If you happen to see a banner that says ‘Star Trees Krishnamurthy’ at temples across Mylapore, Chennai, then it means that the trees at the temple have either been planted or saved by S Krishnamurthy.

This eco-warrior has been planting trees at more than 450 temples across Tamilnadu.

“I got interested after I came to know about the 27 trees that were taught by ancient saints in our inscriptions,” he says. “These are trees considered to be holy for temples.”

He soon started researching about the subject the writings of Siddhars and saints. He says, “They told me that these trees have benefits that give a positive effect to those who come to the temples. For example, the holy tree for Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore is the Punnai maram. For the Parthasarathi temple, it is Magizha maram.”

He says that there are links between trees and a person’s star sign.

“Everyone speaks about planting trees but I feel that people will be more interested and willing to plant trees based on their star signs,” says Krishnamurthy.

“People come and ask me why I do this for free but I am happy that I am contributing a little to society,” says Krishnamurthy who encourages people to plant tress whenever they celebrate occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

“Every year, at Island Grounds, there is an exhibition where I have been taking part for the past 10 years. Here, I take the saplings of the 27 star trees. Thousands of people turn up there. Even if only a hundred see my saplings and get the idea to plant trees, I am very happy,” he smiles.

He recently converted a large piece of unused land behind the Tiruveteeswarar Kovil garden (nandavanam) in Triplicane, Chennai, which was used like a dumpyard, into a lush green park. The space is home to many birds. “Our future generation may lose these trees if we do not save them,” he cautions.

Krishnamurthy can be reached at 9840151053 and 9940192780.

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