Sacred Groves in India

Sacred groves are patches of protected forests found across India which are preserved by local communities as living sanctuaries for their spiritual and historical significance. Known by different regional names like ‘devarakadus’, ‘devrais’, ‘sarnas’, these spaces harbor rich biodiversity and are storehouses of local culture.

Dedicated to deities or tree spirits, some groves strictly prohibit any human interference based on beliefs that it will displease deities and lead to calamities. While others may allow activities like collecting deadwood but never cutting trees.

For instance, tribes like Garo and Khasi in North-East completely restrict access whereas Gonds in Central India only allow using fallen tree parts. With rituals and customs passed down generations, these community-protected nature sanctuaries serve ecological and cultural purposes.

 Distribution of Sacred Forests

In India, sacred groves are found all over the country and abundantly along the Western Ghats. Although, there has been no comprehensive study of  sacred groves in the entire country, experts estimate the total number of sacred groves in India could be in the range of 100,000 – 150,000.

State-wise List of Sacred Groves

Sacred Groves in Different Parts of India

Andhra Pradesh

Pavithra Vana is the local Telugu term used for sacred groves, meaning “pure forest”. The Thimmamma Marrimanu banyan tree in the state is recorded as the largest tree in the world by canopy coverage area.

Assam

Tribes living in the forests and foothills of Western Assam, like the Bodo and Rabha communities, follow the tradition of maintaining sacred groves locally referred to as “Than”. In the North Cachar hills of Haflong district, the Dimasa tribes call such sites “Madaico”. As per records, Assam has 17 documented sacred groves dedicated to deities including Sibrai, Alu Raja, Wa Raja, Ganiyang and Hamiadao.

Additionally, sacred groves are attached to the Vaishnav temples or Shankara Deva Mathas found across the state. These protected heritage pockets are storehouses of biodiversity, harboring vegetation like Giant Bamboo, Pink Banana, Indian Smilax, Sand Paper Tree etc. Often the identity of a village or area is connected to the native plant resources conserved in situ.

Arunachal Pradesh

In Arunachal Pradesh, some sacred groves are managed by Buddhist Lamas and the Mompa tribe. These heritage sites attached to monasteries are termed as Gompa Forest Areas (GFAs). As per surveys, the state harbors 101 documented groves dedicated to local deities like Ubro, Ubram and Thouw-gew.

Most GFAs are concentrated in Tawang and West Kameng districts, with 58 identified here so far. Additionally a few are located in Lower Subansiri and Siang districts. The strong customary rights and spiritual beliefs of ethnic communities have aided conservation of these forest patches and prominent trees. For instance, the worship of individual species like Banyan, Pipal, Ashoka, Bela and Harada is integral.

Spanning altitudes from 2000 to over 4000 meters, these community preserved pockets exhibit a range of vegetation. Their management by indigenous groups like Lamas and Mompa upholds cultural practices, while securing ecological stability through preservation of floral and faunal diversity. The GFAs stand testament to the resilient nature-reverence traditions driving conservation in Arunachal Pradesh.

Bihar

In Bihar, the tradition of sacred groves exists among several indigenous tribes, however detailed documentation remains inadequate. Locally termed as Sarnas, 43 of these culturally significant sites have been recorded in the state so far.

The groves are dedicated to folk deities like Raksel, Darha, Jaher-Buri and village gods known as Hatubongako. Considered as guardians, their blessings are sought for agriculture and livelihoods. Salient trees found in the patches include Bamboo and Sal.

Bihar’s sacred groves, primarily in the Chotanagpur area, are known as saunas or Sarhuli Mander.

Chhattisgarh

The “Devbani” sacred groves in Chhattisgarh are patches of forest regarded as holy by local communities. Often situated near villages, these groves are zealously protected and considered abodes of deities and spirits. The belief in their spiritual significance extends to the well-being of the community, leading to the observance of various customs and taboos that aid in their preservation. This traditional approach reflects a deep-rooted respect for nature and its spiritual connections.

Goa

In Goa, particularly in the village of Keri in Sattari, sacred groves are maintained with exceptional care. Unique traditions, such as the offering of terracotta animals, are observed here. Notable sacred groves in Goa include Devachi Rai, Holiyechirai, and Nirankarachirai, dedicated to local deities like Durgah and Rashtroli. These groves, referred to as Deorai and Pann, demonstrate a blend of cultural and ecological preservation, showcasing the state’s rich heritage and respect for nature.

Haryana

In Haryana, sacred groves, often termed Gurudwara groves, serve multiple ecological functions. They are sanctuaries for medicinal plants and providers of natural resources like honey, fruits, and water. These groves are home to diverse plant species, including White Pear, Mandarin, Bruisewort, and Banyan, highlighting their role in preserving biodiversity and offering ecological services to the surrounding communities.

