Lucknow, August 5, 2013: A combination of mythology and scientific mystery rarely fails to impress. Take for instance the tree of 'gold' flowers situated in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, in Baroliya village barely 28 kms from state capital Lucknow.

One of the earliest surviving trees known to Indian botanists, the tree has a mythological significance. In fact, no scientific explanation has been offered for tree’s unique flowers, which only Hindu mythology has managed to explain.

Pandit Ravidas, who spent his entire life nursing the 'grand old' tree explains that Arjun, the mortal protagonist of Hindu epic Mahabharat, used his special powers to plant the tree.

“Arjun’s mother Kunti, during their exile period, was told a saint to appease Lord Shiva to in order to relive their family of all worries. She was asked to offer Shiva a gift of flowers made of gold. Not able to find them, she asked Arjun to fulfil the requirements of the prayer,” Ravidas tells. 

Legend has it that Arjun appealed to Lord Indra to seek an answer on as to how to get ‘gold flowers’. The prayers of Pandava prince were answered and a tree instantly appeared at the place.

For atheists, the tree’s flowers assume a bright golden hue after wilting. No tenable explanation has, however, been given for the phenomenon till now.

Source: Daily Bhaskar.com