Nestled in the remote village of Kadiri, in the Anantapur district of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, stands a tree that defies logical comprehension.

Thimmamma Marrimanu, the world’s largest banyan tree, is more than just a botanical marvel—it’s a cultural, spiritual and ecological phenomenon.

Recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s largest tree canopy in 1989, Thimmamma Marrimanu is a testament to the extraordinary life force of banyan trees, capable of expanding across vast swathes of land through their unique growth habits.

To truly grasp the scale of Thimmamma Marrimanu, imagine walking under its sprawling canopy, which covers nearly five acres (24,200 yards). This canopy spreads over an astonishing 19,107 square meters, providing shade equivalent to nearly four football fields combined.

For comparison, the General Sherman Tree, the largest single-stem tree on the planet that stands in California, covers only about 1,487 square meters with its foliage. While the Sherman Tree impresses with its towering height—it stands 275 feet tall—Thimmamma Marrimanu’s strength lies in its lateral growth, a feature unique to banyan trees.

This is because, like Pando, Thimmamma Marrimanu isn’t just one tree with a singular trunk. Unlike Pando, however, this massive banyan tree expands through a network of interwoven aerial roots that descend from the branches, taking root in the ground to form new trunks, all part of the same organism.

These aerial roots act like scaffolding, enabling the tree to spread horizontally without compromising stability. It’s a remarkable adaptability that ensures that the tree survives and thrives, even in harsh climatic conditions.

The tree’s incredible expanse has made it a symbol of endurance and interconnectedness in Indian culture—but it also has an eerie side, entwined with myths and taboos.

Thimmamma Marrimanu is named after Thimmamma, a local woman revered for her selfless devotion. According to legend, she committed sati (self-immolation) on her husband’s funeral pyre in the 15th century and the tree spouted from one of the poles supporting the pyre.

The historical and cultural connection draws thousands of pilgrims annually, making it a site of both ecological and spiritual importance. It is believed that the tree blesses childless couples with fertility and curses anyone who removes its leaves.

Banyan trees, in general, are sacred in Hindu mythology and Indian culture.

From an ecological standpoint, banyan trees are a keystone species in their environments. They provide habitat and sustenance for numerous organisms, including bats, birds and insects. Their extensive root systems prevent soil erosion, making them vital for stabilizing ecosystems.

However, despite their environmental benefits, their invasive potential has also been noted, as their roots can overtake and damage nearby structures.

Unlike most plants that grow from the ground up, banyans—which are a type of strangler fig—grow from the sky down, strangling their host in the process.

Its seed catches in the branches of another tree and the young sapling that grows from it dangles its tendrils down to the forest floor. These tendrils eventually take root and the aboveground parts subsequently thicken and harden.

The banyan thus becomes its host’s coffin, winding around the original tree and growing branches that rob the host of sunlight. At the same time, its roots spread underground and deprive the host of nutrients and water. As the banyan grows, more roots descend from the branches to support an ever-growing canopy.

One curious belief tied to banyan trees is the notion that it is unwise to sleep beneath them. It is an idea rooted in both science and superstition.

Scientifically, banyan trees release carbon dioxide at night due to the absence of photosynthesis, which can result in a lower oxygen concentration near the ground. While not harmful outdoors, this has fueled the myth that sleeping under banyan trees is dangerous.

The banyan’s labyrinthine roots and shadowy presence have been long associated with the supernatural in Indian folklore. Banyan trees are often depicted as the abodes of spirits, ghosts or even gods. In some rural areas, locals avoid banyans at night, fearing encounters with wandering souls.

Banyans represent an interesting intertwining of science and superstition that reveals some of humanity’s attempts to make sense of nature’s mysteries.

Thimmamma Marrimanu isn’t merely a tree—it is a symbol of resilience, adaptability and cultural heritage. It is over 550 years old and has survived being damaged by multiple cyclones.

It is still expanding today. Its position in an agricultural clearing between two mountains has allowed it to grow to a point where it looks like a forest unto itself.

Its ability to thrive across generations, coupled with its unique role in human history and ecology, has made it a marvel worthy of study and admiration.

Whether viewed as a scientific wonder or a spiritual landmark, Thimmamma Marrimanu inspires awe, inviting us to ponder the mysteries of nature and our place within it.

Does reading about such an ancient tree with a revered place in mythology and ecology make you appreciate the world we share with Mother Nature? Take this test and find out how connected you are with the planet: Connectedness to Nature Scale