Shade, oxygen and rain – the Tree goes far beyond these common aspects with which they are associated. The exhibition at Vennirul of C.P. Art Centre captures the importance of plants and trees and how they have been linked to the Indian ethos and heritage. “Those that grew in old times and much earlier than the shining ones (Devas)… they were a source of energy with healing powers and personified the Divine” – this is how the Rig Veda describes the Tree.
The earliest reference to the tree is found in the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation. There are seals with the figures of the fig and pipal. Hindus, Jains and the Buddhists worshipped trees. Each Tirthankara, in fact, was associated with a plant.
From the common banana to the coconut and the humble ilandai (jujube) to the exotic Nagalingam and stately vilvam all the trees are showcased with their spiritual, mythological and medicinal properties. The bamboo, caressed by Krishna, is a vital link in the eco chain.
As centre piece stands a cut-out of Arasu (pipal) that is sacred in many ways. The Hindu mythology is replete with references to the banyan and pipal, both being linked to fertility, protection and death. The seat of Dakshinamurti, the banyan is indeed significant.
A look at the Mangrove reveals how important it is for ecology but environmentalists are fighting to save it.
Outside the gallery are plants linked to the nine planets and the 27 stars of the Hindu almanac. Planting trees linked to one’s star is actually gaining ground, at home and in temples.
The curator is Kausalya Santhanam in association with a team of experts. The exhibition that opened on Saturday last in connection with the release of a book by Dr. Nandita Krishna, Director, C.P. Art Foundation, is open till July 26.
Look out for …
The Rudraksha display
The mythical Kalpavriksha
Krishna’s Butter Cup (variant of banyan)
Five sacred plants that includes sandal
The Woman in the concept
Ashoka Vana preserved in Sri Lanka
Nuggets
Kadambu finds mention in the Ramayana
The first reference to pipal worship is found in the Mohenjo-Daro seal
Arasu is worshipped as Vishnu at Tiruppullani
Dharba, Durva and Ushira are the three sacred grasses
