About this Sacred Grove

Omalur Madathur Vaira Muneeswaran sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Muneeswaran as fierce guardian god wielding diamond club (Vaira), protector of village boundaries and justice giver. Legend says Muneeswaran appeared as tall warrior on horseback, fought and vanquished evil spirit terrorizing Madathur cattle sheds, declared forest as His court. Absolute taboo against cutting trees, hunting and alcohol inside grove. Has perennial temple well and small pond as water source for rituals. Biodiversity in 2.1 ha comprises dry deciduous sacred forest with neem, bael, pongam, thorn scrub and medicinal undergrowth supporting foxes, civets, owls, mynas and reptiles, protected by Muneeswaran worship and annual animal sacrifice festival.

Location

Coordinates: 11.6063160, 77.9256810

Plants / Species (13)