Ashoka, the Legend and the Love Symbol

Ashoka tree ( bunga asoka in Indonesian) is standing tree which flowers throughout the year. As tropics flower, it loves direct sunshine. Sunshine will fit it’s color best and bright. Ashoka love damp soil too, so make sure to water it regularly. Ashoka is very much liked for it’s compact and colorful flowers, with green leaves.
Another interesting point about this beautiful flower is the legend that comes with it, especially the story in India’s culture.It is believed that Sakyamuni, the founder of Budda and Nirvana doctrine, was born under ashoka tree by the tenth century. Ashoka trees are worshipped by the Buddhist. While for Hinduist, this flower is a symbol of love.
Mount Papandayan
Mount Papandayan is the southest of Mountain Range which ranging from the South Part of Bandung city. Mount Papandayan is quite popular in West Java for it’s beauty and unique scenery.
Some facilities to reach this mount has been built, like some asphalt roads to make it easy to get to the area. Tourist Guides are also provided. It is suggested to use their service, especially to those first-timers.

- Wonderful Scenery around Mount Papandayan
Taking steps in Mount Papandayan must be aware of. The soil is sometimes very soft. We can see some breaking on the white soil with thick haze.
Asoka plant, a symbol of love
Here’s a very interesting matter during my surfing on the net some couple of days ago, it is about asoka tree ( bunga asoka in Indonesian). So far I know, asoka tree is flowering throughout the whole year. But it seems that there’s an article that leads me to the myth and legend around asoka tree in India.

- Picture of Asoka Flower
It is believed that Sakyamuni, the founder of Budda and Nirvana doctrine, was born under asoka tree by the X century. Asoka trees is worshipped by the Buddhist. While for Hinduist, this flower is a symbol of love.
In a story of Rama and Sita, it is said that when Sita ( Rama’s wife) was kidnapped by Ravvana, she was hidden in a garden which is overwhelmed with asoka trees. Thus for India’s society, this flower is dedicated to Rama.


