The Kamandalu tree

The Kamandalu tree

The Kamandalu tree was planted in Kodakara to the delight of the spectators. The Kamandalu tree is found in the yard of Kundani Sanal's house near Kodakara Dwarka junction. Ten years ago, he brought the sapling of the Kamandalu tree from his wife's house in Kuttanelloor and planted it in his house in Kodakara.

The tree, which grows to a height of about 15 feet, began to bear fruit five years ago. The tree has about 25 nuts this time. It takes about five months to mature. The ripe kamandalu nuts have a good thickness and do not crack when dropped. Kamandalu nuts are now used for making handicrafts.Kamandalu vessels were widely used in ancient times. The Kamandalu vessel used by the sages was made of the shell of these nuts. In the olden days, the mandala was also used to receive alms. These were carried out by removing the inner core of the thick outer mandala nuts and piercing the sides.

It is said that the water in the mandala has medicinal properties and when consumed it reduces body fat. In East Asian countries, it is customary to take out the inner core of the mandala and boil it in water.