About this Sacred Grove

Pirabukkaloor Aiyanar is a revered deity in Pirabukkaloor village, Ramanathapuram District, known for his role as guardian of the village and deity of justice and protection, his tales highlight valor, wisdom and divine intervention in times of need. According to legend, a powerful and vengeful spirit known as Vemban had taken residence in the nearby forest, causing harm to villagers, creating disturbances, damaging crops, attacking travellers and bringing misfortune. The villagers plagued by Vemban's malevolence sought Aiyanar's help and performed special ritual at His shrine in the grove. Aiyanar in his divine form riding horse with his parivara deities descended into the forest where Vemban resided, fought valiantly and after prolonged struggle managed to vanquish and banish the spirit from the land. The villagers celebrated Aiyanar's victory with grand festival expressing gratitude for his protection and bravery, the story becoming symbol of His divine power, and the 1.8 ha sacred grove is his powerful sacred abode protected by strong taboo.

Location

Coordinates: 9.3853080, 78.6136100

Plants / Species (4)