About this Sacred Grove

Spread over 6.4 hectares in Palapalayam, Namakkal district, this sacred kavu is dedicated to Azhiyaa Elangai Amman, the forest virgin mother goddess. Worshipped as kanni deivam and village guardian, she protects young women, children and farmlands from evil spirits, epidemics, drought and misfortune. Local belief says Elangai Amman as unmarried goddess stayed in dense forest to guard village purity and border. Girls pray for safe marriage, child safety, family peace and good crops. The large dense grove preserves huge native trees, medicinal plants, peacocks, birds and small wildlife as sacred, never disturbed due to her virgin power. Aadi month, full-moon and Pongal poojas with pongal, turmeric, bangles and sari offerings maintain Kongu kanni worship tradition where maiden goddess faith protects large forest patch and biodiversity conservation.

Location

Coordinates: 11.4558200, 78.1462710

Plants / Species (15)