Sacred groves in India are vital cultural and ecological spaces, known as 'Devara Kadu' in Kannada and 'Devrai' in Marathi.
Over 1 million sacred forests and 100,000-150,000 groves hold religious significance, mainly for Hindu indigenous communities.
Sacred groves are found in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, preserving biodiversity and spirituality.
These groves serve as refuges for plant and animal species, and are important for community worship.
Sacred groves act as carbon sinks, helping to absorb CO2 and mitigate climate change.
They house medicinal plants used in traditional healing practices, contributing to health and well-being.
Sacred groves help maintain soil fertility, prevent erosion, benefits local agriculture, support rare plant species, and promotes both environmental and cultural diversity.
Sacred groves contribute to ecotourism, generating income for local communities.
Famous groves include Mawphlang in Meghalaya, Sarhul Sarna in Jharkhand, and Thimmamma Marrimanu in Andhra Pradesh.