About this Sacred Grove

Samuthiram Nannamma Temple sacred grove near Edappadi, Salem District is dedicated to Nannamma, compassionate village mother goddess of motherhood and child welfare. Legend says Nannamma as old woman appeared to barren women praying for children, vanquished evil spirit causing infertility in the forest and established grove as Her fertile abode. Strict taboo forbids cutting trees and plucking flowers without permission. Has perennial village pond adjacent serving as water source. Biodiversity in 2.4 ha is dry evergreen-deciduous patch with neem, peepal, banyan tree, medicinal shrubs and sacred climbers supporting jackals, mongooses, owls, parakeets and diverse insects, protected by strong matriarchal worship and annual Pongal festival.

Location

Coordinates: 11.6572890, 77.8952280

Plants / Species (6)