat temple is famous because of the huge Banyan tree that grew around the temple and spread across the walls.
- In the Hothouse book, Brain Aldiss talks about the future Earth in which covering half the globe with a massive Banyan tree is possible.
Cultural Relevance Of The Banyan Tree
In the Hindu tradition, Banyan trees are regarded as sacred and are referred to as “Ashwath Vriksha” (“I am a Banyan tree among trees” according to the legendary book Bhagavad Gita). It is a symbol of immortality due to its ever-growing branches.
If we talk about the Hindu mythology, banyan trees were often referred to as Kalpavriksha, meaning a divine tree of wish fulfilment. In his novel Hothouse, Brian Aldiss explains a future Earth in which a single banyan covers a large portion of the world because each tree can connect and shed its adventitious roots.
Older trees of the Banyan are distinguished through the propeller roots, which develop into timbered trunks, which, over time, may become unrecognisable from the trunk. Older trees can spread laterally by using prop roots, covering an extensive area. The biggest of them is located within Kolkata, present in India.
