500 years on, Guru Nanak’s Leh legacy takes root in Chandigarh

| Siddarth Banerjee | Apr 19, 2026, 06:16 IST

Chandigarh: The story goes that during Guru Nanak Dev's visit to Leh in 1517, a Miswak twig he used took root and grew into a tree. Over time, it came to be known as ‘Lha Chang' (Tree of God), revered across communities. More than five centuries later, a part of that enduring Sikh legacy has reached Chandigarh in the form of a cloned sapling.

The sapling, linked to the historic Datun Sahib site in Chutay Rantak, Leh, was planted at the Museum of Trees on Saturday, marking the culmination of a seven-year effort to preserve a living symbol of faith and shared heritage.

Museum curator D S Jaspal said the breakthrough came after three failed attempts, owing to the tree's limited regenerative capacity and the stark climatic contrast between Leh's cold desert and the plains. The successful cuttings were sourced in Oct 2025 and preserved using a wax-sealing technique to retain moisture during transit.

The Miswak tree (Salvadora persica), also known as Peelu, is rare in Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and survives in scattered pockets. Its association with Guru Nanak has given it a unique place in the region's spiritual landscape, where it is regarded not just as a plant but as a symbol of continuity across faiths.

Former MP Tarlochan Singh termed the effort significant, noting that the museum has now cloned 13 sacred trees linked to Sikh heritage. "When original sacred trees fade, their legacy must endure," he said.

The Museum of Trees houses over 300 culturally and historically significant plant species, including sections dedicated to sacred and rare flora. The project is supported by the Union ministry of culture and promoted by the Chandigarh Nature and Health Society.

Back in Leh, the remains of the sacred Miswak tree, wrapped and preserved, continue to stand as a quiet, shared symbol of Guru Nanak's legacy across faiths. "In Leh, locals bestowed upon him the title ‘Rimpoche Lama' (Great Prophet). His legacy is remembered not only for spiritual awakening but also for symbolically bringing greenery to the highest desert and to human hearts," said Jaspal.

Jaspal also explained why he persisted with the effort for seven years. "This tree carries a message of unity between nature, spirituality and human perseverance," he said.