Jagannath Vatika on the premises of Regional Plant Resource Centre in Bhubaneswar.

The garden showcases plant species that are used in the service of Puri Jagannath temple deities in Bhubaneswar.

The garden was thrown open to the public on Monday. Developed by the Regional Plant Resource Centre, it houses a collection of over 125 plant species.

The facility has been set up to educate people about various plant species that play a role in the day-to-day rituals of the Trinity. "For the local people, tourists, scholars and researchers, there had been no scope to see all the plants at one place. So, the garden will help a visitor take a look at all plants associated with the Lord and his siblings," said P.C. Panda, principal scientist at the centre. He further said the Jagannath cult had its origin in forests, hence plants played a pivotal roles in the services of the Puri deities.

Forest and environment minister Bikram Kesahri Arukh inaugurated it. A booklet Jagannath Vatika on details about the garden was also released on the occasion.

The plant species have been divided into seven categories based on their use values - construction of wooden chariots and carts used to transport the logs, plants used for making the idols, tahia (floral crown) for the deities, preparation of dasamula (an ayurvedic drug for the Trinity), phuluri (fragrant herbal oil), leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds for daily rituals and costumes on special occasions.

Concrete roads and paths have been laid in the garden. Boards and signage both in English and Odia have been put up in all the seven sections that provide information about the plant species and their use.

The aquatic plants such as white and pink lotus and lilies and sola pith have been grown in a specially constructed pool inside the garden.

Special security arrangements have also been made. "We have installed a three-tier surveillance system. That apart, solar fencing has also been done," said scientist and in charge of the garden Uday Chand Basak.

Established in 1985, the centre has a collection of 321 species of trees, 237 medicinal plants, 59 palms, 27 bamboos, 101 native and exotic orchids and 32 endangered plant varieties.

Text by Anwesha Ambaly

Picture by Ashwinee Pati