Akshayavat (the Undying tree)

After leaving the ashram, we went to a 5500 year old tree called Akshayavat,the Undying Tree, a banyan tree which is so called because it does not shed its leaves. This is the location where the Bhagvat Katha was first recited, by Shukdev, son of Vyas. You are supposed to make a wish and then tie a string around the tree. It is especially auspicious if you see a parrot in the tree, which is apparently rare, but Dan saw one (that is what the man is pointing to in the picture). After your wish comes true, you are (I think) supposed to untie your string - not sure how you would know which one is yours...