During our stay in Somwarpet, Coorg in March 2018, we visited this temple that was tucked away in the midst of greenery. I do not recall the exact name of the place or the name of the temple. It was the homestay folks who had told us about this temple and had guided us on how to get there.
What I vividly recall though, is the presence of this huge Champaka tree beside the temple. According to the priest, it was more than 400 years old! Much older than the temple itself… the magnificent tree had filled us with a sense of awe and wonder!!


We had reached the temple around noon, almost closing time. It was very hot and we were eager to wrap it up quickly and get back to the home stay. However, once inside the temple, we felt a sense of calm.We realised it was much cooler than the outside, possibly due to the fact that the temple was surrounded by trees all around!
With no one else around, we set out to explore the premises. The temple priest was happy for our presence and chatted to us about the temple which is supposedly an ancient one.
The temple had a small sanctum sanctorum and courtyard. The priest’s quarters were within the premises too. The tree stood just outside the wall and nearby, there were steps leading to a tank/pond! We were excited at the sight of water and the refreshingly cool water was a surprising delight!

We then relaxed and took a few pictures. I recall sis1 insisting on getting a champaka flower and how we were able to finally pluck one with the priest’s help! Overall, we did end up having a nice time inspite of the heat and were glad that we had visited the temple 🙂
A couple of pictures here to give you an idea of the girth and the spread of the tree..


I enjoyed going down memory lane. Its a blessing to be able to go back into our picture archives and relive such beautiful times 🙂 Isnt it?
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Joining this week’s edition of #ThursdayTreeLove hosted by Parul. The linky goes live on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Hop over to see and enjoy more tree pictures and stories!
If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her latest #thursdaytreelove post.
Until next time!
Cheers 🙂
Its huge and majestic.. I love that flower..beautiful place..
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Yes, the flowers are lovely and have a great fragrance.
Thank you Shilpa. Have a lovely day 🙂
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We have seen the Angel Oak, a live oak near Charleston, South Carolina, which may also be around 400 years old and is massive. Doesn’t bloom, though, and no temple. I can see building a temple near these massive trees, though. Just something about them.
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Wow! Its awe-inspiring to know of such trees.
A temple is a great way of introducing people to such heritage trees. In India, trees have always been worshipped, especially so in the rural parts.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Alana. Have a lovely day 🙂
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Stunning! What a great tree.. It must be heavenly when in bloom.. I would like to think that the temple and the tree are both the same age! 🙂
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Indeed! Can imagine the heady fragrance !!
Thank you Archana. have a lovely day 🙂
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Beautiful place. You look so tiny standing next to that tree.
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Indeed! And, its my sis in the pic not me ..though I would look tiny too standing beside the majestic trunk.
Thank you Teresa. Have a lovely day 🙂
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You too, my dear!
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What a huge tree and I know why the memories are so vivid and lovely. I would love to see this some day. The temple, the trees around and the quiet would be so serene. Isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing this Priya and taking us on a virtual tour. See you on the 10th!
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Yes, it was serene and tranquil 🙂 Glad you liked it, Parul.
Sure hope to join you , as always!
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I have heard of this tree but never seen it. Would have loved to see the flower you managed to pick 🙂
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Oh! I’m surprised to hear that Shalz. I assumed it is common throughout India. The botanical name is Magnolia champaca…you can find more info here – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_champaca
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This truly is a magnificent tree. What wonderful memories of exploring the temple. I loved that it was naturally cooled by the trees.
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Yeah.. natural cooling has been the norm since ages..in these parts!
Thank you JoAnna. Have a lovely day!!
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I really enjoyed your blog
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Thank you so much for all the love!
Have a lovely weekend, Athira 🙂
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Thanks much and same to you…
👍🏻
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