Sacred Groves [ A socio cultural study ]

Sacred groves are untouched plots of land that are secluded by the people inhabiting near them primarily for religious purposes. The popular conception of a grove is a collection of exceptionally well-formed trees set in a place of outstanding natural beauty. These patches of land can be of varying sizes and shapes. It is believed that arborolatry is one of the earliest forms of worship in this world. It occupies an important place in folklore. There are innumerable examples of oral literature encircling around trees. Examples of reverence of trees in Indian mythology are multiple. We know about many proverbs and riddles that discuss the dreadful side of forests. In many of the Hindu rituals we find marriage songs completely dedicated to herbs such as tulasi etc. Tree worship also constitutes a major portion of the social folk customs of the people. By studying the role trees and plants play in a particular society their significance is known. In addition information about the socio-cultural and religion lives of the people of that particular community can also be studied.