Mo remembered the banyan tree from when she was young, and began looking out for it as we left Vavuniya on our dash up to Jaffna.
A landmark for generations, it must have been so beloved by both sides that a miracle occurred – even this close to the road, where most trees were chopped down to deny cover for snipers – the tree has survived.
Come, lets wander over and stand within a circle of eternity, gaze up into its writhing, interlocking branches.
I kept thinking of a living Stonehenge, of Romanesque cathedrals. The tree had a palpable spirit and I would have loved to sit within its shade, for a picnic at least, but we were dashing, as I said, and the presence of an army post to its rear, and an armed guard at the road, forced even me to snap quickly – and ostentatiously – before resuming our journey north.
The Wanderlust Gene 
Just magnificent! So glad it was spared.
Reminds me of the one in the Theosophical Society grounds here that is several centuries old.
It’s tremendous to think this tree now has a chance to live for several centuries. What a tree the Theosophical Society tree must be.
I love these trees. There was a huge one beside our house when I was very young and I have always found them fascinating.
They seem more ‘alive’ than normal trees, somehow, like a joint organism like the fantastical wollomi pine.
Now that is something special… wonderful share and great that nature won the day…
Isn’t it just, bulldog – especially given the circumstances.
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I used to live in Florida and there were some huge ones there…they are amazing.
I’m sure – perfect climate there! So nice to see you Karen. 🙂
Such a dichotomy, “the presence of an army post to its rear, and an armed guard at the road,” versus the amazing photographs and “The tree had a palpable spirit… a living Stonehenge, of Romanesque cathedrals.”
Hard to comprehend.
Dichotomy is right, Michelle – but standing under the tree, if only for a little while, it seemed I’d crossed a circle of charm.
So glad it was spared. Spectacular.
Really wonderful that it’s still there Ruth, for whatever reason. 🙂
What an absolutely beautiful tree. I hope it can thrive for many lifetimes to come.
Amazing. I love trees!
All of that – one tree! Fascinating.
Scott
Magical. I’m so glad it survived, especially so Mo could revisit her memory.
More than a few years ago, I visited friends in Ft Meyers, Florida. There, on the Thomas Edison estate, is the largest banyan tree in the US. Not having much experience with banyan trees, it was something to see.
That people, in the midst of that madness, would recognize and save this tree is amazing. Thanks for sharing both tree and story with us.
Spectacular, and those branches… Thank you for the beautiful post, z!
The deep roots and the history this tree has seen is strengthen to the spirit
the banyan is almost like an army itself, marching boldly out from a centre into the space around, spreading its love and shade as it grows 🙂
it makes me long to sharpen my pencil and sit for days beneath its canopy!
I’m randomly looking thru your blog trying to find the one post that best represents it. I like this one!
Bless you! It’s a great tree, isn’t it, and its survival says something for the people, I think. I wonder what I’d choose? 🙂