Floristic composition and practices on the selected sacred groves of Pallapatty village (Reserved forest), Tamil Nadu

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1 Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 8(2), April 2009, pp Floristic composition and practices on the selected sacred groves of Pallapatty village (Reserved forest), Tamil Nadu Ganesan S*, Ponnuchamy M, Kesavan L & Selvaraj A, Centre for Research and PG Department of Botany, Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai , Tamil Nadu sganesan76@yahoo.com Received 10 August 2006; revised 19 December 2007 Field studies on floristic composition and ethnobotanical practices of the sacred groves of in and around Pallapatty village, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu were undertaken. A total of 133 plant species belonging to 113 genera distributed among 51 families were recorded. The mode of mythical and therapeutic uses and conservation practices of these plants by the local people has been discussed. Keywords: Floristic composition, Ethnobotany, Sacred groves, Conservation, Tamil Nadu IPC Int. Cl. 8 : A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P1/08, A61P1/10, A61P1/14, A61P1/16, A61P5/00, A61P9/14, A61P11/00, A61P19/00, A61P27/16, A61P29/00, A61P39/02 *Corresponding author India is a land of rich biodiversity in which 2 out of the 25 biodiversity hot spots of the world exist. Biodiversity in India particularly is important for its religious, spiritual and other traditional uses. Many plants and animals have significance and are considered sacred on account of their association with different deities. In India, conservation of plants and animals by the indigenous people is very common. They believe trees are the place of Gods. Sacred groves are the example of this conservation. These are the locked information sites, about secret of herbs and their medicinal uses by their forefathers as traditional medicine and how the herbs used by sorcery for removing spirit as well as specter (ghost). It provides the information about the primitive life form and condition of religious taboo 1. These are the repositories of rare and endemic species, and can be regarded as the remnant of the primary forest left, untouched by the local inhabitants due to the belief that deities reside in these forests 2. How conservation of biodiversity through religious belief started in India is unknown. During the period of Rigveda (about 3,000-2,500 BC), people were preserving plants in temples. They were spreading the message of grow more trees 3. The methodology involved in tracing the conservation strategies of forests in sacred groves were described 4. Emphasis was given to ethnobotanical aspects of conservation and management of plant resource. These include studies on preservation of forest in the form of sacred groves. Reports have occasionally been appearing from Tamil Nadu and different regions of India on approaches to conservation of biodiversity through indigenous religious belief and taboo, but there is no detailed information of this area. The paper is perhaps the first detailed record on the floristic composition and ethnobotanical practices on the unreported sacred groves of Pallapatty village, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology Field studies on the sacred groves (locally called as koilkadu) of in and around Pallapatty village, Madurai district were undertaken during Most of the information was collected from the elderly people, village head, headman of the groves, and also people well versed with the diverse uses of plants. The plant materials were collected and identified by referring standard local flora 5-9. Madurai district is the extensions of Western Ghats like Palani hills and Cardamom hills and are noted for their rich vegetation. Alagar hills complex forms discontinuous minor ranges and hills that are scattered in the western part of the district. The study area of Pallapatty village comes under Melur taluk of Madurai district. Just next to Dindigul, Sivaganga and Thiruchirappalli

