Akshayvat, Majhi, Lucknow/ Giant Banyan Tree of Lucknow

Just as I was preparing to pen down another beautiful memory, I was suddenly reminded of the Giant Banyan Tree at Majhi Village (Lucknow). At the onset of last summer, I managed to cajole my best friend for a short early morning visit to one of the largest banyan canopy in the country, which happened to be located on the outskirts of Lucknow. During a random internet search, I had read about it here and here. While the scientific aspects are elaborated in the shared links, I could only gaze at it in awe.

 

                                                               

While the tree isn't particularly renowned like the Giant Banyan of Calcutta, anonymity helps in that this single-tree-forest has survived unscathed amongst the expansive mango orchards all around. In line with the reverence bestowed upon all things natural by the religious minded, there's an ashram nestled beneath this huge umbrella. While millions flock to a nearby (unimpressive) Parijaat Tree, this natural wonder is largely unknown to even the devotees of nearby Temple.

While I hope and pray that this shaded canopy remains untouched by the 'development' all around, I shall treasure the serenity of the location at the time of my visit. I shall always remember this tree as the banyan that stands around the corner in most neighbourhoods of this country, where children play, women worship and adults sit down for their daily gossip. I hope in an effort to 'showcase' it, it doesn't end up being damaged like the fabled Parijaat. 

Stand tall dear one. I look up to the likes of you. 

Your tenacity and strength reminds me of the root bridges in another part of this country.

I will remember my Happiness beneath your shade.

https://outreachecology.com/landmark/resources/the-largest-trees-in-the-world/
https://www.greenogreindia.org/manjhi-akshayavat-lucknows-immortal-banyan-tree/

Letter to a Banyan tree

Dear Banyan

What does it take to be like you? I see you umpteen times a day standing tall and strong and feel dwarfed by your grandeur. The strongest of winds barely manage to ruffle your feathers. It takes repeated attempts at trying to contain your spread with walls and trenches and yet you do not stop growing. No matter how hard they try, the wind is your messenger and carries your seed far and wide. You never stop being a shelter to any bird that perches on your branches. You provide the coolest shade even under the strongest sun. You exude beauty even without the sweet smelling blossoms. You are a silent witness to history but never the one to participate because you remember your purpose of existence. Who else deserves to be worshipped like you. 

I do not wish to be revered. But I do pray you to give me the strength to grow roots wherever I am planted, no matter how many times I am uprooted. Give me the tenacity to stand tall in face of the harshest winds and the blazing sun. Let me continue to survive knowing the sweetness of water even if the ground beneath my feet is parched. Please do teach me to always remember who I am than being pulled into the changing world around me.

I know a number of hearts would break if someday you weren't around. That would be a life lived well. That would be your answer to years of history lying forgotten in books. And you will continue to live in stories passed on to generations. 

I sincerely hope you will continue to pull me back to yourself no matter how far I might drift. And I know you will always be there..