Sacred Groves of India – CPREEC EIACP C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre

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Kottagudi Karkudaya Aiyanar Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Kottagudi Karkudaya Aiyanar Temple

Kottagudi Karkudaya Aiyanar Temple also known as Karkudaiya Aiyanar, is a local deity revered in the Melur region of Tamil Nadu. Aiyanar, a guardian deity.

StateTamil Nadu
DistrictMadurai
LocationKottagudi Karkudaya Aiyanar Temple
Area3.8 ha
Latitude9.9634940
Longitude78.3329600

About this Sacred Grove

Kottagudi Karkudaya Aiyanar Temple also known as Karkudaiya Aiyanar, is a local deity revered in the Melur region of Tamil Nadu. Aiyanar, a guardian deity is believed to protect the community from evil spirits and malevolent forces and  typically worshipped at the boundaries of villages. The stories and myths surrounding Aiyanar are rich in local tradition and are passed down through generations. Karkudaiya Aiyanar is known not only for his divine origins but also for his role as a warrior protector. According to the local legend, the village of Kottakudi once faced an invasion from a rival chieftain who sought to plunder the fertile lands and the villagers, fearing for their lives and property, prayed fervently to Aiyanar. Karkudaiya Aiyanar appeared in the dreams of the village elders and gave them an immediate protection.

 

Location

Coordinates: 9.9634940, 78.3329600

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Plants / Species (8)

Banyan

Ficus benghalensis L.
Individual Count
8

Coconut

Cocos nucifera L.
Individual Count
21

Mesquite

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.
Individual Count
21

Neem

Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Individual Count
29

Pongam oiltree

Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi
Individual Count
27

Sacred fig

Ficus religiosa L.
Individual Count
2

Sage-leaved alangium

Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin
Individual Count
10

Tamarind

Tamarindus indica L.
Individual Count
5