2 GANESAN et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL PRACTICES OF SACRED GROVES OF TAMIL NADU 155 districts boundaries approximately with in 77 81' 78 2 E longitudes and 9 5' 10 5' N latitude, with elevation ranging from m above mean sea level. Pallapatty and its surroundings have rich vegetation and biodiversity and its conservation practices are done in small patches. A number of sacred groves are located around this village in which 8 sacred groves are selected for the study. A network of natural streams, which supply water, travels the entire with one big stream Palar. The study areas are mostly scrub jungle vegetation and have a good content of red soil. In some places, the soil is not fertile and is just barren exposed to heavy soil erosion. The temperature ranges from 18ºC-25ºC during winter and about 25ºC 30ºC in summer. The highest rainfall occurred during monsoon period (October-November) while driest during February - May. One of the ethnic groups Valaiyans dwelling in the area are employed in the groves. The groves like Ayyanar, Pattatharasi, Chellandiamman, Chottakaran, Thoppukaruppu, Irulankaruppu are situated in Pallapatty village, while Kavadimurugan and Sundaikattu Ayyanar groves are situated in Vellimalai hills and Guruvarpatti village (Figs. 1-3). Most of the groves are located out side the village, just near or inside the reserve forest. All pooja and ceremonies were conducted inside the groves, mostly in the period of full moon day and new moon day of each year. Every Tuesday and Friday the regular Pooja s were conducted. Bigger festivals were conducted in Kavadimurugan grove in the month of February (Thaipoosam) and April (Panguni udthiram). Results The study enumerate the plants that are found in 8 sacred groves namely, Ayyanar koil, Pattatharasi koil, Chellandiamman koil, Chottakaran koil, Thoppukaruppu koil, Irulankaruppu koil, Kavadimurugan koil and Sundaikattu Ayyanar koil of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 133 plant species belonging to 113 genera distributed among 51 families were recorded (Table 1). Based on habit classification of the 133 plants, maximum numbers of species were trees (56 Sp) followed by herbs (30 Sp), shrub (27 Sp), climbers (16 Sp) and grasses (4 Sp). Among the families, Euphorbiaceae was most dominant comprising 13 species and 10 genera, followed by Caesalpiniaceae represented by 9 species 6 genera. Maximum number (53 species) were recorded in the Pattatharasi koil grove followed by Chottakaran koil grove (50 Sp), Sundaikattu ayyanar koil grove (45 Sp), Kavadimurugan koil grove (40 Sp) (Fig. 1b), Irulankaruppu koil grove (33 Sp) (Fig. 1c), Ayyanar koil grove (32 Sp) (Fig. 1a), Thoppukaru koil grove (30 Sp) and Chellandiamman koil grove (27 Sp). Albizia amara, Alangium salviifolium and Cynodon dactylon were commonly found in all the 8 groves. Four species, viz. Azadirachta indica, Cassia auriculata, Pavetta indica and Cyperus rotundus were recorded common in 7 groves; Clausena dendata, Cardiospermum halicacabum and Holoptelea integrifolia were found in 6 groves; Glycosmis pentaphylla, Cissus quadrangularis, Argyreia kleiniana, Lantana indica, Acalypha fruticosa and Cymbopogon citratus were noted in 5 groves. Based on the utilization, 79% of the species recorded were used for medicinal purposes, 35 plant species were considered as sacred plants. Tamarindus indica (Puli), Syzygium cuminii (Naval) and Madhuca longifolia (Paei Iluppai) are believed as the abode of the ghost. Azadirachta indica (Vaembu), Hardwickia pinnata (Aathi) and Aloe vera (Sothukathalai) are used for warding off of the evil spirit. Gloriosa superba (Kalappaikizhangu), Breynia retusa (Oduvu), and B. vitis-ideae (Chithaoduvu) were considered poisonous. Discussion The study of mythological associations or faith in plants among the folk is a fascinating area with immense possibilities of insight into the causes of these associations. In and around Madurai district, many researchers have studied the tree worship, plant in offering; sacred groves and biodiversity conservation; ecological traditions, village arts and crafts; conservation of plant genetic resources; and ethnomedicinal aspects In the present work, survey of floristic composition and practices of some unreported sacred groves of Pallapatty village, Madurai district was carried out. The ancient Tamils worshipped nature and set apart sanctified land to propitiate the tree spirit, such sacred groves persist today, although the beliefs that ensured their protection is less steadfastly observed then in the past. Historical records legends and folk songs all throw light on the sacred groves of Tamil Nadu 14. These are a part of the local folklore and religion. Every village has a grove, a protected area associated with local folk deities of obscure origin, in the middle of the grove there is generally a shrine of Amman or the mother Goddess in one of her many forms, Kaali, Maari, Pidaari, Ellai, etc 19. In the present survey,

