National Tree of India: Know the Indian Banyan Tree scientific name and many other facts

Many countries around the world have their National Trees. It is important to have a national tree because it is a symbol of pride that integrates with the nation’s identity. Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) also known as the Indian Fig tree is the national tree of India. This tree is famous for its branches that root themselves like a new tree over a large area. According to Hindu Philosophy, Banyan Tree is considered sacred.

Due to the characteristic of its root (that gives rise to new trunks and branches), this tree is often considered immortal. It is a part of numerous myths and legends of India. A banyan tree is known by many other names such as “Kalpa Vriksha” or the “Tree of Wish Fulfillment”. Such names are associated with longevity and medical properties.

For centuries, Banyan trees are worshiped by people of India. Even today, you can find at least one banyan tree in almost every village of India. Most of the village councils and meetings take place in the shade of Banyan. In today’s post, we are going to share some important information and interesting facts related to the Banyan Tree – National Tree of India.

National Tree of India – Overview

Importance of Banyan Tree (National Tree of India)

Given below are some important facts about a Banyan Tree.

• According to Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna said that one who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.
• In Hinduism, the leaf of the banyan tree is said to be the resting place for the god Krishna
• Vat Purnima, a Hindu festival is also related to the Banyan Tree. At this festival, married women observe a fast. Generally, this festival is celebrated in North India and in the Western Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat. As per the Hindu calendar, this festival falls during the three days of the month of Jyeshtha.
•  The banyan tree is also mentioned multiple times in Buddhism’s Pali Canon.
• Apart from India, a banyan tree is considered important in many countries. For example, In December 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping personally intervened to punish and demote 10 officials in Guangzhou after they cut down or uprooted thousands of banyan trees. The coat of arms of Indonesia also depicts a banyan tree.

A few of Important Banyan Trees in India

• The Great Banyan Tree – It is one of the largest trees. Located at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, India, it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is believed that this tree is at least 250 years old.
• Thimmamma Marrimanu – It is a banyan tree in Anantapur, located circa 35 km from the town of Kadiri in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. According to many experts, this tree is more than 550 years old.
• Dodda Alada Mara – The meaning of Dodda Alada Mara is “Big Banyan Tree”. It is a huge tree that is at least 400 years old located in the village of Kethohalli in the Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka, India.

Frequently Asked Questions