What an outreach!

A huge banyan tree. Interesting legends. Cool, cool breeze. And a sea of people. Well, that sums up my recent visit to Thimmamma Marrimanu in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is nothing but a big, big banyan tree, as 'marri' means banyan and 'manu' means tree in Telugu.

Estimated to be about 580 years old, this tree captivated me to no end due to the sheer magnificence of its size. With a wide crown believed to be spread over an area of five acres, and props numbering around 1,100, this tree finds mention in the Guinness Book of World Records, too.

Sitting under the tree were hordes of picnickers, in small clusters here and there, in the comfort of the shade and breeze the tree offered. Also seen were people visiting a temple close by. That was when my friend from Kadiri, in whose company I was visiting the tree, narrated the many legends associated with the tree.

There once lived a good-natured pious lady, Thimmamma, daughter of a Setti Balija couple Sennakka Venkatappa and Mangamma, in the late 13th century. A devoted wife and a dutiful daughter-in-law that she was, she was considered an epitome of virtuosity by the villagers of Gootibylu. Unfortunately for her, her husband Bala Veeraiah died of an illness. A distraught Thimmamma, who had no intentions of living without her husband, decided to commit Sati, prevalent then. A stage to commit Sati, erected with the support of four stems of a banyan tree, was readied for the occasion. As per her wish, Thimmamma ascended the funeral pyre even as the entire village watched. Soon after, a banyan tree is believed to have sprouted from the north-eastern pole of the Sati stage.

The villagers, who held Thimmamma in high regard, were mesmerised by the turn of events. They constructed a temple right under the tree in dedication to her virtuosity. To this day, the belief is that any childless couple who visits this temple to offer their obeisance to Thimmamma will be blessed with a child. An annual fair is also held here on the day of Shivaratri when people from far and near visit the temple.

The legend associated with the place added to its allure. The tree, growing in the north-eastern direction, is bigger than the one at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Howrah, West Bengal.

It was heartening to note that no effort was being spared by the locals and the forest department to protect the tree from destructive elements that have scant regard for the value of the grand old tree. Forest rangers on duty and the protective fence around the tree were proof enough.

Now a leading tourist spot in Anantapur, Thimmamma Marrimanu is frequented by people going to Lepakshi and Puttaparthi. It is also a big attraction for birdwatchers due to a variety of birds here. The aviary and nursery at the venue, developed by the forest department, are worth a visit.

Though teeming with people, the place didn't seem crowded. Such was its expanse. The serenity of the place, coupled with the uniqueness of its nature, sure had me in its thrall.