In the serene landscape of Canacona, Goa, a spiritual institution and a natural wonder stand side by side, bound by centuries of history. The Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt is currently celebrating a monumental milestone—its 550th anniversary. Yet, its remarkable journey has been silently observed by an even older entity: the ancient Vatavraksha, a banyan tree believed to be over a thousand years old.
A Natural Temple: The Majesty of the Vatavraksha
Located a mere 200 meters north of the Partagal mutt complex, this magnificent banyan tree is a spectacle of nature's endurance. Its sprawling canopy, supported by approximately 220 aerial roots, covers a vast area measuring 235 feet from east to west and 225 feet from north to south. Visitors describe walking beneath its countless hanging roots as an experience akin to wandering through a living, breathing temple, with gentle winds flowing from all directions.
Long before the mutt's establishment in 1475 AD by Shrimad Narayan Teerth Swami on the banks of the Kushavati river, this very spot was revered as a Brahmasthan—a sacred seat of Brahma. Legend holds that the ancient sage Rishi Paingi meditated under the protective shade of this very tree. For over a millennium, this remote sylvan retreat has attracted rishis and yogis seeking spiritual enlightenment, earning it the title of a tapasya kshetra, or a dedicated centre for meditation.
A Symbol of Eternal Renewal and Endurance
The Vatavraksha is not just a tree; it is a profound symbol from mythology representing the eternal wheel of life. Unlike ordinary trees, the banyan uniquely regenerates itself by sending aerial roots down to form new trunks, thus continuously renewing its own existence. Vedic scholars see this as a perfect metaphor for the mutt's own resilience.
The mutt has withstood countless challenges over its five-and-a-half-century history, a point highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent address. After unveiling a 77-foot tall statue of Lord Ram at the Partagal mutt, PM Modi noted, “eras changed, periods changed, many transformations occurred in the country and society, but amidst changing eras and challenges, the mutt did not lose its direction; rather, it emerged as a centre that provides direction to people.” The ancient Vatavraksha has been a silent witness to this entire enduring saga.
Honouring Legacy: The Tree as a Sacred Memento
The significance of the Vatavraksha is deeply woven into the mutt's contemporary practices. In a fitting tribute, Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagal Jeevottam Math has chosen a replica of the iconic tree as the memento for its prestigious Vidyadhiraj award. This award, named after the mutt's 23rd seer in its unbroken guru lineage, is presented annually to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to society in any field.
To this day, the people of Partagal and adjoining areas continue to worship the Vatavraksha, along with the Ishwar Linga situated before it—a devotional practice that has persisted for a thousand years. The tree stands as a timeless bridge connecting a rich spiritual past with a vibrant, living present, embodying the enduring spirit of a culture and its sacred geography.
