Sthala Vriksha

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.

Footnotes

  1. ^ Ching et al., Francis D.K. (2007). A Global History of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 762. ISBN 0-471-82451-3. 

References