About this Sacred Grove

Sathangudi Santhana Mari is revered as the powerful mother goddess of Sathangudi village, Melur Taluk, Madurai District. Santhana Mari is worshipped as the protector of children and bestower of progeny. Legend says during a severe smallpox outbreak, villagers dreamt of a motherly figure in red saree holding a neem twig, seated under a neem grove near the tank. She promised to cure the disease if worshipped. The next morning they found a stone idol smeared with turmeric under the neem trees and built a shrine. The grove is preserved as sacred, no branch is cut. Women offer cradles and neem leaves. It is believed Santhana Mari guards children from evil and grants healthy progeny and prosperity.

Location

Coordinates: 9.8451120, 77.9374320

Plants / Species (5)