UP’s Parijat tree undergoes therapy

The iconic and much revered Parijat tree in Barabanki district’s Kintur village is now undergoing treatment.

Experts from the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) have been applying chemical therapy to the tree that is infected by fungus and decay.

“A large opening has developed at the spot where devotees, for years, have been offering it water and sweets as ‘prasad’. A broad-spectrum fungicide was applied on the wounded and infected portions of the tree”, said Dr S.K. Tiwari, senior principal scientist of NBRI.

The tissues of the tree have now been brought to the NBRI for a detailed study which is necessary if the tree has to be treated further.

NBRI director Dr C.S. Nautiyal said that scientists have brought along samples of the tree’s healthy tissues, wood from the affected portion and the soil to find out cause of infection. The trunk of the tree measures 10 metres in diameter and some of its shrivelled branches have been supported by wooden props.

The UP forest department first took the initiative to preserve the ancient tree that inspires awe and faith among devotees.

The forest department is the custodian of this ancient tree but its experts had failed to salvage the tree from termites and other infections.

According to popular myth, the Parijat tree is a celestial plant that was one of the gifts that emerged from the churning of the ocean.

Narad Muni tried to sow seeds of discord when he brought some Parijat flowers and gave them to Lord Krishna, waiting to see which wife he would give them to. Lord Krishna gave the flowers to Rukmini and this angered his other wife Satyabhama. To appease Satyabhama, Lord Krishna promised to get the Parijat plant for her and for this, he even fought a battle with Lord Indra in whose abode the Parijat stood. Lord Krishna won the battle but Indra cursed the plant that it would not bear any fruits but would bear flowers.