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Omalur Chinnapuliyur [Vedappan] Temple
Omalur Chinnapuliyur Vedappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Vedappan, hunter form of Lord Shiva as supreme forest guardian and knower of Vedas.
About this Sacred Grove
Omalur Chinnapuliyur Vedappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Vedappan, hunter form of Lord Shiva as supreme forest guardian and knower of Vedas. Legend narrates Vedappan as old hunter with bow vanquished tiger-demon that attacked cattle grazers, blessed villagers with safety and established grove as His hunting ground. Strict ban on felling sacred trees and hunting wildlife. Has natural spring and earthen pond inside grove as perennial water source. Biodiversity of 2.3 ha is mixed dry deciduous patch with neem, pongam, portia, thorny scrub, medicinal shrubs, climbers and grasses hosting jungle cats, mongooses, peafowl, woodpeckers, butterflies and snakes, conserved by tribal faith and community taboo.
Location
Coordinates: 11.6498250, 77.9414810
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (10)
Coconut
Cocos nucifera L- Individual Count
- 8
Golden shower tree
Cassia fistula L.- Individual Count
- 1
Gulmohar
Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf.- Individual Count
- 1
Jamun
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels.- Individual Count
- 1
Mahua
Madhuca longifolia (J.Konig) J.F.Macbr.- Individual Count
- 1
Mesquite
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.- Individual Count
- 6
Neem
Azadirachta indica A. Juss- Individual Count
- 21
Pongam
Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi- Individual Count
- 8
Portia
Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Correa- Individual Count
- 4
White gulmohar
Delonix elata (L) Gamble- Individual Count
- 1