Kerala is renowned for its Sacred Groves. N.K. Kurian visited numerous major Sacred Groves across Kerala, and gained expertise including the recreation, tree species composition, vegetation structure, soil features and religious practices before recreating a Sacred Grove within the Park. Such Sacred Groves are locally known as “SarpaKaavu” (literally meaning, Snake Grove).
SarpaKaavu
The SarpaKaavu is a sacred grove dedicated to Snake-God deities. It’s a belief system that is very ancient and still revered across Kerala. The SarpaKaavu is a specially designated area where special trees, plants and creepers grow.
Lighting of the lamp
As an ancient consecrated ‘Vigaha’ of the “Sarpa” (Snake-God) deity is paced there, the grove is sacred. The grove is maintained in all its purity and holiness and a lamp is lit there daily during the evenings. A larger traditional ‘Kal-Vilakku’ is lit during all working days. Copies of the Ramayana and Bhavatham are placed near the grove for visitors to the park who wish to meditate and read the sacred texts.
Ecological Importance of SarpaKaavu
SarpaKaavu is a grove thick mass of vegetation the biomass is left untouched and undisturbed. The groove works as a natural filtration, revitalizing the ecosystem and filling and maintaining the water levels of water-bodies like natural ponds, wells and mini-lakes in the region where it is located. The Kaavu helps maintain and sustain the biological diversity of the region too.