An exotic riverside destination

October 24, 2014 10:51 pm | Updated November 05, 2016 07:09 am IST - KARIMNAGAR:

Rivulet of the Godavari flows from east to west at this banyan tree temple in Paidimadugu village in Karimnagar District. Photo: Thakur Ajaypal Singh

Rivulet of the Godavari flows from east to west at this banyan tree temple in Paidimadugu village in Karimnagar District. Photo: Thakur Ajaypal Singh

Till a few years ago, this ancient and historic banyan tree spread over five acres at Paidimadugu village of Korutla mandal in Karimnagar district on the banks of the picturesque Godavari, was not known to many people.

Thanks to the Tourism Department, which declared it an ancient and tourist destination in the district, the banyan tree got some prominence on the tourism map of Telangana State. Though there are no adequate facilities, a huge number of visitors throng the tree, stated to be 500 years old, during weekends and vacations.

People believe that the goddess Mahalaxmi temple constructed under this huge tree brings prosperity to the visitors. This has earned the tree the name ‘Bakthuka Marri.’ Historians say the idols of Ganesha and goddess Nagini belong to the 10th century.

A rivulet flows from east to west of the tree, which, people say, is a rare thing. It is believed that devotees should first take a dip in the rivulet to be cleansed of their sins. There is also the popular belief that people bitten by rats would be cured if they take a dip in the rivulet.

Official plans to beautify the location by going for landscaping and fencing around the tree and provide other facilities for the visitors continue to remain on the drawing board. A most worrisome aspect is that the tree, the cynosure of all eyes, is withering due to lack of care.

Those planning to have a look at the tree can take RTC buses to the village. Bus services are operated from Karimnagar, Jagtial, Vemulawada and other places. From the village, one would have to trek about two or three km to reach the banyan tree.

You would enjoy the drive from Hyderabad to this village as the road condition is excellent. Anyone packing bags?

Notice

Do you have anything to add to the story? Share your thoughts on our website www.thehindu.com or our Facebook page.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.