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National Tree
Banyan Tree- National Tree of India
India’s national tree, the Banyan Tree is relevant in several aspects like it being enormous sized to its symbolizing worthiness. This tree can be seen in any nook and corner in country’s rural areas. It should be noted well that huge size of this tree turns it most beneficial for numerous creatures which use it their homes. India’s villagers and many such communities have been using banyan tree as central point since centuries.
Massiveness of banyan tree is of multifaceted in nature from outer appearance to constant shoots from the roots that makes it typical—a tree having branch jumbles, huge trunk and branches. As this tree is powerful enough to create superb towers on nearby neighboring trees its roots reach to wider portions so differentiate from rest trees. Such scene is common that banyan trees covering too many areas and at times acres due to that phenomenon. As banyan trees have long life it is denoted with immortal tree.
In most cases rural people use banyan tree as a means for the shed purpose from hot sun in summers. It is possible due to hugeness of this tree. Banyan tree still remains a point for gathering for the villagers who usually come together under its shade to discuss issues under village council or similar such meetings they do. Various such attributed of banyan tree makes it pious and one to be honored due to it being a sacred one.
A few Hindu rituals are organized around this tree hence it equally has the religious value. Humans are not the only creatures who get protection and shed from this tree as large chunk of other creatures too get benefitted from it and make it their homes. This tree hardly requires special maintenance hence its relevance is high for the Indians who find in it a godsend benefit.
Cultural Importance of Banyan Tree
Believers of Hinduism keep worshipping sacred trees since time immemorial. Such tradition do prevail till date now. According to guidelines prescribed in Rig Veda and Atharva Veda humans are suggested to worship trees because they play key role in shaping human lives. Concept of banyan tree being a scared one is due to its relevance with Hindu belief and mythology which describes that Lord Shiva would have sat under its shad on many occasions through maintaining silence while several saints used to sit at His feet under this tree. Banyan tree symbolizes eternity for life due to its feature for incessant expansion. Sanskrit language defines this tree as 'kalpavriksha' defined under Hindu way of life to explain divinity and this tree fulfilling wishes of devotees. Most married Hindu women keep worshipping this tree with the purpose to enduring their married life.
Features
Trunk, roots and branch jumbles characterize banyan tree. As this tree has uniqueness of deeper roots it might cover too many areas which spread to even acres. As size of this tree is usually huge it offers best protection through shades especially in summertime from hot weather. Banyan tree fruits are similar to that of figs but are not edible although it turns red when ripe completely. Large and leathery leaves are equally dark and green. Perhaps it is important reason that its leaves are exceptional animal fodders while its flowers enchant wasps for important purpose of fertilization. While turning old, any banyan tree might become taller up to 98 feet and diameter could be even more than 656 feet. Banyan tree’s sticky milk is used to prepare rubber that are usually suitable for gardening purpose.
Trivia
- Name of this tree 'banyan' came from Banias who often discussed business sitting under it.
- “The Great banyan’ is the widest one worldwide and is in Kolkata existing since 250 years.
- A historic information explains that Alexander the Great would camp under the shade of banyan tree that accommodated his 7000 army due to being a huge tree.
- Bark and woods of banyan tree are used to prepare paper in various locations in the world.
- In many cases people use banyan tree roots as ropes to bundle any item especially woods.
- Banyan tree saps are often used to prepare strong adhesive shellac and surface finisher as well.
- Nepali women use banyan tree roots to prepare herbal skin and hair conditioner for which they crush its roots and add that with a paste to prepare such items.
- Banyan tree twigs are used as toothpicks in India and Pakistan to promote dental health amongst the masses.
- Several medical uses of banyan tree keep it apart. Many external skin inflammations especially ulcers, toothaches, bruising, dysentery and similar such cases are resolved through its sap which have exceptional medicinal value. Herbal tonics are prepared from its bark and seeds that prove helpful to keep body cool. Those suffering from diabetes are given tonic prepared from this tree.