Located at Bambar in Satari taluka, Sacred groves are an important part of
Goa's natural heritage. A sacred grove is, in fact, the patch of pristine
forest area where traditional worship of local deities or forest spirits, as
well as of plants and animals, has been carried out in since ancient times.
Deep-rooted beliefs and strong taboos forbid the cutting of trees and
plants or harming of trees and plants or harming of trees and plants or
harming of any form of life within this protected area. The fear of divine
wrath has kept these patches of virgin forest in a near-natural state.
Sacred groves of Goa harbour several rare species of flora and fauna,
including numerous medicinal plants. Thus they also have served as a
traditional means of conservation of the rich bio-diversity of the forests.
Most groves are located near water bodies, springs or streams for example.
These trees prevent soil erosion and help in conserving water. It augments
water reserves of communities residing nearby. Common belief says that the
waters of these springs have medicinal properties.
Sacred
groves were located near many villages around Goa. These groves got dwindled
away due to weakening of traditional beliefs, besides unhindered development
and economic growth. Numerous groves still exist though especially in the
interior areas, varying in size from small clusters of trees to large tracts
of dense forests.
Some of the sacred groves are in Valpoi and Sattari areas of North Goa
include Kopardem sacred grove, Nirankarichi Rai, Ajobachi Rai and Ghotgachi
Rai. Ajobachi Rai, the largest of them all is situated in the village of
Keri , in Sattari Taluka. These also exist in the talukas less touched by
tourism in Bicholim, Pernem, Canacona, Sanguem and Quepem. The distinct
feature in the sacred grove at Kopardem is the luminescence of fungus seen
on the forest floor on new moon lights.
Located at Bamber in Satari taluka is the abode of rare medicinal plants,
refuge for a unique forest community classified as Myristica Swamp Forests
having great ecological significance. The grove is believed to exist for the
last 250 years and the reigning deity is the god "Nirankar".
Presence of numerous aerial roots in the shape of inverted "U"
arching over the mud is one of the unique features of the trees in the mud.
If you are keen on visiting these sacred groves, contact a local expert to
work with you as an expert. These are located in the interiors and off the
beaten track.
Some Tips
these sacred groves are considered to be sanctified area and one should
abide by traditions like removing footwear and not disturbing any life forms
when visiting the groves.
