Gaya (Bihar): The Dehradun based Forest Research Institute (FRI), which manages the sacred Mahabodhi tree in Bihar's Gaya, recently said that tree’s condition found perfectly healthy and is in good shape.
According to sources, the institute, which signed an MoU with Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) to manage the 2,600-year-old tree under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, said leaf shedding is a natural phenomenon.
FRI scientists have given instructions to BTMC to sensitize the devotees to take care of the tree. Following which, the tree has regained good health.
Speaking to reporters here, FRI scientist, Amit Pandey said, "The tree is quite healthy and its branches have plenty of leaves. Some dry casts of the tree have been cut and a chemical coating has been applied on the twigs to protect them against fungus. Besides, less or no light was used in the temple premises during the period because of which the tree gained the natural advantage."
"We suggested certain measures which were adopted by the BTMC and leaf shedding stopped. The air between soil and roots increases due to less pressure on the earth surrounding the tree because of which the tree has benefitted and become quite healthy," Pandey said.
"The lockdown period aided the natural growth of the peepal tree at Mahabodhi temple complex and its roots could have got more air particles. Its leaves received a clean environment to absorb oxygen. Support is needed to strengthen the twig of the Mahabodhi three at two places in the western direction," said, Santan Varthwal, FRI Scientist.
"Necessary steps will be taken to prevent the Mahabodhi tree's branch being bent downwards at many places in the first traversal period. Meanwhile, planting around the tree has become very beneficial for it," Varthwal added.
Notably, the legendary peepal tree at Mahabodhi temple, under which Siddhartha, is believed to have attained enlightenment to become Buddha.
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