Punjab was the centre of the development of many religions: the Vedic religion had its origin here and it was at about Kurukshetra (now in Haryana), where the Great War epic Mahabharata originated. An ancient pipal tree stands on the banks of the Jyotisar Pond where Lord Krishna delivered the divine message of the Gita to Arjuna, a great warrior, concerning our duties to society, environment, trees and animals. In chapter 15 of the Holy Gita, pipal (Ficus religiosa) has been given the title of prime tree and is considered an incarnation of God.
The founder of the Sikh religion, the great Baba Guru Nanak has described the tree as a saviour of creation with the words, “O God, you are an infinite tree and I am a bird under thine protection”.
The great Gurus and prophets used to preach their ideologies while travelling to remote comers of the country and used to camp under groves of trees for shelter. These have become sacred and shrines have been created at these important sites.
In Punjab, the following trees are considered sacred trees due to their association with the Gurus and Saints.
Name : Beri (Achal Vatala), Gurudaspur District
Name of Guru: Guru Nanak Dev Ji
History
In Gurdaspur district there is a temple of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Lord Mahadev which is called Mahadev da achal temple which is at a distance of 2 kosa (about 3 kms.) in the southern direction. The name of the Beri ji was also achal, a combination of vatala and achal gave the name achal vatala to this place. Here Guru Nanak Dev Ji had a religious discussion with Gorakh panthi saints during Samvat 1586 (1530). The entire discussion has been mentioned in sidh gosht vani of Guru Granth Sahib and a village fair named shivraat was attended by Guru Nanak Dev Ji during the month of Phagun on Shivratri day. The name of the Gurudwara where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed is called achal sahib. A Ber tree still stands at the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed. Maharaja Ranjit Singh awarded a jagir of 150 kamaus (Rs. 50) annually. At that time there was a Sikh pujari (priest) at this gurdwara.
Name: Beri, Sultanpur Lodhi
Name of Guru: Guru Nanak Dev Ji
History
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji did not show any interest in business, his father Mehta Kalu sent his son to his son-in-law, Jai Ram & his daughter, Bibi Nanki at Sultanpur Lodhi. He got a job at Maudi Khana of Nawab Daulat Khan on account of an acquaintance of his brother-in-law, Jai Ram. He stayed there for one decade and received enlightenment while he was taking a bath at Bein Naddi, and disappeared for three days. A Gurudwara exists at the point where he got divine light of God and a Beri tree now exists on the premises of this Gurudwara. This is the Beri tree where Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to keep his clothes before taking bath in Bein Naddi. A very big complex of Gurudwara and other buildings has been constructed. In importance, it is next to Nankana Sahib which is associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Name: Beri (Dukhbhanjani Beri), Darbar Sahib Amritsar
Name of Guru: Guru Ram Dass Ji
History
This Beri tree exists in the parikarma of Sri Darbar Sahib, where a leper who was the Beri) husband of Bibi Rajni, daughter of Seth Duni Chand of Patti, recovered from his disease. The original tree died and a new tree re-sprouted which still exists.
Name: Tahli (Tahli Baba Sri Chand Ji near Dera Baba Nanak)
Name of Guru: Baba Sri Chand Ji
History
Baba Sri Chand Ji, elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to sit in meditation under this Shisham tree, adjoining to the village Pakho Ke. This place is at a distance of 7 kosa (about 12 kms.) from Dera Baba Nanak which is in Gudaspur district. The sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji also visited this place to meet Baba Sri Chand at this place.
Name: Tahli (Tahli of Baba Sri Chand)
Name of Guru: Baba Sri Chand Ji
History
A tree called by Sri Chand ji Tahli was located near railway station Lahore
Name: Pipli Sahib (Amritsar)
Name of Guru: Guru Ram Dass Ji
History
The devotees from Kabul stayed at this place. At about 1.5 mile away from G.T. Road, Amritsar, Guru Arjan Dev visited the devotees secretly for supply of food and water
Name: Beri , Darbar Sahib Amritsar
Name of Guru: Baba Budha Ji
History
This is the biggest and one of the oldest trees, situated in the Parikarma of Sri Darbar Sahib while entering from the main gate. It is at a distance of about 30 metres on the right side of main entry to Sri Darbar Sahib. Baba Budha Ji used to sit under this tree when Sri Darbar Sahib was under construction. Baba Budha Ji distributed spades and baskets to the devotees while sitting under this tree and also obtained service from the people. He used to distribute remuneration to masons and workers under this tree. The people pay obeisance to Baba Budha ji while bowing to this tree.
