Divine idiosyncrasies of the Kalpavriksha of Joshimath

Chamoli (Uttarakhand): Trees are revered in Indian culture for their many fine attributes such as medicinal benefits, providing food, helping moderate ambient temperatures, giving shade and all these things being essential to the existence of life that thrives on the benevolence of trees.

There are some trees that have attained more than a special place in Indian especially Hindu culture, tradition and mythology.

A Kalpavriksha (mulberry tree) in Uttarakhand's Joshimath has a religious, mythological, historical significance. The town Joshimath is said to have gotten its name from the word Jyotimath, which itself starts from the conviction that Adiguru Sankaracharya got the Jyoti or illumination while ruminating in this place around the eighth century.

The mulberry tree specifically is a stunning sight. Its age is assessed to be anyplace between 1500 to 2500 years and its appearance bolsters this gauge. The size of the tree is a surprising 21 meters and it is nearly as large as a cabin.

This mulberry tree is prominently known as the Kalpavriksha, the amazing tree of life which in Hindu folklore rose amid the beating of the sea of milk(Samudra Manthan) by the Gods and demons.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Ram Chandra Uniyal, priest of the Mutt said, "As per the Hindu scriptures, Adi Jagatguru Shankaracharya sat under this tree and worshipped Lord Shiva in Jyotimath. The Shivlinga installed by Shankaracharya has now covered and Jyoteshwar Mahadeo Temple of Lord Shiva is built under the Kalpavriksha."

"It is considered as the first tree of the earth. Also, it is considered that this tree also fulfils everyone's wish. Mysteriously, Kalpavriksha remains evergreen throughout the year and never shed a single leaf by itself. Situated in Joshimath, this 24-meter diameter hollow tree has thousands of branches. Surprisingly, this Kalpavriksha does not bear fruit. Only flowers bloom on this tree. Every year thousands of devotees tie the thread on this Kalpavriksha and ask for wishes. According to the scriptures, this tree is considered to be 'Dwapar Yug'," he said.