Survey of Sthalavrikshas and its indigenous uses in the selected temples of Agasteeswaram Taluk of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
Paper Details
Survey of Sthalavrikshas and its indigenous uses in the selected temples of Agasteeswaram Taluk of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The tradition of associating trees with gods and goddesses in Tamilagam can be traced back to Sangam literature, which is full of references to more than a hundred plants that dominated the life of ancient Tamils. Sthalavrikshas worship in temples was a religious practice. The present study is the survey of Sthalavrikshas and associated plants and its indigenous uses in the selected temple of Agasteeswaram Taluk. The ultimate aim of this study is to document the indigenous uses of the temple plants. The collected plants are used for various purposes such as medicine, timber, ornamental, edible and dye yielding. Totally 60 plants and its indigenous uses were documented. Among the 60 plants nine plants documented as Sthalavrikshas and the remaining 51 species are the associated plants. These 60 plants come under 52 genera belonging to 33 families. Of these 60 plants, 34 species are trees; it is followed by shrubs, herbs and climbers including 16, 8, and 2 species respectively. The present study focused on Sthalavriksha worship is an old practice, myths, beliefs and folklore play a major role in the existence of Sthalavriksha worship and this customs helps in conservation. So, it is the work of contemporary generation to preserve and promote these aesthetic treasures to conserve biodiversity and nature, which will surely play a part in progression of human beings.
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R. Uma, R. S. Nandhini, 2025. Survey of Sthalavrikshas and its indigenous uses in the selected temples of Agasteeswaram Taluk of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 26(1), 95-104.
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