DIVINE FLOWERS

The previous post titled ” Colour me Saffron” was an introduction to the ancient town of Ujjain located in Central India.

Mythology, Faith  and Nature are magically interwoven in India and it is hard to separate them.

I was in Ujjain for the “Simhastha  Mahakumbh” ( a  bathing festival held once in 12 years)  and was lucky to spot the “Kadam” Tree steeped in Folklore and Mythology going back to over 3500 years.

The Kadam ( Hindi), Kadamb ( Sanskrit), Neolamarckia cadamba ( Scientific Name) is an Evergreen Tree native to the Indian Subcontinent.

The picture below is of a gorgeous specimen located within the Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain.

The Harsiddhi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

har har mahadev
KARKOTESHWAR TEMPLE WITH THE KADAMB TREE

I was happy to learn the Kadam Tree is said to be a Divine  Tree that is the abode of the Goddess Parvati. Thus it is no surprise a Majestic Tree towering to over 45 feet ( 13.7 metres) is located within the temple complex dedicated to the Goddess.

Folklore also links the Tree to Lord Krishna and numerous miniature paintings can be seen depicting the Lord with his Gopis under the Kadamb Tree.

A zoom in reveals numerous  Saffron coloured fragrant Orbs of Flowers.

flowers in bloom
Gorgeous and Fragrant Floral Clusters

The Kadamb Tree ( marked in Hindi on a board on the top)  is worshiped by devotees who throng the city of Ujjain in millions during the “Mahakumbh”.

The Base of the Tree Trunk also has two Shivlings , symbols of Lord Shiva.

Faith ensures Nature is protected over thousands of years.

faith
PRAYERS OFFERED TO THE GODDESS

The Yellow-Saffron Orbs are a cluster of flowers which have also been a source of Perfumes in former times.

Divine Tree associated with  a Goddess is also a Living Pharmacy as each part of the tree is used to heal in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian School of Medicine .

kadam flowers
EVERGREEN KADAMB

I feel Blessed to have observed this Wonderful and Divine Tree in bloom as I exited the Shaktipeeth in Ujjain.

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mukul chand

51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.

14 thoughts on “DIVINE FLOWERS”

  6. The tree is lovely, we’ll deserving of worship!
    The flowers and bark somewhat look like our Sycamore (plantanus occidentalis) trees, but surely the flowers are more fragrant.
    Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thank you for your views and comments. The Sycamore can grow to much larger heights, is deciduous vs the Kadamb which is evergreen ( important in a warm country) and also belonging to a different family.
      Yes, Flaking bark is similar. The Kadamb belongs to the coffee family.

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