The Sacred Ashoka Tree
We have an Ashoka tree growing near to my home, and these pictures were taken during last April when it flowered. The flowering season is from March to May.
According to the Hindu epic ( ‘ithihasa‘) Ramayana, Sita Devi had sit under an Ashoka tree while at Lanka and till the end of Rama – Ravana war, Sita Devi remained there itself under the tree. The place was called ‘Ashokavani’, ‘vani’ means garden. It is mentioned in ‘Sundarakandam‘ of ‘Ezhuthachan Ramayanam‘, the version popular in Kerala. There the tree is called as ‘Shimshipa‘ its another name. I myself had read it.
That is why Ashoka tree is considered to be sacred. It is also believed that the tree bowed its branches to show its respect towards Sita Devi. That may be the reason behind the slightly bent shape of its branches. Now this place is believed to be in modern day Sri Lanka.
The flowers are beautiful with red and orange colors, they bloom in clusters and each flower has four petals.
The seeds are wrapped inside a coating and visually it is very similar to White Ginger Lily seeds.
The scientific name is Saraca asoca, unfortunately these trees are very few in numbers and are considered as an endangered species. But I am happy that I have one in my vicinity. So something has to be done to save this precious tree.
Was für ein schöner Baum, solche wachsen bei uns leider nicht…
Servus
CL
Awesome clicks 😀 😀 – and yes its really hard to find ashoka trees now 🙁
Very nice photos – what a lovely story! I love the flowers!
You really have a great eye for pictures! Enjoyed these and also your other photos..keep it up!
What beautiful blossoms. Lovely images. 🙂
Such a beautiful shot! i like your shots.
it is beautiful.
heel mooi maar mij geheel onbekend.
Kwiaty drzewa, które trzeba ratować, są piękne. Pozdrawiam.
Flowers trees that need to be saved, they are beautiful. Yours.
Beautiful…
Splendid pictures !
Superb as always.
These remind me of home 🙂
What beautiful images, they are superb.
Such bright red flowers! Must be a great camera!
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That was a lovely post!
this is beautiful..other ancient texts mentions Ashoka tree that it blossoms only when a virgin touches it with her feet. I think Amrapali and a few other have this story…
Great closeups
Beautiful pics. Nice commentary
Wonderful pictures.
Beautiful images…the shots r colorful and fresh!
Hi
The photos are great and you did a splendid job of description.
I want to grow these plants near Hyderabad. Is there any way you can collect some seeds and send it?