Nature's wonder and 'Wick of Pandavas' in Biligiri Ranga forest

The buds and leaves of 'Karikalu Mara', a tree in the lush green forests of Biligiri Ranga forest can be used as a wick which burns brightly when it is lit, after being dipped in oil. The Soligas believe that their ancestors had passed on the skill of lighting these buds and leaves to Draupadi, the queen of Pandavas.

Chamarajanagar (Karnataka): Nestled in the lush green forests of Biligiri Ranga lies a unique tree with an even more unique characteristic. The buds and leaves of 'Karikalu Mara', the tree - as it is known in local parlance, can be used as a wick i.e., it burns brightly when it is lit, after being dipped in oil.

The Pandavas were dependent on these buds to light their homes, according to local tribal legend

The tree, endemic to Yelandur taluk in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar, besides being known for its fragrance also has its roots traced to the Mahabharata. According to a local legend, Pandavas are said to have used these trees, especially the buds and leaves, to light up their huts when they were exiled to the forest.

Local tribes in the area - The Soligas, call the tree as the 'Wick of Pandavas', an apparent reference to the legend. They further believe that their ancestors (particularly women) had passed on the skill of lighting these buds and leaves to Draupadi, the queen of Pandavas.

"The Pandavas were dependent on these buds. Their queen Draupadi had used these wicks to light up their hut," claimed Ramachari, a teacher at Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK).