Of the many places and points of interest to visit around Lucknow, there is one that is said to date back to the times of the Mahabharata. The Parijaat Tree is found in a village called Kintur, in District Barabanki. The sacred baobab tree is said to be more than 6000 years old, without seeds, or without a fruit that can help to propagate it in any other part of the world. As a result, this tree is considered to be the only one of its kind in the whole world.
THE LEGEND
According to legend, the tree emerged during the Samudra Manthan, and was taken by Lord Indra to heaven. It was brought back by Arjun on the advice of Lord Krishna, for his mother Kunti to be able to present its flowers to Lord Shiva, to win the Mahabharata. The Hindus worship the tree for its mythological significance and also visit the temples nearby. It is said that if you make a wish under the Parijaat Tree, your wish will come true. The reason you cannot propogate this tree also has a story behind it. The tree was cursed by Lord Indra when Arjun brought it from him to Earth. As a result, no one could ever grow another tree from the parts of this Parijaat Tree.
A BOTANICAL MARVEL
Whether you believe in these stories or not, the Parijaat Tree is a botanical marvel. It does not produce fruit or seeds, neither can its branch cuttings be planted to reproduce a second Parijaat tree. Currently, it measures over 50 feet in diameter, and is 45 feet tall.
The tree blooms for six months, from June-July, and sheds its leaves for the other six months.
The place has escaped commercialisation so far, and that is one of the reasons that adds charm to the place for visitors. Visitors cannot touch the tree, in order to preserve it from harm.
HOW TO REACH
The best way to travel to village Kintur is in a private vehicle. Set your Destination as Parijaat Tree in Village Kintur on Google Maps, and you should be there in a little over an hour from Lucknow.
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
Location: Parijaat Tree, Village Kintur, Near Ramnagar, District Barabanki