Jammu & Kashmir

The revered forests of Jammu & Kashmir, known as Banis, are characterized by a variety of plant species such as Indian plum, Mountain ebony, and Neem. These sacred groves play a vital role in preserving the region’s unique flora and fauna, reflecting the local communities’ reverence for nature and their commitment to environmental conservation.

Karnataka

In Karnataka, sacred groves are categorized into Kans (smaller groves) and Devarkadu or Devarkan (larger groves). These groves not only provide ecological security but also support the local populace with resources. Unique features like terracotta hounds in the Kodagu groves and various local names like Huli devarakadu and Ghodi Bana reflect the region’s diverse cultural and ecological practices.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s sacred groves, known as Devrai or Devrahati, are crucial in maintaining ecological balance, especially in deforested areas like the Western Ghats. These groves are rich in biodiversity, housing species like Indian laurel and Japanese ginger, and play a vital role in the region’s environmental health.

Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, sacred groves called Sarana or Jaherthan are integral to the Tribal Uprising community’s culture. Celebrations like the Sarhul festival, which revolves around the flowering of Sal trees, take place in these Sarnas. These groves, also revered by the Mandar community, are pivotal in the region’s cultural and ecological landscape.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s sacred groves, especially in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, are exemplars of the symbiotic relationship between forests and indigenous tribes. The Mawphlang grove, a significant tourist and educational site, is protected by the deity Labasa. Local terms like Ki Law Lyngdoh and Ki Law Niam emphasize the cultural and spiritual importance of these groves in the state.

Sikkim

In Sikkim, sacred groves associated with Buddhist monasteries, particularly in the highlands of Demojong, are managed by Lamas. These Gumpa Forest Areas demonstrate the integration of religious practices with environmental stewardship, underscoring the region’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is home to the Thimmamma Marrimanu, the world’s largest banyan tree, located in Gooty Bailu village. The sacred groves, known as Pavithra Vana, showcase the state’s rich biodiversity, which faces increasing human-related pressures.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, sacred groves are known by various names like Kovikaadugal and Vanakkoil, dedicated to deities such as Aiyanar and Amman. These groves, often located near water bodies, are vital for conserving medicinal plants and maintaining ecological balance.

Gujarat

Gujarat’s sacred groves, diverse in their vegetation, include mangroves and tropical forests. Referred to by local names like Sabarkantha, these groves are devoted to deities such as Khodiyar Mata, reflecting the state’s cultural diversity and ecological consciousness.

Manipur

Gamkhap and Mauhak (sacred bamboo reserves) are the local names of the sacred groves of Manipur. They are total 166 in number. The deities to whom these groves are dedicated include Umanglai, Ebudhou Pakhangba, Konthoujam Lairembi, Chabugbam and Chothe Thayai Pakhangba.

Rajasthan

Orans, Kenkris and Jogmaya are the local names of sacred groves of Rajasthan. They are total 560 in number. Orans of Rajasthan provide shade, fuel wood, fodder and even food and livelihood for humans and animals.

Ecological Importance of Sacred Groves

• Biodiversity Havens: Sacred groves are biodiversity treasure troves sustaining both floral and faunal wealth. They provide the last refuge for many endemic and threatened species in specific geographies.
• Water Security: With presence of ponds, streams and springs, sacred groves support local water needs. Their vegetative cover facilitates groundwater recharge and aquifer replenishment.
• Soil Health: The canopy and thick undergrowth in groves enrich soil nutrition and organic matter. Their plant diversity aids soil stability, preventing erosion during extreme weather events.

The groves uphold ecological stability through hydrological services, nutrient cycles, and in-situ conservation of genes, species and ecosystems. By preserving biocultural diversity, they exemplify the symbiotic relationship between nature, faith traditions and communities – thereby serving as models for sustainable living.

Threats Facing Sacred Groves

The challenges confronting preservation of sacred groves vary across regions but some common concerns have emerged:

• Erosion of Spiritual Legacy: Disappearance of indigenous belief systems that spiritually connect communities with nature has weakened conservation ethos regarding sacred sites. Relegating such traditions as superstitions has exacerbated threats.
• Development Pressures: Expanding urban spaces, infrastructure projects like roads, dams and commercial forestry have directly destroyed many sacred groves, besides shrinking their habitats.
• Temple Takeover: Sanskritization and displacement of nature-worship by formal temple rituals has impacted site sanctity and protection norms.
• Biological Threats: Invasive species such as Eupatorium, Lantana and Prosopis dominating native vegetation affects floral-faunal stability in certain groves.
• Anthropogenic Factors: Fuel-wood collection, livestock grazing and human encroachment have increased due to expanding resource demand and reduced compliance with traditional restrictions.

Thus habitat loss, competing faith customs and over-exploitation due to livelihood needs influence the ability to preserve these unique socio-ecological spaces.