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Sacred Sikh Tree Legacy Sprouts in Chandigarh
19 Apr
Summary
- A cloned sapling of Guru Nanak's sacred Miswak tree was planted in Chandigarh.
- The tree, known as 'Lha Chang', is linked to a historic site in Leh.
- This marks the successful culmination of a seven-year preservation effort.
A significant piece of Sikh legacy has arrived in Chandigarh with the planting of a cloned sapling from Guru Nanak Dev's sacred Miswak tree. This tree, historically linked to Leh and known as 'Lha Chang' (Tree of God), was planted at the Museum of Trees on Saturday, April 19, 2026. The effort to preserve this living symbol of faith spanned seven years and involved overcoming significant challenges.
Museum curator D.S. Jaspal noted that three previous attempts failed due to the Miswak tree's delicate regenerative capacity and the vast climatic differences between Leh's cold desert and the plains. Successful cuttings were sourced in October 2025 and carefully preserved using a wax-sealing technique to maintain moisture during transport. The Miswak tree, also called Peelu, is scarce in Ladakh's ecosystem.
Former MP Tarlochan Singh highlighted the museum's success in cloning 13 sacred trees connected to Sikh heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving legacies. The Museum of Trees houses over 300 significant plant species, supported by the Union Ministry of Culture and the Chandigarh Nature and Health Society. The original sacred tree's remains in Leh continue to represent Guru Nanak's legacy across faiths.
