Muthunayakkan Patti Muniyappan
Muthunayakkan Patti Muniyappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Muniyappan, powerful guardian Muni as protector of village boundaries and cattle.
About this Sacred Grove
Muthunayakkan Patti Muniyappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Muniyappan, powerful guardian Muni as protector of village boundaries and cattle. Legend narrates Muniyappan as tall saint with matted hair appeared to shepherds when an evil spirit in forest was killing sheep, fought spirit with neem staff and vanquished it, blessing grove as His dwelling. Absolute taboo on cutting trees and grazing inside sacred core. Has seasonal rain-fed pit / kuttai as water source. Biodiversity in 1 ha is dense thorn scrub with tamarind, banyan, pongam, medicinal shrubs, herbs and climbers supporting mongooses, hares, francolins, snakes and butterflies, conserved by strong Muniyappan worship and fear of deity.
Location
Coordinates: 11.4874400, 77.4815130
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (6)
Banyan
Ficus benghalensis L.- Individual Count
- 1
Oleander
Nerium oleander L.- Individual Count
- 5
Palm
Borassus flabellifer L.- Individual Count
- 4
Peepal
Ficus religiosa L.- Individual Count
- 1
Pongam
Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi- Individual Count
- 6
Tamarind
Tamarindus indica L.- Individual Count
- 7