About this Sacred Grove

Paramakudi Kakka Thoppu Sundararaja Perumal/Karuppasamy is a revered combined shrine in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District, where Vishnu as Sundararaja Perumal and guardian Karuppasamy jointly protect village, known as deity of justice and dharma. According to legend, a powerful vengeful spirit named Karuppan had taken residence in the nearby Kakka Thoppu (crow grove), causing harm to villagers, attacking travelers and damaging crops. Villagers sought help of both deities and performed special ritual. Sundararaja Perumal blessed Karuppasamy who in divine fierce form with aruval descended into grove, fought valiantly and after prolonged struggle vanquished and banished the spirit. Villagers celebrated with grand festival. The 2.3 ha sacred grove is their powerful abode protected by strong taboo against cutting trees. The grove contains a perennial temple pond serving as water source for wildlife and cattle, and supports rich biodiversity with neem, banyan, peepal, tamarind, harboring monkeys, jackals, peacocks, owls and medicinal plants preserved due to faith.

Location

Coordinates: 9.5376370, 78.6016080

Plants / Species (5)