Sunday, May 15, 2011

Tree Stumps- are also respected in our tradition.

Tree Stumps- are also respected in our tradition, as records will show. .
At Kanhangad Railway station, I was awaiting the train, which was  delayed by an hour;
this gave me time to study the trees and stumps left behind in the station development.
 
In this blog post- have taken pics of a few " tree stumps " left on the platform no 2 at Kanhangad station-on Chennai -Mangalore- route .Tree Stumps were  not cemented over.
In some stump areas Tulasi Plants had grown where the tree was cut and a stump was left behind
Really left me wondering about Nature's Marvels-HOW?
I  recalled an ancient South Indian custom of respecting the Tree Stumps-Our Lady Doctor who maintains most traditions had followed this when they had to extended their house and home temple years ago.





 Badam Trees have been planted in some placed now on Platform no 2- above pic.
NOTE:
This is an interesting topic nicely researched by Shri M Amrithlingam and included in his book which is titled as " Sacred Trees of Tamilnadu"-from the CPR Environmental Education centre- cost Rs 250./- available at CPR, Chennai. It has also a few colour photos from archives,
Rgds
TR

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Kigelia pinnata of Africa-"Marra Sorkai" in Tamil

4th May 2011
Kigelia pinnata of Africa-"Marra Sorkai" in Tamil--Sausage tree on Marina Beach -Chennai .The English name is derived because the fruit has a likeness to a sausage.  The sausage tree is from Africa was planted all across Chennai, inc ...on Marina Beach by Corpn Dept of Horticulture.
 
Today, as early as 2 pm--I saw the public seek the shade of Trees on Marina off the beach in this sweltering heat of 36-38 deg C. and high humidity- More than 500 people on the beach under trees at 2 pm - waiting for the sea breeze to set in. Surely we have thank Mother nature -and remember that Nature alone provides for the common man-these 3 photos are taken at Marina Beach-Chennai.


"Kigelia" from Africa, planted in many places in Chennai is hardy, withstands extreme summer temperatures, has thick leaves that give much shade, requires little rain and survives extrene temperatures . Studied this and find it is called  Marra Sorkai in tamil i.e. Tree Gourd also because of its resemblance;-but is not Edible as Seeds are said to be harmful for human consumpton i.e. poisonous)  -except some animals like Giraffes eat the leaves; Birds & Bats eat and pollinate the tree. In the sizzling temperatures of summer a blessing.
The peak season of Agni nakshatra >Temp as it is called starts in May already 38 deg C.. Thank God for Trees -TR
 
 
Shree Sathya Sai Baba's Msg--on NATURE
There are many valuable lessons to be learnt from Prakrithi (...Nature). Trees distribute their fruits and grant their shade to everyone, even to those who lay their axe on them with intention to destroy them! Mountains suffer heat, rain and storm without demur, and are plunged in meditation for ages. Birds do not hoard for years together, the wherewithal for food or shelter; they do not use more than is absolutely necessary for their survival. Nature is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the reflection of God's manifold majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach; all things in Nature are Brahman (God) just as you are. So, every act is Divine; all work is worship; build the mansion of your life on the strong foundation of the faith that all creation is Divine. -SAI BABA
 
To conclude
Trees also have a Spl. "Swadharma" OM Vrikshe Namaha"-- eg Shade Giving , Fruits, Decorative, Beauty, Fragrance.
Trees -have specific qualities and as living organisms vary so much inc the purpose of planting --suited to locale and purpose.
India has the best selection of local trees -
TR