Thimmamma Marrimanu


Thimmamma Marrimanu is a banyan tree in Anantapur, located about 25 kilometers from Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is probably a specimen of Ficus benghalensis. In the Telugu language, "marri" denotes "banyan" and "manu" denotes "trees". Its canopy covers, and it was recorded as the largest tree specimen in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.

Legend

According to a local myth, the tree is named after Thimmamma, a woman who committed sati. The tree is said to have originated from one of the poles used in the funeral pyre.

Religious significance

A small temple dedicated to Thimmamma is beneath the tree. The residents of the region strongly believe that if a childless couple worships Thimmamma they will beget a child in the next year. A large jatara is conducted at Thimmamma on the day of the Shivaratri festival, when thousands flock to the tree to worship it.

Recordation

The tree was first noticed and revealed to the world by Regret Iyer, a freelance journalist and photographer from Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Later he made all efforts to have the tree recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. His name was included in the Book in this regard.
Thimmamma Marrimanu was discussed in the second segment of the BBC series 'The Tree Spirits'