In the early years of Auroville, specifically the early 1970’s one could see Butea trees lining the village tanks.  Today they are not so plentiful but nonetheless offer a magnificent glowing picture against the background of water and sky.

The Mother has given us its message, “Beginning of the Supramental Realisation” and she has given us the most wonderful comment: “With its charming beauty it is the herald of victory.

Indeed this tree in full bloom is a breathtaking sight.  It certainly justifies its common name, “Flame of the Forest”.  In India it is known as Palash and in ayurveda it is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and sore throat. The leaves of this tree helps reduce blood sugar and cure diabetes.

Wikipedia offers us the following.

Butea is “native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, ranging across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia

In West Bengal, it is associated with spring, especially through the poems and songs of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who likened its bright orange flame-like flower to fire. In Santiniketan, where Tagore lived, this flower has become an indispensable part of the celebration of spring.’

Here are some photos.