Worshipping in the woods

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Banyan trees with their aerial prop roots lend a jungle-like feel to village shrines Stephan Gottet

Madalai clay figures are offered by women whose prayers for a child are answered Stephan Gottet

Some of the larger figures have to be fired in the kiln separately, joined together and then fired again. Stephan Gottet

The terracotta clay figures are left en masse in sacred groves every year by the villagers Stephan Gottet

The size of the sacred groves range from one acre to a square kilometer. Stephan Gottet

The naaga or cobra serpent figures are placed near termite mounds and are symbols of rebirth and fertility. Stephan Gottet

Older figures coexist with newly installed ones serving as a testament to the impermanence of life. Stephan Gottet

The more the clay figures decay, the more they resemble the surrounding landscape. Stephan Gottet

Gottet is dwarfed by a terracotta horse figure that are considered to be the mounts of lord Ayyanar and his warriors. Stephan Gottet

It is perfectly normal for the terracotta figures to be consumed by the encroaching vegetation. Stephan Gottet

Apart from white horses, the village deity Ayyanar is also believed to ride elephants. Stephan Gottet

The village potter who creates the clay deities and votive figures also officiates as the priest. Stephan Gottet

The clay figures are all hand-painted Stephan Gottet

Sacred groves are haven for wildlife like the monitor lizard. Stephan Gottet

The deity Aiyanar is usually placed alongside his two wives Puranai and Pudgali. Stephan Gottet

Mainstream Hindu goddess Kali makes a rare appearance at a village shrine Stephan Gottet

Gottet is worried about the inadvertent destruction of the terracotta figures by grazing cattle or monkeys. Stephan Gottet

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Sacred groves are an important component of spiritual life in rural Tamil Nadu. Local deities can be venerated here away from the prying eyes of outsiders.

These are no clear physical boundaries demarcating these forests but the concept of social fencing ensures that they are protected. Many of these sites are havens for wildlife in densely populated and cultivated areas. 

Today, threats include a lack of interest among young people to continue centuries-old traditions, as well as the appropriation of common land by the state and private sector for development.