Clearing nut tree is known as Nirmali in Hindi, Tetrankottai in Tamil and Katakah in Sanskrit. The tree is famous for its cleansing qualities and is used to turn muddy water clear. In Hindu religion, the tree is associated with Mahadev Shiva. Tribes in India used to make a paste out of the seed of the tree. The paste is added to water leaving the dirt and other substances settle as sediment.
Legend has it that Brahma created a Shivling amids Niramli trees and worshipped it. The place was known as Kataka aranyam.
The tree is associated with the Brahmapureeswarar Temple or Thiurkolili in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu.
It is believed that planting the tree and taking care of it will help in achieving peace and prosperity.