Sanskrit epic
The manikhoth features as a holy tree in the ancient Sanskrit epic of Phra Lak-Phra Lam or Ramayana. A manikhoth has three limbs, and according to the legend fruit eaten from the first limb will bring eternal youth and long life, the second will bring great power and status, while fruit eaten from the third limb, pointing to the west, brings bad luck – the eater will turn into a monkey. The people of Khong district believe that the fallen tree is holy and has powers as stated in the epic.
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