3 156 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 8, No. 2, APRIL 2009 Table 1 List of plant species recorded in the selected sacred groves of Madurai district Plant name Family Local name Parts used Therapeutic uses Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae Gundumani S, L External wounds Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet Malvaceae Thutthi L, R Cold, stops bleeding in wounds Acacia catechu Willd. Mimosaceae Vealam B Gum bleeding, skin diseases Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. Mimosaceae Velvealam R Leucoderma Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. Mimosaceae Karuvealam B, Fr Gum bleeding, skin diseases Acalypha fruticosa Forskal Euphorbiaceae Sinni L Dyspepsia, stomach trouble Acalypha indica L. Euphorbiaceae Kuppaimeni L Skin disease, purgative Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Nayuruvi L, R Scorpion bite, gum bleeding, sacrificed plant Adhatoda vassica Nees. Acanthaceae Adathoda L Cough and asthma Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schultes Amaranthaceae Kannupeelai WP Diuretics, poisonous bites, used in religious function Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Kannupeelai WP Diuretics, poisonous bites, used in religious function Alangium salviifolium (L.f) Wangerin Alangiaceae Alingi B, Fr Rheumatic fever, eye diseases, sacrificed tree Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boiv. Mimosaceae Usil L Cleaning the hair, sacrificed plant Albizia lebbek (L.) Benth. Mimosaceae Vaagai L, B, S Dysentery, venereal diseases, sacred tree Albizia odoratissima (L. f.) Benth. Mimosaceae Karuvaagai L Skin diseases, rheumatism Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Liliaceae Sotthu Katthalai L Cooling, stomachache, used against evil spirit Annona squamosa L. Annonaceae Seetha L, Fr Leaf paste used for skin infection, young fruits used for piles and diarrhoea Argyreia kleiniana (Roemer & Convolvulaceae Onankodi Ltx, R Diarrhoea, skin diseases Schultes) Raiz. Atalantia monophylla (L.) Corr. Serr. Rutaceae Kattu elumichai L, Fr Skin infection Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. Meliaceae Veambu WP Multipurpose, considered as a Goddess tree Azima tetracantha Lam. Salvadoraceae Sangumullu L Dyspepsia, swellings, cold Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. Poaceae Moongil WP Used in religious functions Barleria cuspidata Heyne ex Nees Acanthaceae Mulkanagamparam L Wound healing Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Oxalidaceae Thotasurunki WP Wound healing, skin diseases, inflammation Blepharis maderaspatensis (L.) Roth Acanthaceae Ayanthilaiperichan AP Cut wounds, muscles joining Borassus flabellifer L. Arecaceae Panai WP Young kernel edible, used for religious function Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston. Euphorbiaceae oduvu WP Plant considered as poisonous Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. Euphorbiaceae Sithaoduvu WP Plant considered as poisonous Fischer. Buddleja asiatica Lour. Buddlejaceae Karukattan Plant Sacrificed plant Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze Fabaceae Purasu WP Sacred tree Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce. Capparaceae Viluthi L, R Rheumatism, joining the broken bone Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Kalichi S Crack on heal Canthium coromandelicum (Burm.f.) Rubiaceae Kaarai R Skin infection Alston Caralluma adscendens (Roxb.) R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Kalli mulaiyan YT Cooling effect, ulcer (Contd)

4 GANESAN et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL PRACTICES OF SACRED GROVES OF TAMIL NADU 157 Table 1 List of plant species recorded in the selected sacred groves of Madurai district Contd Plant name Family Local name Parts used Therapeutic uses Cardiospermum canescens Wallich Sapindaceae Mudakathan WP Rheumatism Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae Mudakathan WP Rheumatism Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae Kelakai Ltx, Fr Fruits edible, latex used for wound healing. Caryota urens L. Arecaceae Koonthalpanai WP Sacrificed plant Cassia auriculata L. Caesalpiniaceae Aavaram chedi L, Flr Leaves and flower used for diabetes, used in religious function Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Kontrai L Ring worm, considered as a sacred tree Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae Thakarai L, S Skin infection, purgatives Cassia tora L. Caesalpiniaceae Usithakarai L, S Skin infection, purgatives Cassytha filiformis L. Lauraceae Vaerilla rosa WP Purgative, remove