Revitalization of Traditional Eco Systems
Dashakoopa Samo Vaapi; Dasha Vaapi Samo Hruda,
Dasha Hruda Samo Puthra; Dashaputhra Samo Druma.
-Vrikshayurveda
An ecosystem, a contraction of "ecological" and "system", refers to the collection of components and processes that comprise, and governs the behavior of some defined subset of the biosphere. The term is generally understood to refer to all biotic and abiotic components, and their interactions with each other, in some defined area, with no conceptual restrictions on how large or small that area can be. To many people, ecosystems (like any other type of system), are governed by the rules of science and cybernetics, as applied specifically to collections of organisms and relevant abiotic components. To others, ecosystems are primarily governed by stochastic events, the reactions they provoke on non-living materials and the corresponding responses by organisms. In general terms an ecological system can be thought of as an assemblage of organisms (plant, animal and other living organisms—also referred to as a biotic community or biocoenosis) living together with their environment (or biotope), functioning as a loose unit. That is, a dynamic and complex whole, interacting as an "ecological unit."
Believing trees to be the abode of gods and ancestral spirits, many communities set aside particular trees and sanctified areas of forest and established rules and customs to ensure their protection.
As a result of this protection through generations, preserved over numerous years, these trees and areas have formed vital eco-systems and are now important reservoirs of biodiversity. These traditional eco-systems are often the last refuge for endemic and endangered plant and animal species. They contain priceless medicinal plants and wild relatives of crop species that can help to improve agrarian interests. These eco-systems incorporate water resources such as ponds and the flora that vegetated around them. They are the perfect examples of sustainable eco-systems.
Shanthivanam understands the importance of these traditional eco-systems and puts extreme care in the preservation of them and propagation of the species found in them.
Sacred Groves
Conservation of nature has been interwoven in the rich Indian cultural heritage. The practice of maintaining ‘sacred groves’ is one such practice that was followed even during the pre-agrarian era. Trees were believed to be the abode of Gods and ancestral spirits and therefore the indigenous communities preserved and worshipped such groves. Hughes and Subhash Chandran (1997) define ‘sacred groves’ as segments of landscape containing trees and other forms of life and geographical features, that are delimited and protected by human societies believing that preserving such a patch of vegetation in a relatively undisturbed state is necessary for expressing one’s relation to the divine or to nature. Today, these groves are supposedly the best examples of bio-diversity with home to numerous medicinal and other valuable herbs.
Since the duty of conserving such ‘sacred groves’ was intertwined with the socio-cultural and religious practices of the community, these groves flourished over the times. These groves have acted as a check against soil erosion and ensured soil stability. Also, many of these groves have water conservation facilities, which have enormously helped both people and other species of animals at difficult times.
However, with the onset of rapid ‘civilization’, a large number of such groves lost its relevance and were soon replaced. Those, which survived, were also badly destroyed. Destruction of these groves is one of the main reasons why natural calamities today take un-precedent toll. Earlier, these natural eco-systems acted as a natural check against the natural calamities.
There are thousands of such sacred groves existing in nook and corner of our country. Almost every village or town has at least one grove associated with some religious centre. At least 13,720 sacred groves have been reported in various regions of the country, but experts estimate that the actual number is likely 100,000 to 150,000. Therefore, efforts to revitalize these groves can make a tremendous impact on our ecosystem.
Shanthivanam, therefore, gives utmost significance for revitalize these sacred groves. As a part of the project, Shanthivanam is now conducting a detailed survey in the state of Tamil Nadu to work out a programme to revitalize the sacred groves in a phased manner.
Nakshatra Vana
India’s contribution to the world of science has been immense, especially, in the field of Astronomy & Astrology. Astrology describes the impact of plants and trees on our life. The Zodiac is divided into 12 Rasis and sub-divided into 27 stars (Nakshatras). Every Rasi and Nakshatra has its own characteristics and it has been found that certain trees possess properties corresponding to these nakshatras. These trees have medicinal and astrological implication on an individual as per his birth star. This concept is getting wide popularity today. There is however difficulty in procuring these tree saplings. There are similar trees with characteristics associated with the navagrahas (Navagraha vanam), Saptarshis (Saptarshi vanam) and rasis (Rasi vanam). Shantivanam maintains the complete collection of these 27 Nakshatra trees, which represent the 27 stars and 12 Rasi trees which represent 12 Rasis, along with some other divine trees such as
- NavaGraha Trees (Trees belonging to the nine planets of the solar system).
- Saptharshi Trees (Trees belong to the seven Rishis of ancient Indian tradition).
- Dasha Pushpas (Ten species of flowering and medicinal plants considered to be sacred).
Individuals may contact Shanthivanam for procurement/ plantation of trees as per their birth star/rasi etc. For convenience, Shanthivanam has allotted special zones for such plantations, where people can commonly raise such trees and visit it on special days
Trees corresponding to every nakshatra/ rasi is made available at Shanthivanam and public can procure it on payment of a very reasonable cost. For procurement/ queries, please contact Shanthivanam.