Banyan Tree takes Over a Temple in Mayapur West Bengal
While touring Mayapur, West Bengal, I came across this temple taken over completely by a Banyan Tree. The roots flowed down across all the walls to ground holding the temple firmly in its place. The pressure from the roots has caused cracks on the walls. The whole process is a slow one.
It is said the mighty Banyan Tree can walk and live for centuries! The main trunk may die and rot away but the roots spread around capturing more and more area. Other popular Banyan trees I have come across during my travels:
Panchakki in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Wat Phra Mahathat Ayuthaya Thailand
People around don’t even remember since when this slow process of damage is taking place, they hardly notice any. From exteriors only the top dome is visible. The main shrine is surrounded by tents and there is a mini market flourishing inside which sells mainly the puja items and fresh flowers.
The partly unconquered stone work that is visible is a good indication of the beauty of the temple when it was made. The whole process of how nature captures such creations of man is extremely slow.
Similar scenes can be seen in Angkor complex of Siem Reap.
Tree Take Over a Temple
This temple in Mayapur is dedicated to Lord Shiva, I managed to take some pics through the closed doors of the temple.
I think nature should not be disturbed; we will lose one temple over a period of time no doubt. What is your opinion? Should the tree be cut down to save the temple? Os should we let the tree to take over the temple completely?
Let me know in your comments.
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WoW! Amazing and such a gift from nature:)
Wow, its s o unique and different…. beautiful
Wow, amazing find! It's a pity it's glory will be forgotten with time…
Now that's quite a find.
Thank you for sharing this sight.
Wow……… Amazing, but pity the authorities are least bothered!!
Amazing pictures!
Where is temple ? its name should be Banyan tree temple now !!
beautiful .. mindblowing! and that you can go inside is !!! Well there is a term called 'cultivated growth' so we can cut a few AND only FEW roots (mind it)specially the ones which are making it crumble … and leave the rest to nature 🙂
oh wow.. the tree roots are so big and seem to have engulfed the temple completely…
Agree that nature should have space and be left alone!!
OMG, those roots are big and will bury the temple one day. I think if the temple is way too damage, then nature can take its course..otherwise, the temple should be saved for other generations. It's history!
How odd and rare, still beautiful! 🙂 I cannot make up my mind.. as I too believe we should leave nature by itself, still we want to not let the temple be destroyed.. difficult decision..
Your first image, in particular, is nothing less than spectacular! Very interesting post!
~Lindy
Now at this stage it should be left and allowed to be fed by the Tree. This could not have happened abruptly. It is our negligence. The moment some vegetation starts showing up on the walls are roof, people should have acted. Even today we find small plants/vegetation over the domes, shikharas etc. of very many ancient structures.
That is amazing to see the tree taking over the temple like that. I'm not sure which is more important – preserving the temple or not disturbing nature.
Amazing picture of this temple !
Nature is amazing, it always seems to take things back to the earth. Wonderful post Indrani with many lovely photos!
Fascinating!! Boom, Bobbi, and Gary.
Looking at those roots I imagined a group of graceful dancers, holding hands, encircling the temple.
It's amazing! First I thought of a fairy tale like the one about the Sleeping Beauty! But that you can actually go into this temple beats me.It is very interesting!
That's quite interesting.
Nope Nature should not be disturbed and anyways this encroachment of nature makes the place quite fascinating 😀
Nope nature should not be disturbed. This would be more appealing a tourist destination if left this way.
Amazing shots of how nature will take over.
Wonderful post and photos.
Wow! Great find. The first picture is so very fascinating!
How unusual and pretty!
Oh, I do agree with Bob and Team G! This is amazing! I love it! Terrific captures as always, Indrani!! Hope you have wonderful new week!!
oh, my! but i love it!
Superb, first pic is tells the story.Nature should be let to take its course.
Beauty going to the wilderness, that's fabulous. Yes, so do I think that all nature's should be, that it is left undisturbed..
Such a pity that in India, the authorities are usually careless about such damage until some casualty strikes.