About this Sacred Grove

Kanavai Gate Pandi Muneeswaran is the revered guardian ascetic deity of Kanavai village near Usilampatti, Madurai District. Muneeswaran is worshipped as a powerful saint-warrior who protects Dharma. Legend says a Pandi saint from the north meditated at the Kanavai mountain pass (Gate) to protect travellers from evil spirits and wild animals. When he attained samadhi, villagers dreamt of a saffron-clad sage holding a trident, declaring he would remain as the Gate's protector. They found a stone Lingam-like form and installed it as Pandi Muneeswaran. It is believed he still guards the pass, drives away evil eye, black magic and fear, and grants health, mental peace and success to devotees who offer ghee lamp, vibhuti and vegetarian Pongal on Thursdays.

Location

Coordinates: 9.9199620, 77.7909820

Plants / Species (4)