Name: Lachi Beri , Darbar Sahib Amritsar
Name of Guru: Bhai Salo Ji
History
This Beri grows on the right side of Darshni Dheorhi and bears cardamom-sized fruits. Bhai Salo Ji used to do service while sitting under this tree and Guru Arjan Dev Ji also used to sit under this tree.
Name: Beri (Lohgarh Sahib)
Name of Guru: Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
History
This is a tree located in Lohgarh for site associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji who got this fort constructed for the protection of Amritsar city. This beri tree still exists in this place.
Name: Karir (Karir Sahib), Amritsar
Name of Guru: Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
History
This is a tree associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in the parikarma of Ram Sar Sarowar at Amritsar.
Name: Karir (Vill. Mangwal district Sangrur)
Name of Guru: Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
History
A tree from the times of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji is standing in the premises where women tie threads to be blessed with a male child.
Name: Jand
Name of Guru : Guru Arjan Dev Ji
History
This is a tree with a long rotation, which is hard and resistant to dry conditions. Guru Saheban stayed for some time under this tree, which is situated near the village Gumti. Bhai Roopa of village Tuklani hung a water container (kuna or musk) and invited Guru Hargobind Ji from Daroli and served him water under this Jand tree.
Name : Jand (Jand Sahib near Chamkaur Sahib)
Name of Guru : Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
This tree is at a distance of 3 kosa (about 8 kms.) from Chamkaur Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed for some time during his journey from garhi and the name of village is also Jand Sahib
Name : Falahi (Acacia modesta), Jalandhar
Name of Guru : Guru Arjan Dev Ji
History
This is a tree where Guru Arjun Dev Ji stayed for some time during the journey of his marriage party enroute to village Mau (district Jalandhar).
Name : Van (Salvadora oleides) Faridkot
Name of Guru : Baba Farid
History
There is a shrine in the heart of the city associated with Baba Farid. A tree under which he sat during his journey still exists. The annual fair is held at this place with great enthusiasm
Name : Van (Tuti Gandi) Sri Mukatsar Sahib
Name of Guru : Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
An old van tree is existing wher Guru Gobind Shingh Ji tied his horses under its shade. This tree has many trunks and main branches.
Name : Jaamani Sahib (Malowal Bajidpur)
Name of Guru : Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
An old van tree stands in the premises of this Gurudwara and this tree is the highest of its species in this tract. While hunting, Guru Gobind Singh visited this, place. It is at a distance of 8 kms from Ferozepur on the right side of the road to Moga.
Name : Van (Panj Peer, Tibba, Abohar)
Name of Guru : Panj Peer
History
This is considered to be the oldest tree in Punjab and is worshipped by all the people of Abohar.
Name : Neem (Melia indica), Dalvali
History
Many religious places are associated with this tree species. A famous tree is standing in that village Akar in Dalvali district.
Name : Nimsar Sahib Gurdwara Kadani Kalan
Name of Guru : Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
History
It is near Raarewala Sahib and it is associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib
Name: Nim Sahib Gurdwara near Bahadurgarh
Name of Guru : Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
History
It is said that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji stayed for some time under this tree
Name: Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) Katana Kalan near Doraha, Ludhiana
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
This Gurudwara’s banyan tree existing from the times of Guru Gobind Singh Ji is at a distance of 3 miles on the right bank of the Sirhind canal. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh ji rested under this tree during his journey.
Name: Reru (Acacia leucophloea) Gurudwara Reru Sahib, Sahnewal
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
It is said that Guru Gobind Singh ji visited this place and rested for some time under this tree tree during his journey from Machiwara of Raikot
Name: Falahi (Acacia modesta near Jagraon, Moga)
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
Guru Gobind Singh stayed for some time under the shade of this tree.
