Ottakovil Aiyanar
Ottakovil Aiyanar Sacred Grove is located in Ottakovil Village, Ariyalur Taluk, Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Aiyanar, the chief guardian deity, the grove is revered as his sacred abode.
About this Sacred Grove
Ottakovil Aiyanar Sacred Grove is located in Ottakovil Village, Ariyalur Taluk, Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Aiyanar, the chief guardian deity, the grove is revered as his sacred abode. Folklore says Aiyanar, riding his white horse, guarded the village borders at night from evil spirits and thieves. Villagers who saw divine hoof prints in the grove installed his statue under the trees. After worship began, the village was blessed with peace, good harvests and safety. Since then, cutting trees, hunting or entering with footwear is strictly prohibited. The grove is protected by deep faith, terracotta offerings and annual village festivals.
Location
Coordinates: 11.1827920, 79.1124030
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (6)
Babul tree
Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.- Individual Count
- 17
Banyan
Ficus benghalensis L.- Individual Count
- 1
Madras thorn
Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.- Individual Count
- 1
Mesquite
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.- Individual Count
- 27
Neem
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.- Individual Count
- 7
Pala indigo plant
Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br., Mem. Wern. Soc.- Individual Count
- 5