A CORRESPONDENT
PATHSALA: On the first day of Sawan, thousands of devotees gathered at the ancient Shiva temple in Jalikhata village, Bajali district, Assam. They came to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and to celebrate the 213-year-old banyan tree beside the temple. The massive tree, Asia’s second-largest, spreads over nearly four bighas of land and is a proud symbol of the village.
Devotees performed rituals by offering milk, water, flowers, and fruits to the Shiva linga while chanting prayers. A local elder shared, “This temple and tree are divine gifts for our village.”
The banyan tree is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred and tourist spot. During Sawan, many people visit the temple and rest under the tree’s cool shade. To protect the tree, the temple committee has requested devotees not to light earthen lamps (diyas) beneath it, as the heat and smoke may damage the tree.
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