Storm breaks branch of sacred Bodhi tree in Varanasi

A storm broke a pest-infested branch of the sacred Bodhi tree here, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

The tree was planted in Varanasi 80 years ago and has been grown from a cutting of the sacred tree at Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha supposedly achieved enlightenment around 2,500 years ago.

Officials say that the branch fell because of damage due to termites and other insects that made it hollow on the inside.

"In 1995, a three- feet high platform was built at the base of the tree. Because of this, the branches were infested with insects and termites. A close look at the broken branch showed that it had become hollow from inside. So, when there was a storm, the weak branch broke and fell on one side,"said forest officer, M.R. Chaurasia.

Buddhists believe that the falling of the branch of the sacred tree bodes ill omen.

"When it comes to the question of the faith and beliefs of the Buddhist religion, this is a big loss. This might be an indication that something bad is about to happen. This religion is universal. Christianity and Buddhism are well known throughout the world. People consider it an ill omen.We will understand the technical details when the investigation begins. The protection of this tree is our responsibility,"said expert on Buddhism, Ram Mohan Pathak.

No one was injured in the incident and the structure of the temple was only slightly damaged.

Gautam Buddha was a sage whose teachings form the principles of Buddhism.

The Bodhi Tree, was a large and very old peepal tree located in Bodh Gaya under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later known as Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

According to Buddhist texts the Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude.

Bodhi trees are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist monastery.