Name: Banyan tree (Village Rampur, Ludhiana)
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
Associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is called the tank of Bhai Mokha.
Name: Jand Gurudwara Mau Sahib.
Name of Guru: Guru Arjan Dev Ji
History
It is said that Guru Arjan Dev Ji came for his marriage to this place. The villagers of Mau shaped a Jand tree into the peg and put the condition that the marriage will be solemnized only if it is uprooted by the Guru. The young Guru Arjan Dev uprooted this Jand peg and tried to return due to the cunningness of the people but ultimately accepted the request of Mata Ganga and the marriage was solemnized.
Name: Kalp Tree (Village Attari. 1 km from Bharatpur district Ropar) Gurudwara Bunga Sahib.
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
History
This is a famous place where Guru Gobind Singh along with his famous General Bhai Udhay singh stayed for a short time when chased by the Mughal army. Bhai Udhay Singh was killed by an arrow from the Mughal army who were sitting on Shahi Tibbi. This sacrifice of Bhai Udhay Singh saved Sahibzada Ajit Singh from Mughal attack. A gigantic old tree about 400 years old with a girth of 20 ft. with underground massive root system is exists on this earthen mound. This tree is worshipped by the people and its technical name is to be still identified. A small spring flowing with clear water is at a distance of 100m. At this place, children with speech difficulties are cured every Sunday.
Name: Nim Baba Gurditta Ji, Kiratpur
Name of Guru: Guru Hargobind Ji
History
Baba Gurditta was the eldest son of Guru Hargobind Ji, who did magnificent works and miracles. A dead cow shot by mistake was revived by him due to adamant behaviour of the owner of cow who belonged to the nearby hills. Guru Hargobind Sahib became very angry at this act and he breathed his last at this spot which is called Dera Baba Gurditta Ji. The old neem tree has died some years ago and a new neem tree now exists at this spot.
Name: Jand Sahib: Lahli village Kalan in Hoshiarpur district
Name of Guru: Guru Harrai Sahib
History
The place where Guru Harrai Sahib came and tied his horse to a Jand tree. It is at a distance of 8 miles from Hoshiarpur railway station.
Name: Jand Sahib, Kot Village, Mukatsar Dsitrict
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh
History
A Jand tree stands where Guru Gobind Singh Ji hung his weapons and war dress. This place is at a distance of 1.6 kms from Faqarsar railway station.
Name: Jand Sahib, Dehriwala Village
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh
History
This Jand tree (Indian mesquite) exists at a distance of 1.6 kms in the southern direction from Dehriwala village in Faridkot. Guru Gobind Singh took rest for some time under this tree.
Name: Jand Sar, Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh
History
Sri Guru Gobind Singh stayed at Talwandi Sabo for 9.5 months and prepared Bir Sahib. A tree at a distance of 1/2 mile from this place is exists, where Guru Ji distributed pay to his servants and tied his horse to the Jand tree (Indian mesquite).
Name: Jand, Mulowal near Dhuri
Name of Guru: Guru Teg Bahadur
History
This place is at a distance of 1.6 kms from the railway station Alai, where Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib stayed and converted bitter water in sweet drinking water and tied his horses to the Jand tree which still exists.
Name: Jand, Gurudwara Suli Sar, Kot Village, Mansa District
Name of Guru: Guru Teg Bahadur
History
.At this place a thief who stolen the horses of Guru Teg Bahadur died due to injuries caused by throne of Jand tree.
Name: Jand, ViII: Kattu near Dhanola distt. Sangrur
Name of Guru: Guru Teg Bahadur
History
Here Guru Sahib recited the famous shabad kaha re van khojan gaee (why to go to a forest in search of God)
Name: Jand at Macchiwara
Name of Guru: Guru Gobind Singh
History
A Jand tree is exists where Guru Gobind Singh stayed the night after the battle of Chamkaur Sahib
Name: Garden at Karah village near Kaithal
Name of Guru: Guru Nanak Dev
History
Guru Nanak stayed at this place where a garden was created. Guru ji gave money for a digging well and the creation of a garden.
Sacred trees must be planted in other important religion places where people visit to pay obeisance as pilgrims. These efforts will maintain the importance of sacred trees in our culture.