Sagar (Madhya Pradesh): A banyan tree, believed to be 5,000 years old and spread over two acres in the Deori Kalan area, is 16km from the Sagar district headquarters.
It is a storehouse of oxygen, say experts. A large number of people from different parts of the country flock to the 64-Yogini temple in this place. The temple is under the banyan tree. It stands as a rare treat to devotees visiting the temple.
The pop roots of the tree are touching the ground. Thousands of bells are hanging from the branches of the banyan tree, which shows their faith in the temple and in the tree.
The national highway number 44, between Sagar and Narsinghpur Marg, is two km from the Maharajpur area. The tree is spread over two acres.
The banyan tree has been in existence for over 5,000 years. Over 400 trees have emerged from the main tree. Idols of gods and goddesses are put at the roots of the tree.
The legend has it that the 64-Yogini Goddess, a cosmic form of Durga, has emerged from the tree. The idols of her various forms, once kept in all the branches of the banyan tree, were caught in its roots.
The ancient idols, which were in ruins, were restored in 1960 and reinstalled. According to locals, the tree is treated as the universal form of Mother Goddess.
The place, a unique centre for pilgrimage in the state, is near Noradehi reserved forest. If the area is developed, it will attract a lot of tourists.