retained placenta of animals Casuarina equisetifolia Forster Casuarinaceae Savukku L, Flr Cracks on the keels Catharanthus roseus (L.) Don. Apocynaceae Nithyakalyani Flr Sacrificed plant Cayratia pedata (Lour.) A.L. Juss ex. Vitaceae Ainthilai kodi L Skin diseases Gagnepain Cissampelos pareira L Menispermaceae Ponmustai R Stomachache Cissus guadrangularis L. Vitaceae Perandai WP Stomach problem, join the broken bone Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle Rutaceae Elumichai Fr Multipurpose, considered as a sacred fruit Clausena dentata (Willd.) Roem. Rutaceae Ananthalai L, Fr Fruits edible, aromatic leaf used for skin infection Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae Thennai WP Used in religious function Combretum albidum Don Combretaceae Odaikodi B Skin diseases Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn) Burseraceae Kizhuvai Gum Wound healing Engl. Corchorus trilocularis L. Tiliaceae Sunnampu keerai WP Dyspepsia Couroupita guianensis Aublet Lecythidaceae Nagalingam Flr Sacrificed tree, flower considered as god Shiva Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC. Capparaceae Maralingam L, B Jaundice, eczema, rabies, sacrificed plant Croton bonplandianum Baillon Euphorbiaceae Mannennaikozhi Ltx, L Wound healing Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. Poaceae Sukkunaripullu WP Used in religious function Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) Wats. Poaceae Sukkunaripullu WP Used in religious function Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae Arugampullu WP Blood purifier, considered as god Ganapathy Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae Korai Blb Diuretics Datura metal L. Solanaceae Oomathai L Mental disorder, skin diseases, piles Delonix regia (Hook.) Raf. Caesalpiniaceae Vavarasu WP Sacrificed tree Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. Loranthaceae Pulluruvi L Skin diseases Dioscorea hirsuta Dennst. Dioscoreaceae Vallikodi Tbr Edible, dandruff Dodonaea angustifolia L. Sapindaceae Viraali L, S Inflammation, bone fracture Ecbolium ligustrinum (Vahl) Vollesen Acanthaceae Pachambaram Flr Sacrificed plant Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) Lindau Acanthaceae Kejapatham L Skin diseases Ervatamia divaricata (L.) Alston Apocynaceae Nandhyavattai Flr Sacrificed plant Euphorbia antiquorum L. Euphorbiaceae Kalli Ltx Remove the wart Ficus amplissima Smith Moraceae Etthi P Sacrificed plant (Contd)

5 158 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 8, No. 2, APRIL 2009 Table 1 List of plant species recorded in the selected sacred groves of Madurai district Contd Plant name Family Local name Parts used Therapeutic uses Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Alamaram R, Ltx Gum bleeding, mouth ulcer Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Arasamaram Fr Fruits edible, considered as a god Ganapathy Furcraea foetida (L.)Haw. Agavaceae Seemakathalai Rhi Edible Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Kalappaikilangu Rhi Poisoning Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) Correa Rutaceae Panjan L, Fr Fruits edible, aromatic leaves used for skin infection Gomphrena globosa L. Amaranthaceae Vadamalli Flr Sacrificed plant Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. Hernandiaceae Thanakku Gum Reduce the belly Hardwickia binata Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Aathi WP Sacrificed tree, removing the evil sprit Havea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex. Juss.) Muell. Euphorbiaceae Rubbermaram Ltx Introduced tree latex used for lips ulcer Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) M. Rutaceae Nayvila Fr, L Skin infection Roem. Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planchon. Ulmaceae Aavimarum S Edible, plant considered as a abode of ghost Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Kattukottai Ltx Skin infection Jatropha gossypifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Athalai Ltx Mouth ulcer Justicia tranquebariensis L.f. Acanthaceae Sivanar veampu WP Skin diseases, stomach problem Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Unnichedi L Skin infection, rheumatism Lantana indica Roxb. Verbenaceae Nattunni L Skin infection, rheumatism Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn. Asclepiadaceae Palakkodi YT, Ltx Latex used for cold, young tops used as vegetables Leucas aspera Spreng. Lamiaceae Thumbai WP Headache, cold, cough, asthma Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) Macbr. Sapotaceae Ilupai Flr, Fr Swelling, respiratory tract infection, oil purgative Mallotus philippensis Muell.