Trees at temples

A pipal tree is usually found in front of temples. Sometimes a combination of two or more species (pipal / jackfruit / mango) mark the entrance to bigger and older temples in Kerala. (In Tamil Nadu you are likely to find combination of pipal and neem trees). It's interesting to see the canopy of mixed foliage, and the different barks growing entwined from their respective roots.
The pipal-mango combine is sometimes called 'Almavu' (intended as a pun for the word for soul in Malayalam).
Pictures of some of them taken during a 'Nalambalam Yatra'. Please click on picture for better views.

The tree(s) at Bharata temple, Koodalmanikyam, Trissur District

The tree(s) at Lakshmana temple, Moozhikulam, Trissur District
The tree(s) at Shatrughna's temple, Payammel, Trissur District.
This kind of parallel coexistence with intertwined barks and roots is likely because the pipal grows easily out of crevasses.
Actual Marriages of trees, and marriage with trees are religious customs in India.

Comments

  1. Webradio24 August, 2008

    Hello !

    Beautiful trees...

    And beautiful shots !

    ReplyDelete
  2. Swarna24 August, 2008

    Merci beaucoup, Webradio!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kat26 August, 2008

    A thoughtful post... I like to sit under the neem tree in temple. Sort of enlightens the mind and quietens the heart..!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous26 August, 2008

    I am sure you are having a nice time... The point about tree is very true, and I guess so very unique about south India, esp Kerala, temples. When you get time, Swarna, pl update your bloglist with the URL of my new blog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Swarna26 August, 2008

    Kat, Pradeep, thanks.
    And yes, Pradeep, I updated my blogroll a while ago, but I realize I may not have saved right.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Webradio26 August, 2008

    Bonjour !
    Très joli et très grand arbre !

    Sea you later...

    ReplyDelete

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