Masillapalayam Muneeswaran Temple
Masillapalayam Muneeswaran sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Muneeswaran, fierce guardian god as protector of village limits and dispenser of justice.
About this Sacred Grove
Masillapalayam Muneeswaran sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Muneeswaran, fierce guardian god as protector of village limits and dispenser of justice. Legend says Muneeswaran as warrior on horse appeared when an evil spirit possessed burial ground causing sickness, vanquished spirit with sword and established grove as His court. Strict taboo forbids felling trees, hunting and entry after dusk. Has seasonal temple pond as water source. Biodiversity across 2.7 ha is dry thorn forest dominated by babul, seemai karuvelam, neem supporting jackals, civets, hares, owls and reptiles.
Location
Coordinates: 11.4846610, 77.4646780
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (3)
Babul
Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.- Individual Count
- 7
Mesquite
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.- Individual Count
- 9
Neem
Azadirachta indica A. Juss- Individual Count
- 2