-Arg. Euphorbiaceae Kamala L Muscle pain Melia azedarach L. Meliaceae Malai veambu L, Flr Stomach pain Millingtonia hortensis L.f. Bignoniaceae Panneer Fr Sacrificed tree Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae Thottal chinnungi R, L Snakebite, knee pain Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham. Rubiaceae Manjanethi L Join the broken bone Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel. Rutaceae Karuveapillai L, Fr Stomach problems Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae Arali Flr Sacrificed plant Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae Nai thulasi L Cold, cough Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. Cactaceae Sappathikalli Flr, Fr Flower used for skin diseases, fruits edible Ormosia travancorica Bedd. Fabaceae Malai manchadi WP Used for religious function Pandanus odoratissimus L. f. Pandanaceae Thalai Flr Used in religious function Pavetta indica L. Rubiaceae Pavettai L Cobra bites Phoenix Pusilla Gaertn. Arecaceae Echai WP Used in religious function Plumeria alba L. Apocynaceae Poovarali Plant Sacrificed plant Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam. Caryophyllaceae Karumchadachi WP Poisonous bites Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Fabaceae Pungamaram L, B, Flr Skin diseases, sacred tree Premna latifolia Roxb. Verbenaceae Puchumullai L Swellings, plant considered as a sacred tree Prosopis chilensis Stuntz Mimosaceae Seemakaruvelai L, Fr Fruits edible, leaves wound healing Pterolobium hexapetalum (Roth) Santapu & Wagh. Caesalpiniaceae Kariyendu L Skin diseases, sacrificed plant (Contd)

6 GANESAN et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL PRACTICES OF SACRED GROVES OF TAMIL NADU 159 Table 1 List of plant species recorded in the selected sacred groves of Madurai district Contd Plant name Family Local name Parts used Therapeutic uses Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Amanakku S, Oil Purgative, rheumatism Sapindus laurifolius Vahl. Sapindaceae Poonthikottai Fr Cleaning the cloth Securinega virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Euphorbiaceae Vellaippula Fr Edible Pax & Hoffm. Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae Vettukayapoondu L Cut wounds Solanum torvum Sw. Solanaceae Sundaikkai L, Fr Leaves used for skin diseases, fruits as vermifuge Streblus asper Lour. Moraceae Purankuttu Gum Dysentery, ulcer Strychnos nux-vomica L. Loganiaceae Yetti S, Oil Rheumatism,sacrificed plant Strychnos potatorum L.f. Loganiaceae Thethan Kottai S Improve the health Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Naval Fr, S Fruits edible, seed used for diabetes Tamarindus indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Puli L, Fr Dysentery, muscular, joints pain Tectona grandis L. f. Verbenaceae Thekku L Boils, skin infection Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Fabaceae Kozhungi R Stomach pain Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Combretaceae Maruthu B Blood pressure, sacrificed tree Arn. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr. Malvaceae Poovarasu Flr, B Skin diseases Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers. Menispermaceae Seenthil L, S Rheumatism Hook. f. Thomson Tragia involucrata L. Euphorbiaceae Senthatti WP Stomach trouble Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Asclepiadaceae Kurinchan L Diabetes, fever Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Poaceae Vettiveru R Cooling, hair growth Waltheria indica L. Sterculiaceae - L Purgatives Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Apocynaceae Veppalai Ltx, L, B Skin diseases; wound healing Xanthium indicum Koenig ex Roxb. Asteraceae Karapan chedi Young Tooth pain buds Ziziphus glabrata Heyne ex Roth. Rhamnaceae Elanthai B, Fr Fruits edible, bark used for skin infection Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Miller Rhamnaceae Soorai F Fruits edible Ziziphus rugosa Lam. Rhamnaceae Soorai Fr Fruits edible T Tree, S Shrub, C Climber, H Herb, G Grass, L- Leaves, S Seed, Fr Fruits, Flr Flower, B- Bark, WP- Whole Plant, R Root, Rhi Rhizome, Blb Bulb, Ltx Latex different forms of deities like, Ayyanar, Amman, Karuppu made up of clay and Kavadimurugan made up of stone were also found. People take vows (promise) for their own wish; if the wish is fulfilled, they submit terracotta s (Figs 4 & 5). The terracotta mostly are horses, dogs, cats, bulls, elephants, ram (male sheep) and parts of human beings mainly hands