Sacred gardens are an ancient tradition in Indian culture. As per the Vedas, the 27 star-constellations in the almanac have 27 specific trees associated with each of them. These trees are said to be of great medicinal value and, . These trees when planted together on a piece of land, have the power to create and emanate immense positive and healing energies.
IIM Indore has planted and nurtured such a grove, and it was opened on October 31, in the presence of Prof Himanshu Rai, the institute’s Director, and the entire IIM Indore community.
Spread over approximately one acre, the garden has 54 trees (two medicinal trees each for every star, as mentioned in the Vedas) along with multiple other medicinal and aromatic herbs. These include tulsi , aloe vera, insulin plant, brahmi, lemon grass, hadjod , night queen, jasmine, parijaat and harsingha .
Prof Rai said: “There are two reasons why this garden. First, following the Clean India Mission, we should
be developing areas and landscapes that enhance the aesthetics of the area we reside in. Second, with the kind of busy and fast-moving lives we’re living, we need to find some mental peace and soothe ourselves as well. We created this garden keeping in mind the same objective, to provide a place for our students, faculty, staff, and entire community which helps in lowering stress.’
He said that one’s conscience needs to be developed just like a garden, and both take equal efforts and hard work. “Spirituality consists of three things — fortitude, introspective reflection and equanimity. Fortitude stands for being fearless, introspective reflection means having the capability of self-thinking, and equanimity is the quality to retain calmness, even in difficult situations. This garden is been developed in a way that all its 27 trees and panchatatvas will emit positive energy and aromatic herbs will provide a pleasant area,” he said.
The highlight of the garden is the ‘Panchtatva Track’, which comprises the five elements, namely, sand, smooth pebbles, hard pebbles, grass, wood and water. When anyone walks barefoot on this track, these elements act as acupressure materials and provide a soothing effect.
The garden was created in approximately six months and is an ideal place for meditation, yoga and even classes on spiritual matters.
Scientifically, the garden serves to conserve trees and biodiversity. IIM Indore has always been devoted to conserving nature and conducts tree plantation drives regularly.