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Shantiniketan Kala Bhavan West Bengal Article

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Trees, Forests and Foliage of Bolpur

from: Johnny B

Santiniketan at Bolpur, West Bengal, widely recognised in these days as a college area, one hundred kilometers to the north of Kolkata, was initially an ashram constructed by Debendranath Tagore, where any individual, inspite of caste and creed, could certainly come and spend their time meditating on the one Supreme Creator. Debendranath, who actually was in fact the father of the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Thakur, has also been called Maharshi (which translates to mean a person who is simultaneously saint and sage) was actually a primary figure through the Indian Renaissance.

Within a trust deed prepared in the late 19th century, this individual expressed: 'Apart from worshipping the one without structure, no regional community could praise any existing deity depicting our god, man or woman, and also other animals; nor might anyone assemble sacrificial fires or rituals living in Santiniketan. No insult to whatever faith and religion or faith based deity would be granted at this location. Most of the sermons offered there will undoubtedly be in ways that will be acceptable towards worship related to the God and Father and even will aid in life values, benevolence and brotherhood'

It was in this area in which the Maha Rishi had a devout realization when meditating beneath a garden of Chhatim trees, that were the main plant life in such an arid ground of Birbhum. These types of trees still sit which has a plaque of stone which says, He's the repose of my entire life, the joy of my heart and soul, the serenity of my intellect. Chhatimtala like it is known as may possibly be the position which represents the particular starting position of Santiniketan, that was to become his boy Rabindranath's house as well as base for pastime. It is considered to be a Godly spot and spiritual services tend to be hosted there on especially special days. Rabindranath, at the same time, just like his father well before him would be seated in meditation here, underneath the chhatim forest all through sunset.

One of several buildings built by the "MahaRishi" happened to be the Santiniketan Griha or dwelling and the gorgeous stained glass Mandir, or temple specifically where praise is undoubtedly non-denominational. Both properties erected in the 2nd half of the Nineteenth century are crucial throughout their association with the founding of Santiniketan and widespread harmony belonging to the revival and reinterpretation associated with faith based beliefs in West Bengal as well as the nation of India. A beautiful back garden was outlined on all sides of the Santiniketan residence. The earth having gritty dried out dirt was actually removed and then loaded with rich soil brought over from outside. Lines of diverse berry trees and shrubs and woods combined with very long foliage for the purpose of shade were planned and planted. The very avenue of Sal trees, subsequently known to earlier ashramites as being Rabindranath's much-loved walk, was in fact planned and planted at this time.