With the monsoon season behind us and winter slowly approaching, the lush green landscapes around us are a reminder of the planting drives that brought new life into the earth over the past months.
Truckloads of saplings travelled to farms, gardens, institutions, and public spaces—an inspiring wave of collective action. But as the rains recede and the cooler season sets in, we’re reminded that the true work begins now: caring for what we’ve planted and understanding the deeper, more holistic ecosystems that sustain our environment.
Honouring Sacred Ecosystems
Across civilizations and especially within ancient forest cultures, Sacred Groves have been revered, protected, and sometimes even feared. Known by names such as Devrai, Pavitra Vanam, and Devaru Kavadu, these groves embodied a profound understanding: that the five elements of nature form an inseparable, living whole.
Within these sacred spaces, trees and plants were safeguarded alongside water bodies; fire was honoured as a vital force of growth; clean, unpolluted air was seen as essential for health; and the vastness of space was cherished for its ability to expand human awareness.
Sometimes the spirit of a Devrai was represented by a simple, empty space – formless and transcendent. At other times, it took the shape of a symbol, often feminine in essence. This interplay of form and the formless beautifully reflects the heart of these ecosystems, where all five elements are held in respect and harmony.
At The Sacred Grove, Chowdepalle, the spirit of the Devrais is honoured by plantation of indigenous trees and plants that enrich the local flora and fauna. The earth and the air are kept free of pollution by adopting organic modes of living. Here, ponds are created to harvest surface water, and increase the ground water level. The sun, moon and the stars light up the Akasha not only to sustain life on earth but also to trigger the imagination to connect with the unknown.
This monsoon, we planted more trees, keeping in mind their medicinal values and capacity to invite birds and species that encourage cross pollination. Swales were created to harvest water in a pond created across one acre of land. It is kept clear of weeds and silt., and in turn has been inviting human and other living species to flock around it. We try to keep the soil free of plastic and chemicals.
To sow the seeds of sensitivity towards healthy ecosystems, school and college students were invited not only to plant trees but also to make them aware of the significance of creating integrated ecosystems, and in the process encourage healthy and meaningful lives. They were introduced to the concepts of Devarais, and Panchavatis – the practice of planting five auspicious trees together. Maybe we can start working with educational institutions and other like-minded individuals and organizations to create such ecosystems. Amen!
At The Sacred Grove, Chowdepalle, another step towards connecting young minds with healthy ecosystems is through Parent-Child Retreats organised from time to time, where both adults and children connect with Nature through stories, nature walks, bird and insect watching, hill climbing, plantation, and more.
To learn more about initiatives at the Sacred grove, stay Connected Instagram | contact@thesacredgrove.in | +91 8333981304
