THRISSUR:The preliminary phase of the hewing of the ancient banyan tree situated at Sree Moola Sthanam near Vadakkumnathan Temple commenced here with the branches on either sides being trimmed down.
According to the officials, the process would be completed only by the Onam season, as the twigs must become dry before ritualistic disposal.
“Since there is a great religious significance associated with the tree and several birds and animals use the tree as shelter there will be poojas and assorted karmas to prevent bad karma.
“Then a new sapling will be planted,” said Hariharan of Vadakkumnathan Temple Welfare Committee.
The ancient banyan tree is of great religious significance for the devotees as the tree is believed to be at the direct line of sight of the Shiva idol of the temple.
In the olden days, it was a straight path from the Vadakkumnathan to Thrikkumarakudam Subrahmanian Temple and the Lord Siva is believed to have used the same path for visiting his son.
The banyan tree was the only obstruction in the path, over which Lord Siva is believed to have traversed.