The Banyan tree is considered sacred by the Hindu and buddhist of South Asia. The Banyan represents eternal life because it support its expanding canopy by growing aerial roots from its branches. These roots starts as small hairs dangling in the air, but when these fine fibers touches the earth, it quickly roots and grows into a sturdy trunk that draws nutrient and supports the ever widening canopy of the tree.
-loosely quoted from Plant Cultures.
Because the tree seems to be always on the move outward, it is sometimes called 'the one with many feet' or 'the walking tree.' This particular tree in the Central Guest House at Auroville (where we stayed at), is estimated to be at least 80 years old. Its canopy is so large, that it extends over the entire courtyard, a block of 3 guesthouses, as well as the central cafeteria.
Over time, the roots are capable of moving and overtaking the hardest of stone structures; Mom calls these kinds of 'Angkor Wat tree,' and indeed, the Banyan belongs to the same genus of Ficus trees as the ones seen wrapping the Angkor Wat.
A pair of shady banyan tree flanked the center courtyard of the guesthouse, providing a grand setting for our finicky white plastic tables and chair. Precious few specks of sunlight passes and lighten up the courtyard during the day. A bulb is hung above the table to lit the night dimly. The green netting above the table are hung to prevent leaf litter from falling onto our table... and disturbing our endless card games!
As I played rounds and rounds of card games with the class, I wonder about this daily habit of theirs: do they come together all the way to India just to play cards???
Never seen a Banyan before? You can view a 360 degree photo of a Banyan tree, here!
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