India: A holy bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) in front of the entrance to the Hindu Shri Damodar Temple, Zambaulim, Goa

The Ficus religiosa tree is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, 'I am the Peepal tree among the trees, Narada among the sages, Chitraaratha among the Gandharvas, And sage Kapila among the Siddhas.'

The Shri Damodar temple was originally established in 1500 CE and houses the Hindu deity Shri Damodar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The present large temple dates from 1910.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia