TThe once ubiquitous Kaavus, the sacred groves of Kerala, are now rare sanctuaries and unlikely places of worship. These groves come out as a unique ecosystem, rich in biodiversity and ecological balance. Unlike temples, they are located in forests of different sizes – from a few cents to several hectares, as seen in the vast Iringole Kaavu near Kochi.
Stone idols are usually placed on roofless cement platforms, exposed to the elements, with only a few protected by structures. Thus, the gods are in harmony with Mother Nature.
Especially for the various incarnations of Nagaraja, the serpent deity, such as Ananthan, Seshan, Kambakan, Thakshakan, Vasuki and Kaaliyan, and the Naga Yakshi (Queen of Snakes), these groves are a place of tranquility where the gods, plants, trees, reptiles, birds . , and other creatures coexist peacefully alongside the perennial water. The ancient Kaavus symbolizes the symbiosis of divinity and nature, pulsating with life.
It is a deep reflection of cultural ethos, traditions, beliefs, and concern for the environment, where nature and the supernatural are intertwined.
Kerala used to have thousands of these sacred groves. Myths and legends have been woven around it with the main aim of protecting the wealth of the forest by giving a sacred image to the people. Unfortunately, much of it has been destroyed in recent decades to make way for “development”. The fact that most groves are privately owned and managed without government support makes them vulnerable.
Encroachment on public land and the breakdown of joint families in Kerala spelled doom for many sacred groves, bringing their number to less than 1,000 from 10,000 a few decades ago.
rich vegetation
The Kaavu ecosystem, complete with ponds and streams inhabited by frogs, fish, snakes, and other aquatic life, is supported by a variety of herbs, shrubs, and tall trees. The water, filtered through this rich vegetation, is believed to have incredible healing properties.
Our ancestors respected the Kaavus, recognized the ancient forests as sacred places that had flourished for centuries, and understood the importance of preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
Kaavus is home to hundreds of rare plants of great ecological and religious importance.
Some of them are Nagakesar; white dammar; Indian white oak; Indian devil tree; Spanish Cherry; the Chaulmoogra tree; wild jackfruit; ball cannon tree; Siris tree; Alexandrian laurel; Bael tree; Niepa bark tree; and the Chinese sacred tree; and small plants such as Veldt grapes and wild asparagus.
All of Kaavu is protected by a thick canopy, allowing the sun’s rays to filter through and create irregular spots on the ground.
Kaavus is associated with several festivals and rituals, all with an environmental focus. The community nurtures and preserves the sacred.
Rituals usually include Kalamezhuthu, Pulluvan Pattu and Sarppam Pattu, Sarppabali, Ayilyam Puja and offering noorum paalum to Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. In essence, the rituals associated with these sacred groves are based on spirituality, cultural expression and natural habitat protection.
We live in a time when nature faces the threat of senseless destruction, and the sacred groves that are still alive are a reminder of the need to protect and preserve important components of the ecosystem from disintegration. When we destroy it, we destroy our rich cultural heritage and biodiversity forever. Of late, the Kerala Forest Department has provided financial assistance to temples and individual owners to protect sacred groves.
It is high time the government undertook a mapping exercise to document and protect the indigenous flora and fauna of our sacred gardens. School students should be encouraged to start a bio-blitz by inviting environmentalists and scientists as observers to document the biodiversity of the sacred groves.
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