Sthala Vriksha

Shala Vruksha of Jagath Rakshaka Perumal Temple

A Sthala Vriksha or Sthala Vruksham (Tamil:ஸ்தல வ்ருக்ஷம்), is a monumental tree that is indigenous to every historical Hindu temple. This forms a prominent feature of Koils, Hindu temples of the Dravidian style.^[1]

Besides the dominant feature of a temple's architecture comprising the Gopuram, Vimanam and the sanctum, the temple tree is also considered holy. Some of the temples and historical places derive their names from such trees.

Hinduism and Ecologyis a growing subject of interest and importance of these trees are reiterated by doing poojas to them,tying sacred thread and bells during days of religious importance

Footnotes

1. Ching, Francis D.K.; et al. (2007). A Global History of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 762. ISBN 0-471-26892-5.

References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dhallapiccola