and legs, etc 18. In the investigation, in all the sacred groves children s terracotta (30-60cm), dogs (30cm- 1.5m), bulls (1-1.5m), elephants (1-2m), ram (1.5m) and horses (15cm-3m) were found (Figs 6-9). Small insects, centipede, millipede and scorpion terracotta are also found in Chottakaran koil groves. Mostly, all the terracotta are made up of clay except in Ayyanar koil grove; the horse terracotta and Ayyanar (god) bodyguards are made up of bricks and cement. Single person for fulfillment of wishes dedicates it. The conservation of sacred groves by the local people involves strict rules and taboos, tree felling, damaging of plants are strictly prohibited. Generally, inside the grove foot wears, smoking and alcoholic beverage are prohibited. Only local people are allowed to collect medicinal herbs and parts in cases of sickness. In the case of persons damaging the groves properties, fines or punishments are awarded. Resulting in the religious taboo and myth, the

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8 GANESAN et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL PRACTICES OF SACRED GROVES OF TAMIL NADU 161 diversity of the groves is protected. In Tamil Nadu, all local Hindu people believe the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) as a form of Amman (goddess). It is because of its proven therapeutic properties (Fig. 10). Pattatharasi koil grove (53 plant species) and Chottakaran koil grove (50 plant species) have a rich in vegetation with undisturbed nature. In Pattatharasi koil grove, yrs old Ficus benghalensis trees, home of birds, insects, honeybee and small animals are also found. The luxuriant liana Combretum albidum is also spread on this tree. In the foot of the tree, local people place the snake god and Ayyanar god terracotta (30-60 cm). The local people considered the base of this tree as a residency of snakes. Some times inside the shrine, small to bigger sized cobra also reside along with deity. In all the sacred groves, most of the plant species reported inside the groves do not occur out side the groves, indicating the endemic nature of occurrences. In the survey, 60 different plant species present in any one of the 8 groves were found. It is interesting to note that many sacred groves are also important archaeological sites with evidence of Paleolithic or Neolithic cultures. Sittanavasal in Pudukottai district for example, combines 3000 yrs old caves of Jaina monks and 1300 yrs old caves with beautiful paintings. Such situations are found frequently all over Tamil Nadu 18. In the Kavadimurugan koil grove, some old stone sculpture found may be a figure of Arjuna (from epic Mahabharata) or Nadukal, an ancient practice of dedicating a grave stone for brave warriors (Figs 11 & 12). The local people reside in the area consider the sculpture as a god Karuppu placed under the tree of Premna latifolia and pray regularly (Fig. 13). It is clear that there is a wide range of usage and conservation of local flora by the indigenous people. The conservation of medicinal plants gives protection to the life of local people and also improves the poor socioeconomic condition of the people living around the plants. Almost the entire world has now recognized the value and importance of plants used in traditional knowledge. The conservation of can plant species can be carried out effectively by creating awareness on the utility and conservation of plant diversity to local communities, controlling over exploitation, cultivating and preserving germplasm in the form of seed, pollen, tissue or gene bank. It further includes conservation through legislation, conservation in the form of ethno-forestry and nature preserver in areas of special national importance. Conclusion Various communities in India follow nature worship based on the premise that all creations of nature have to be protected. Sacred groves still posses a great heritage of diverse gene pool of many forest species having socio-religious attachment and possessing medicinal values 2. These are gradually shrinking in size and number due to civilization in the remote areas, land requirements, agriculture practices, monsoon failure and low rainfall, education and literacy brought to the tribal people 26,27. The legal status and management of sacred groves in the country need to be examined and there is an urgent need to preserve and acknowledge the efforts of the people of this area in preserving the other small sacred patches of forest as local biodiversity 28. 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