India is a country of various cultures, legends, and beliefs and Hampi is no exception to this. A big Banyan tree near Sita Seragu, which is on the banks of River Tungabhadra, is deemed sacred and spiritual and is also known as Wish Tree. Offerings are made to this tree by wrapping a stone in a cloth and tying it to its branches. Those wishing for a house, stack stones one on top of the other. They also build mounds of soil and mud and pray for a good harvest. When the wish is fulfilled, the stone is unwrapped and placed in the vicinity. This ritual is practised in many parts of India.
Today, the beauty of the tree is compromised, as the stone is wrapped in plastic and tied around the tree's branches. The traditional methods had zero or little impact on the environment. It is recommended, to maintain the sanctity of this Holy Tree, one must opt for cotton cloth instead of plastic for these rituals.Read more
November 16, 2022 in India ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C