The centuries-old Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree, located inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, suffered partial damage during a storm that brought strong winds to the city. Temple officials have confirmed that while some branches broke, the main trunk of the historic tree remains fully intact.
Storm Damages Upper Branches of Historic Tree
Major Singh, Manager of Shri Darbar Sahib, confirmed the damage. He said that a few large upper branches of the Dukh Bhanjani Beri broke due to high-speed winds. However, he emphasized that the tree's main trunk is completely safe.
“The Beri has suffered some damage, but there is no cause for major concern. The main trunk is fully safe and intact. By God’s grace, a much bigger loss was averted,” Major Singh said.
Other Trees in Golden Temple Complex Unharmed
Major Singh also clarified that no other historic trees in the Golden Temple complex were affected by the storm. The Ber Baba Budha Sahib and Lachi Ber trees, both located in the parikrama (the walkway around the temple), remain undamaged. The tamarind tree located outside Akal Takht Sahib also remained unaffected.
Our Take: A Close Call for a Sacred Symbol
The Dukh Bhanjani Beri is not just any tree — it is a sacred part of Sikh history and faith, believed to have been a place where Guru Arjan Dev Ji would sit. The fact that only a few branches broke, while the main trunk survived, is a relief. In our view, this incident is a reminder of how vulnerable even the most historic landmarks can be to natural events. Temple management's quick response and clear communication helped prevent panic. The focus now should be on ensuring the tree's health and stability for the future.
