Amritsar, Punjab – A significant storm packing strong winds that swept through Amritsar on Thursday night has caused partial damage to the centuries-old Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree, a revered site within the Golden Temple complex.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that confirmed the incident through statements made by Major Singh, the Manager of Shri Darbar Sahib. He detailed that while several large upper branches of the historic tree snapped due to the high-velocity winds, the tree’s main trunk has remained entirely intact and secure. Major Singh reassured that the damage, though present, does not pose a cause for major concern, emphasizing that a more significant loss was fortunately averted.
The Manager further clarified that other notable trees within the Golden Temple premises, including Ber Baba Budha Sahib and Lachi Ber located in the parikrama (circumambulatory path), were unaffected by the storm. Similarly, a tamarind tree situated outside Akal Takht Sahib also sustained no damage.
Following the storm, a comprehensive clean-up operation was initiated on Friday morning by the Darbar Sahib management and sewadars (volunteers). Broken branches and leaves were meticulously removed from the parikrama and the holy sarovar (sacred pond). The complex was subsequently cleaned and restored to its pristine condition for the convenience and spiritual solace of devotees.
Numerous devotees were observed gathering leaves and fruits that had fallen from the affected branches of the Dukh Bhanjani Beri, underscoring the deep spiritual connection and reverence they hold for the sacred tree.
The severe weather event also impacted temporary structures within the Golden Temple complex, including canopies and coverings, which sustained damage.
Manager Major Singh acknowledged that some damage to trees and temporary installations is a natural consequence of severe storms. However, he reiterated that no substantial losses were incurred during the event.
The historic Ber trees within the Golden Temple have been under specialized scientific care since 2005, with experts from Punjab Agricultural University overseeing their conservation. These ongoing efforts have been instrumental in rejuvenating the centuries-old trees, whose trunks had shown signs of weakening due to age. Consequently, these trees have been bearing fruit again since 2018, a testament to the successful conservation initiatives.
The Chenab Times News Desk