Dodda Sampige Mara, BR-Hills, Karnataka India

Dodda Sampige Mara is of great significance for Soliga tribes and other natives. During the month of April, this tree bears reddish and yellow colour flowers. The tree has braid like stems, which is why it has been compared to Lord Shiva. For Soliga tribes, Dodda Sampige Mara is a god who performs the fire dance during the occasion of Maha Shivarathri.

This tree in general represents Soliga tribals' lifestyle that includes their relation with Mother Nature. Bhargavi River, a tributary of Cauvery River, flows from the trunk of this tree. As per the local belief, this stream is the personification of Renuka who was the wife of renowned Hindu sage, Jamadagni.