AGASTHYARKOODAM

Feb. 28, 2019

The Kerala Forest Department has lifted the long-standing ban on women undertaking the visit to Agasthyarkoodam. The key issue was that the Adivasi Mahasabha does not want women to enter the forest path.

About:

Location:
- Agasthyarkoodam is a peak within Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.
- This peak is a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve which lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Height: Agasthyarkoodam is the second highest peak in the State at 1,868 m.
Historical Significance:
- Agasthyarkoodam is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas.
- The Tamil language is considered to be a born from Agasthya. There is a full-sized statue of Agathiyar at the top of the peak and the devotees can offer pujas themselves.