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Bargad Tree (Banyan)

Botanical Name: Ficus benghalensis

Banyan trees create massive aerial root pillars that can cover several acres of sacred grove space.

Spiritual & Cultural Significance

Symbol of immortality and eternal life. National tree of India. Sacred groves center around it.

Official Botanical Fact Sheet

Authoritative Species Profile

Common Name: Bargad (Banyan)
Botanical Classification: Ficus benghalensis
Mapped Heritage Trees Count: 15 Cataloged Trees
Primary Habitat: North India, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Kashmir

Citation Source: Kesu Environment Foundation Ethnobotanical Archives.

Documentary & Video Field Lore

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Archived Visitor Memories (2)

Harpreet Singh (via Facebook)
Harpreet Singh (via Facebook)• Sultanpur Lodhi
Jul 12, 2026

Our grandfather used to tell us stories about sitting under the shade of this tree during morning prayers. A true sacred treasure of our heritage.

Simranjit Kaur (via Facebook)
Simranjit Kaur (via Facebook)• Amritsar
Jun 28, 2026

Visited last winter with family. The tranquility around the canopy is surreal.

Mapped Bargad Heritage Trees (1)

Bargad Baba Tree
500+ years

Bargad Baba Tree

Kurukshetra, Haryana

This colossal Banyan tree is part of an ancient devrai (sacred grove) near Kurukshetra. According to tradition, it marks the spot where the Bhagavad Gita was first recited. The tree's aerial roots form a sprawling natural canopy.

Botanical Taxonomy & Ecology

Closely Related Species

🌿23 mapped

Ber Tree

Ziziphus mauritiana (Jujube / Beri)

Sacred to Sikhs and Hindus. Associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji and various Gurudwaras (Ber Sahib).

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🌳18 mapped

Tahli Tree

Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham / Rosewood)

Named in Sikh scriptures. Hard wood traditionally used for temple construction and village assemblies.

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🥭31 mapped

Amb Tree

Mangifera indica (Mango)

Sacred across Indian traditions. Many Gurudwaras (Amb Sahib) are named after heritage mango trees.

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