Bhoomanur Periyanayagi Madha Temple
Bhoomanur Periyanayagi Madha sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Periyanayagi Madha, form of Virgin Mary as mother protector and healer, unique syncretic Christian sacred grove.
About this Sacred Grove
Bhoomanur Periyanayagi Madha sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Periyanayagi Madha, form of Virgin Mary as mother protector and healer, unique syncretic Christian sacred grove. Legend narrates Periyanayagi Madha appeared as glowing lady in forest when cholera evil spirit attacked Bhoomanur, vanquished spirit with holy light and blessed village with health, asking grove to be kept pure. Strong taboo on tree cutting and liquor inside. Has natural spring and chapel well as perennial water source. Biodiversity across 3.4 ha is large mixed dry deciduous forest with neem, pongam, coconut, medicinal herbs, shrubs and climbers supporting jackals, hares, owls, peafowl, butterflies and snakes, conserved by deep Madha faith and annual chariot festival with strong inter-faith protection.
Location
Coordinates: 11.7833000, 77.7361920
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (11)
Asiatic tarenna
Tarenna asiatica (L.) Kuntze ex K. Schum.- Individual Count
- 2
Ceylon satinwood
Chloroxylon swietenia DC.- Individual Count
- 1
Coconut
Cocos nucifera L.- Individual Count
- 5
Custard apple
Annona squamosa L.- Individual Count
- 1
Italian cypress
Cupressus sempervirens L.- Individual Count
- 2
Madras thorn
Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.- Individual Count
- 1
Neem
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.- Individual Count
- 12
Oil cake tree
Albizia amara (Roxb.) B. Boivin- Individual Count
- 6
Pala indigo plant
Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br., Mem. Wern. Soc.- Individual Count
- 12
Pongam
Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi- Individual Count
- 13
Red ixora
Ixora coccinea L.- Individual Count
- 1