About this Sacred Grove

Sathangudi Pulicha Kanji Aiyanar is a highly revered guardian deity of Sathangudi village in Melur Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. Aiyanar here is worshipped as the protector of the village and its agricultural lands, accompanied by his parivara deities Karuppasami and Pechi Amman.The unique name 'Pulicha Kanji' has an interesting legend. It is said that during a severe famine, when the village had no food, the villagers could only offer sour kanji (fermented rice gruel) to the deity. Accepting their humble offering with grace, Aiyanar blessed the village with timely rains and a bountiful harvest the very next season. Since then, the deity is fondly called Pulicha Kanji Aiyanar, symbolizing his simplicity and compassion towards his devotees. According to folklore, Aiyanar was seen by shepherds as a tall, divine figure resting under a huge tamarind tree at the village outskirts after patrolling the fields on horseback. At that spot, a self-manifested stone was found, and a shrine was built under the sacred grove. The grove is strictly protected by the community. No branch is cut and terracotta horses are offered during festivals, as it is believed that Aiyanar continues to guard Sathangudi and ensure its prosperity.

Location

Coordinates: 9.8491330, 77.9384360

Plants / Species (5)