Valakapattu Sri Vallai Muniyappan Temple
Valakapattu Sri Vallai Muniyappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Vallai Muniyappan, form of Muneeswaran as guardian of Vallai fields and protector of cattle.
About this Sacred Grove
Valakapattu Sri Vallai Muniyappan sacred grove in Salem District dedicated to Vallai Muniyappan, form of Muneeswaran as guardian of Vallai fields and protector of cattle. Legend narrates Vallai Muniyappan appeared as huge fierce guardian when evil spirit possessing Vallai creepers attacked farmers, tore spirit apart and vanquished it, blessing grove as His abode. Strict taboo on cutting vallai and other trees. Has field-side well and rain-fed pond as water source. Biodiversity across 2.9 ha is wetland-edge sacred forest with banyan, coconut, medicinal herbs, climbers and shrubs supporting waterbirds, mongoose, jackals, snakes, butterflies and parakeets, conserved by Muniyappan worship and annual goat sacrifice festival with community protection.
Location
Coordinates: 11.8460970, 78.6835760
Open in Google Maps ↗Plants / Species (7)
Agave
Agave sisalana Perrine- Individual Count
- 2
Banyan
Ficus benghalensis L.- Individual Count
- 2
Coconut
Cocos nucifera L.- Individual Count
- 1
Gulmohar
Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf.- Individual Count
- 2
Henna
Lawsonia inermis L.- Individual Count
- 1
Oil cake tree
Albizia amara (Roxb.) B. Boivin- Individual Count
- 3
Oleander
Nerium oleander L.- Individual Count
- 8