Palmyra Palms: The Guardians of Tradition, Perspective of Different Religious Groups in Tamilnadu

Abstract

Tree veneration was a pursuit of interest and a system of practice followed in the distant. Trees are the primitive temple of God in South India. The construction of the temple structure led to the trees' disappearance. This article surveys the background and present status of Palmyra palm on temple premises and as stand-alone trees. The study aims to document the present status of trees in temple premises, whether as an association of the tree with the tutelary god or as a stand-alone tree or only with their religious practices. Fortunately palmyra palm connects diverse religious groups. The traces are also documented in this paper.  Insights are gathered from existing literature, journals, printed material, and from local communities and the experts in the field. The descriptive analysis of the gathered content explicates the mutualism between the tree and the community that are binded with the tree. The beliefs, ritual practices, historical background, and mythological stories amplify the tree's chances of survival. Further, the finding reveals that the destination and practices are on edge to sustain and enhance authenticity. Finally, the paper proposes some suggestions to engage, empower and support the community economically and socially so that they aim to safeguard the tree and their rooted culture from extinction.