Over the course of the Big Tree Quest, Vata Foundation has documented 5 significant trees across Punjab, ranging from historic banyans to spiritually significant ber trees. Many of these trees flourish around the Golden Temple, while others stand as living witnesses to pivotal moments in Sikh history.
Age: ~440 years
Type: Ziziphus Mauritiana (Jujube)
Highlight: The tree is known for its connection to Baba Budha Ji, who supervised the construction of the Golden Temple from its shade.
Tucked inside the revered Golden Temple complex, the Ber Baba Budha tree stands tall, with roots in the very origins of Sikh faith. Baba Budha Ji, an important figure in Sikh history, chose this tree as his resting and working place during crucial temple building years. Leveraged as the headquarters of ancient teachings, the tree has since symbolized wisdom and humble beginnings. Each person who sits beneath its branches becomes a part of an ongoing story of belief, community and rich Indian heritage.
Age: ~400 years
Type: Ziziphus Mauritiana (Jujube)
Highlight: Known as the “reliever of suffering,” the tree’s story is central to the foundation of Amritsar’s sacred pool.
Located on the eastern side of the Golden Temple’s pool, Dukh Bhanjani Ber is a major spiritual landmark. According to Sikh belief, the tree is tied to stories of healing and faith, thanks to Bibi Rajni’s unwavering devotion. Legend says Bibi Rajni’s husband, suffering from leprosy, was cured here after bathing in the pond under this tree. This moment helped define Amritsar’s spiritual legacy. Over generations, it has come to stand for both physical and emotional relief, making it an important part of the temple’s living traditions and the daily experience of faith for many visitors.
Age: ~300 years
Type: Ficus Benghalensis (Banyan)
Highlight: Sprawling over 3.5 acres, the tree is one of the largest banyans in India.
Standing amidst lush fields in Cholti Kheri village, Kaya Kalp Vriksh is a living ecosystem, supporting a rich variety of birds, reptiles and plants. Locals protect it fiercely, believing anyone who tries to hinder its growth suffers misfortune. The tree’s roots and branches form a dense network, home to diverse wildlife and a symbol of biodiversity. Supported by community conservation efforts, the tree is seen as a guardian of both nature and tradition in Punjab.
Age: ~400 years
Type: Ziziphus Mauritiana (Jujube)
Highlight: Known as the tree under which Guru Arjan Dev Ji sat while supervising the construction of the Golden Temple.
The Lachi Ber Tree stands just beside the Darshani Deori, the entrance of the Golden Temple complex. It holds great historical significance as the resting place of Guru Arjan Dev Ji during the construction of the iconic temple in the early 1600s. The tree has witnessed centuries of prayers, growth and devotion, offering shade and a tangible link to the temple’s spiritual origins. It remains a key landmark for visitors seeking connection with Sikh heritage.
Age: ~300 years
Type: Ficus Benghalensis (Banyan)
Highlight: The historic banyan tree is a living witness to history, where people once climbed for safety during the 1919 massacre.
The banyan at Jallianwala Bagh stands as a powerful reminder of one of India’s darkest chapters. On April 13, 1919, countless people were trapped beneath its canopy as gunfire filled the garden. This giant sheltered many who tried to escape bullets during the massacre. Year after year, visitors look up and remember the resilience of those who faced violence beneath its shade. Its presence gives a face to the garden’s historical weight, providing a shaded gathering point for learning, remembering and paying respects to the spirit of resilience.