Uttrakhand Forest Department Establishes Mahabharata Vatika

January 1, 2025

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has established two gardens in Haldwani, showcasing plant species referenced in ancient Indian epics. These gardens, named Ramayana Vatika and Mahabharata Vatika, aim to highlight the ecological wisdom embedded in these texts.

Mahabharata Vatika Overview

Mahabharata Vatika spans one acre and features 37 plant species mentioned in the epic. Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjeev Chaturvedi emphasised the research behind selecting these species. The garden features important plant species such as:

Khair (Acacia catechu)
Kovidar (Bauhinia variegata)
Bargad (Ficus benghalensis)
Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
Dhak (Butea monosperma)
Harsringar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)
Baheda (Terminalia bellirica)
Aam (Mangifera indica)
Kala Sirs (Albizia lebbeck)

Ecological Significance

The garden puts stress on the importance of forests as depicted in the Mahabharata. It references the Vana Parva, which discusses tree planting and wildlife conservation. The epic highlights the mutual dependence of tigers and forests, a concept vital to contemporary conservation efforts.

Cultural Connections

Chaturvedi brought into light that the Mahabharata teaches the spiritual significance of planting trees. He mentioned Bhishma’s advice to Yudhishthira about the legacy of tree planting, connecting ancestors and descendants. This wisdom reinforces the cultural importance of environmental stewardship.

Ramayana Vatika Overview

Ramayana Vatika features around 70 species associated with Lord Rama, drawn from approximately 139 species mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana. The garden highlights the association of plants with Lord Ram’s journey, with species linked to various forests like Chitrakoot (tropical deciduous), Dandakarnanya (tropical), Panchavati (tropical dry), and Kishkindha (moist deciduous), as well as Ashok Vatika and Dronagiri (associated with Sita and Hanuman).

GKToday Notes:
Ramayana Vatika: This garden showcases 70 plant species from Valmiki’s Ramayana. It illustrates the ecological wisdom in ancient texts, denoting Lord Rama’s journey through diverse forest types.
Mahabharata Vatika: Spanning one acre, this garden features 37 species from the Mahabharata. It puts stress on ecological themes and the mutual dependence of tigers and forests, vital for conservation.
Vana Parva: A section of the Mahabharata, Vana Parva discusses the importance of forests. It contains hymns on tree planting and wildlife conservation, emphasising environmental stewardship.
Shami Tree: The Shami tree holds cultural significance in the Mahabharata. It is linked to the Pandavas’ weapons retrieval and is associated with Vijayadashami, symbolising prosperity and well-being.

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