The Nakshatra Vatika and Graha Vatika inside the Sanskrit University campus in Darbhanga aim to blend nature with astrology. These gardens feature trees linked to the 27 constellations, 12 zodiac signs, and the nine planets.
Nakshatra Vatika is laid out in two circular zones. The inner circle contains trees connected to each of the 27 nakshatras. The outer circle includes trees tied to the 12 zodiac signs. Each tree is believed to hold spiritual and physical significance.
“These trees are chosen based on astrological traditions,” said Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, Head of the Department of Astrology. “Planting them brings peace, health, and happiness. They also help in reducing certain planetary effects and are used in rituals.”
Graha Vatika is a separate section planted according to the nine planets. Each plant is assigned to a planet, following Vedic astrology.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Laxmi Niwas Pandey said the goal is to help students connect spiritual and environmental knowledge. “It has been planted from a spiritual, physical, astrological, and environmental point of view, so that students have an understanding of astrology,” he said.
Nakshatra Vatika (27 Nakshatras and their Trees)
| Nakshatra | Tree |
|---|---|
| Ashwini | Kuchla |
| Bharani | Amla |
| Krittika | Gular |
| Rohini | Jamun |
| Mrigasira | Khair |
| Ardra | Sheesham |
| Punarvasu | Bamboo |
| Pushya | Peepal |
| Ashlesha | Nagkesar |
| Magha | Banyan |
| Purva Phalguni | Palash |
| Uttara Phalguni | Pakad |
| Hasta | Reetha |
| Chitra | Bel |
| Swati | Arjun |
| Vishaka | Kataiya |
| Anuradha | Bhalsari |
| Jyeshtha | Chir |
| Mool | Shal |
| Purvashadha | Ashok |
| Uttarashadha | Jackfruit |
| Shravan | Akaun |
| Dhanishtha | Shami |
| Shatabhisha | Kadamba |
| Purvabhadrapada | Mango |
| Uttarabhadrapada | Neem |
| Revati | Mahua |
Graha Vatika (Planets and their Trees)
| Planet | Tree |
|---|---|
| Sun | Aak |
| Moon | Palash |
| Mars | Khair |
| Mercury | Apamarg |
| Jupiter | Peepal |
| Venus | Gular |
| Saturn | Shami |
| Rahu | Durva |
| Ketu | Kush |
Prof. Laxmi Niwas Pandey, the Vice Chancellor, said the aim is to help students understand astrology from spiritual, scientific, and ecological angles. He called it a fusion of tradition and education.
Anyone can create a Nakshatra Vatika at home or in their community. Start by identifying your zodiac sign or birth constellation. Then plant the tree connected to it. With time, this space becomes not just a garden, but a quiet link to nature, learning, and tradition.
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