Celebrating Ozone Day
The Sacred Grove Walk on a Sunday morning was a delightful experience as part of an awareness venture to 'Know Your Bioregion' by SVARNIM puducherry's nature lab called Aurovanam. Despite the absence of school children due to exams, a group of 22 enthusiastic participants gathered for our walk to Kizhputhupattu, a sacred grove, 15-kilometers away from Pondicherry. This forest sanctuary, spanning five acres, is a prime example of a Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF). In contemporary times, sacred groves have emerged as biodiversity hotspots, offering refuge to various species amidst widespread habitat destruction of forests.
A Mythological Journey
Our guide, Arun, an ecologist from the Salim Ali School of Ecology, provided invaluable insights into the mythological and ecological significance of the grove. The Kizhputhupattu temple is dedicated to Ayyanar, a folk deity in Tamil Nadu. According to legend, Ayyanar, the son of Hari and Hara, was born during Shiva's union with Mohini. The temple, adorned with colorful statues of Ayyanar and his companions, has a traditional belief that disturbing the grove, even by plucking a leaf or taking a fallen twig, would lead to misfortune.
Nature's Sanctuary
As we walked deeper into the grove, we were struck by its dense canopy, which cast a cool shade even during the day. The reverence associated with this sacred space is gradually diminishing, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly disconnected from nature and spiritual beliefs. The presence of plastic litter, a stark contrast to the grove's natural beauty, proves this trend.
Ecological Significance
Arun also explained the grove's role in ozone protection. Lianas, while beneficial in moderation, can become detrimental if their population takes over that of trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to ozone protection. However, lianas, with their thin trunks, absorb significantly less carbon. A healthy balance between trees and lianas is crucial for reducing climate change.
Biodiversity and Cultural Beliefs
The grove is teeming with biodiversity. We observed various species of butterflies, including the Orange Tip, Indian Jezebel, Lesser Grass Blue and Common Crow. Arun introduced us to indigenous plants and trees, highlighting their medicinal uses and cultural significance. The walk was made even more enjoyable by the pleasant weather, allowing us to leisurely explore the forest paths.
A Bat Sanctuary
After the grove walk, we visited Kazhuperumbakkam, a village renowned for its reverence for fruit bats. A large group of these flying mammals, also known as Flying Foxes, was roosting on a tall Peepal tree. Arun explained the local belief that the harmony between the village's two castes is maintained by protecting the bats. Disturbing the bats is believed to lead to conflict between the castes. As a result, the villagers offer water to the bats and avoid bursting crackers. These bats play a significant role in the ecology by pollinating the fruit trees.
The Sacred Grove Walk was a rewarding experience that allowed us to appreciate the ecological significance and cultural heritage of these precious natural spaces. By understanding the intricate relationship between mythology, ecology, and local beliefs, we can work towards preserving these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.
