Sacred Groves at Manav Sangrahalay
‘Kaavu’ are spread across the length and breadth of Kerala. These sacred groves perform a unique role in bio-diversity management of the area. There are over 2000 well preserved sacred groves managed by private individuals and Devaswami trusts in the state. There are many myths, legends, and faiths associated with the sacred groves dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, used to be the most common in the past. The sacred groves in North Kerala are mostly associated with goddesses or ancestral spirits (Amma, Ayalakshi, Ayirvalli, Bhagavati, Durga, Mashishasur, Mardini, Vana Durga, Vanadevta, Madan, Yakshi, Gandharvan, Yogeshwaran, Muthappan etc.), while in south Kerala; these are generally associated with snake worship (Nagam, Nagaraja, Nagini, Sarpam). The ritual and rites, performed in the sacred groves vary with regional caste and patron deity of the sacred grove. A ritualistic recitation called ‘Sarpam Pattu’ is performed in central and south Kerala, once every 10 or 12 years, to propitiate the snake gods. In the sacred groves, associated with Godessess in North Kerala, a dance called ‘Theyyam’ is performed.
