Kavu, the traditional sacred groves of Kerala

Gopakumar AV

Kavu or sacred groves are small patches of forests, which contain a temple and a deity. They form an integral part of the traditional life style, especially the ayurveda of the Kerala state. Moreover, they are considered as successful models of forest conservation. Such a holistic life was mentioned even from the period of Bhagavad-Gita (Hindu religious text). The "virada roopa" concept (cosmic nature of the God Vishnu) mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gita clearly explains this unison nature.

In Kerala, these islands of greenery are located mainly on the coastal and midland regions. Here the gods generally worshipped are Bhagawati or Naga-the snake god. Jringole kavu in Thrissur district of Kerala is the largest among them,extending about 50 acres.

According to myth, the groves house the goddess Bhagawati and the serpent god or Naga and hence should be left undisturbed. Infact, removing leaf litter from the forest or harvesting trees is strictly forbidden. Sayings like kavu vettiyal kulam vattum (if the grove is destroyed, then drought will occur) kavil irumbu kondu kayaravathu (iron utensils are forbidden inside the grove) reinforced the conservatory ideas unconsciously among the public.

Sacred groves, apart from the religious associations, have an ecological role to play, studies prove that sacred groves harbour a complex array of biological interactions which influence the flora and fauna of the region, besides the local microclimate. Compared to the soil of nearby areas, the soil of the groves is very porous. This ensures optimum aeration of the soil and also helps in nutrient assimilation. It has also been observed that the thick litter cover and channels created by the soil micro fauna or organism inhabiting the soil layers increase the capacity of the soil to retain water. Which is responsible for the healthy development of plant roots, gaseous exchange and conducting heat through the plants and soil systems. In short the groves act as natural cradle for the proper nourishment of the herbs shrubs and trees surviving on it.

The sacred groves are unique in a sense that they are home to a number of endangered and rare species and also as natural conservers of various endemic varieties of medicinal plants like Ankolam, Adapathiyan, Nagathumba, Nagadandhi, Maramanjal, Malayinchi, Nilabaranada and the drugs prepared from them are of high medicinal value. For the simple reason that they are from the natural habitat. According to the subject expert, Prof. T. S. Rajan, the juice content of these herbs are more when compared to others, as they are found in shady areas, where the transpiration rate is low.

Not just biodiversity and religious aspects they are also the home for many such folk arts like Theyyam and Theyyattom, which are widely popular among the northern regions of the state.

As per land records, there were more than 10,000 groves in Kerala. But now, only 900 of them remain. Scarcity of land combined with growing population, development needs and natural threats like strong coastal winds are the villans behind this havoc.