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The restoration of the Holy Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya, India

The restoration of the Holy Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya, India

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By N. S. K. Harsh, Retired Scientist, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education

Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, India, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds the place.

It is there that the Holy Bodhi tree lives, a peepal tree (Ficus religiosa), under whose shade Siddhartha Gautam, the Lord Bhuddha meditated and attained Enlightenment on the full moon day of Vaishakh Purnima (May month) more than 2,500 years ago.

In commemoration of Supreme Enlightenment of Buddha, Emperor Ashoka set-up the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) of polished sandstone representing the seat of Enlightenment in the 3rd century B.C. and a stupa in veneration of Buddha which remained there up to the 2nd century A.D.

The original structure of Mahabodhi Mahavihara temple was completed in 7th century A.D. during the reign of Gupta kings, and was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO on the 27th June 2002.

However, during a visit in July 2007 the Bodhi tree was observed to be under stress and examined subsequently under three projects with the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, Bodhgaya, Bihar, India.

They identified several sources of stress for the tree:

    • Copper toxicity due to repeated application of Bordeaux paste on the stem and branches
    • A concrete wall and iron grill around the tree base causing disturbance to root growth
    • Excess moisture in the soil causing asphyxiation (suffocation) of the roots as observed in the nearby-irrigated areas
    • Heat injury due to reflection of solar radiation from the temple structure, which is quite close to the tree.
    • High intensity electric lights causing hindrance to the respiration process in the night and heat generated by the lamp shades, reflectors and bulbs causing damage to the nearby branches and the tree.
    • Soil compaction due to trampling under human feet in nearby areas
    • Aging of the tree slowing down the physiological processes
    • The metallic props erected for the support of the branches causing injury to the bark and tissue
    • Lighting of lamps, candles and incense sticks and spilling of oil and ghee at tree base, and wrapping of the stem by clothes by the devotees.

A number of interventions were made to restore and ensure the continued management of the Holy Bodhi tree:

The concrete wall and metallic grill around the tree base was removed.
Bordeaux past was applied to the roots and branches to stop injury from spreading
High intensity lights were replaced with distant illumination and regulated during night time
Wooden platforms were added to prevent soil compaction during puja
Rubber and foam were inserted into existing metallic props and clamps used to hold branches to prevent injuring the tree
A micronutrient solution was sprayed on the tree
Dead branches were removed
Holes were added on the floor and wall for aeration and percolation of water
Scars and cut ends were treated with Chaubatia paste
Treatment was applied to prevent mealy bug attack
Fertilizer was added to the base of the tree
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