Mangaluru: The construction of the Ayodhya temple is progressing swiftly, with recent developments highlighting efforts to enhance the temple’s surroundings. The Ram Mandir Nirman Trust has embarked on a project to create captivating flower beds around the temple, introducing an exotic addition – Nagalinga flower (Cannonball) plants from Mangalore.
In a touching display of devotion and botanical passion, Vinesh Pujari, an ardent plant enthusiast from Niddodi, Mangalore, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. For years, Vinesh has nurtured a diverse range of plants and generously shared them with fellow enthusiasts. His green thumb has graced the grounds of numerous temples in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, enriching them with a variety of saplings.
Vinesh’s hobby involves collecting seeds from various corners of the world and cultivating them into thriving plants. Known as “Cannonball” in English, the flowers of these trees bear a striking resemblance to the revered Nagalinga flower, earning them the endearing local moniker, Nagalinga flower. Vinesh has distributed over 5000 Nagalinga flower plants to date. Motivated by his desire to witness these blossoms flourish in Ayodhya, he connected with the management board of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir through the internet.
Recognizing Vinesh’s sincere dedication and concern, the temple management warmly accepted his offer to send these unique plants. On September 5, Vinesh dispatched five Nagalingapushpada plants via courier, and they have now safely arrived at their intended destination. In appreciation of his contribution, the Ram Mandir management expressed their gratitude and assured Vinesh that these plants would be carefully planted behind the grand Ram Mandir.
Delighted by this development, Vinesh shared his feelings, saying, “I have nurtured numerous Nagalinga flower plants and distributed them freely across various districts in the state. My ultimate goal was to witness the same vibrant plant thriving in Ayodhya. When I approached the authorities with this intention, I received a warm and encouraging response. In accordance with their request, I sent five plants via courier to contribute to this noble cause.”
The Nagalinga flower holds a special place in Hindu symbolism, with Lord Shiva having a profound connection to it. Alongside Bilvapatra, the Nagalingapushpa is particularly revered. Botanically known as Couroupita guianensis, this plant belongs to the Lecythidaceae family. In Kannada and Tamil, it is referred to as the Nagalinga flower due to its striking resemblance to a cobra. Additionally, in Telugu, it is known as Mallikarjuna Pushpa.
The inclusion of these unique and spiritually significant plants in the temple’s landscape adds an extra layer of beauty and meaning to the ongoing construction of the Ayodhya temple.