Dodda Sampige In Bandipur

This is the Big Michelia champak which is considered as the holiest of all of the Soliga tribes around the BRT Sanctuary. A large number of champak trees are cluttering together, and to east of the river Bhargavi, lies this enormous Champak tree which is about 20m in girth and 43m high. It is considered extremely holy by the soliga tribal members and is considered as Lord Shiva's braid. The members of the tribe also perform the Fire Dance on the Eve of Maha Shivrathri since they are worshippers of the nature and Lord Shiva. Besides the platform itself lie about 100 ‘lingas’ which are also worshipped. This gigantic Champak tree is known as the 'doddasampige' by the locals.