Urbanization raises grave concern for sacred groves

  Bangalore :That urbanization is leading to expansion of cities at the cost of our natural landscape and forests is no new news. This is the unique story of ‘devara kaadus’ or sacred groves that face the fear of destruction. Located densely in districts along the Western Ghats like Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada, these groves are slowly being encroached.

In Kodagu, about 2% of forests are considered sacred groves. Madikeri, Virajpet, and Somwarpet taluks account for a total of 2,500 acres of sacred groves. For years, these groves have been kept intact for the locals believed that destroying them would be equal to angering the gods thereby bringing  curse upon themselves. Now, urbanization and changes in style of worship threaten the very existence of these groves.

Sacred groves, also known as kans, are part of day-to-day life and play an important role in the beliefs of local communities. Researchers estimate that as many as 120 deities are worshipped in kans across the district and 18 communities use them for worship, Bhadra Kaali and Aiyyappa being the major deities. Locals believe destruction of these groves would be a curse on their communities, and that their original style of worship should be preserved as opposed to worshipping deities made of cement and stone like in the neighbouring villages and state.