The ancient legendary tree worship centre of Kerala Iyvala devi temple is known as a tree worship centre. The practice of tree worship was started about three and half decades back. The tree worship rituals are done twice in a year. In the Malayalam month of Medam (on the day of Nakshatra makayiram) which is also the Pratishta dinam (consecration day of the temple) and on the month of Thulam (On the day of Nakshatra Ayilyam) . The Vriksha Pooja day in the month of Thulam is also noted for the prize (Iyvala Vriksha mitra prize) given out to an Individual for outstanding contributions in environment preservation activities. The family members are given saplings on the day.
The temple chief priest supervises and heads the tree worship poojas. Many eminent personalities from the fields of politics, art and culture participate in the event. The practice of Vriksha pooja was started years before, with a deep understanding on the necessity to protect and preserve the grove and the pond which are the heritage of Onattukara. The farsighted family members of Iyvala long ago realized conservationist activities by protecting and planting trees. The Iyvala temple continues to be known for the Vriksha pooja and Vriksha mitra award through the new media and social media
Iyvala Vanadurga Temple | The ancient legendary tree worship centre of Kerala | Thazhakara | Mavelikara
