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Last Updated:: 14/07/2023
Sacred Groves in UttaraKhand
The sacred groves in Uttarakhand are locally known as Deo Bhumi and Bugyal (sacred alpine meadows).
126 sacred groves have been documented in the state. Chandrabadni Devi, Hariyali Devi, Kotgadi Ki Kokila Mata, Pravasi Pavasu Devata, Devrada and Saimyar are the deities to whom these groves are dedicated.
Turnip-root chervil, Himalayan cedar, Sanjeevani, Indian Barberry, Himalayan firethorn and Indian valerian are among the most commonly found plant species in the sacred groves.
The sacred groves of Uttarakhand serve as a gene pool and are a source of rich plant diversity. Ritual and traditional practices in sacred groves play a crucial role in fostering threatened species such as the Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis).
(Source: http://www.99uttarakhand.in/ali-bedni-bugyal.php)
List of Sacred Groves in UttaraKhand
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Si.No
|
District
|
Location
|
Name of the Deity
|
Name of the Grove (Surrounding forest)
|
Area (ha.)
|
|
|
Almora
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Chamarkhan
|
Golu Devta
|
Chir pine
(Pinus roxburghii)
|
<0.5 ha
|
|
2
|
|
Chitai
|
|
Chir pine
(Pinus roxburghii)
|
0.5 ha
|
|
3
|
|
Gairar
|
|
Chir pine
(Pinus roxburghii)
|
<0.5 ha
|
|
4
|
Nainital
|
Ghorakhal
|
|
Banj oak
(Quercus leucotrichophora)
|
0.5 ha
|
|
|
Chamoli
|
|
|
5
|
|
Badheth
|
|
Ghanteyal ki cheevi, Devika mandi
|
500.00
|
|
6
|
|
Majyanitalli
|
|
Ghandiyal Devataka van
|
0.50
|
|
7
|
|
Mana
|
|
Laxmivan, Nandaaur Ghantakaran Ki Phulwari
|
500.00
|
|
8
|
|
Mana
|
|
Nanda Aur Ghantakaran Ki Phulwari, Laxmivan
|
2.50
|
|
9
|
|
Anusuya
|
|
Amdar Ki Kyor, Surai Ka Ped, Panyaltha Jalsort
|
1250.00
|
|
10
|
|
Thaing
|
|
Fulana (Chinap Sink Bugyal), Jaladhara, Mandir Ke Ped
|
250.00
|
|
11
|
|
Bhundar
|
|
Nanda Ki Phulwari, Bugyal, Mandir Ke Ped
|
3.00
|
|
12
|
|
Bhundar
|
|
Bugyal, Nanda Kir Phulwari, Mandir Ke Ped
|
Not Known
|
|
13
|
|
Irani
|
|
Thai
|
250.00
|
|
14
|
|
Irani
|
|
Sivalaika Jungle
|
2.00
|
|
15
|
|
Irani
|
|
Bhagwatika Jungle
|
3.00
|
|
16
|
|
Irani
|
|
Saimyar
|
0.50
|
|
17
|
|
Madigaon
|
|
Kotgadi Devi Ke Samrakshit Van
|
50.00
|
|
18
|
|
Irani
|
|
Anand Van
|
2500.00
|
|
19
|
|
Madigaon
|
|
Kotgadi Ki Kokila Mata Ka Sthan
|
1.00
|
|
20
|
|
Deuti
|
|
Pravasi Pavasu Devata
|
500.00
|
|
21
|
|
Koti
|
|
Devrada
|
250.00
|
|
|
Pithoragarh
|
|
|
22
|
|
8 kms from Pithoragarh
|
|
Thal Ke Dhar
|
1315.60
|
|
23
|
|
Ganglihat tehsil
|
Mahakali
Shaktipith
|
Haat Kali
|
Not Known
|
|
24
|
|
Berinag tehsil
|
Kokilamata
|
Lohathal
|
80.00
|
1-4 - Dhaila-Adhikari and Adhikari, 2007, “Veneration of a Deity by restoration of Sacred Grove In a village Minar, Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand: A Case Study”, Journal of American Science, 3(2), Pp. 45-49, 2007.
5-21 - Data source: Dr. S.S. Samant, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, GBPIHED, Almora
22-24-http://www.kalpavriksh.org/images/CCA/Directory/Uttarakhand_CaseStudy_Lohathalsacredgrove
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Si.no
|
Name of the Sacred Grove
|
Local Community
|
Locality
|
|
1
|
Dhwaj
|
Kapri
|
NearTotanula about 10km from
Pithoragarh district
|
|
2
|
HaatKali
|
Rawal
|
Near Gangolihat Tehsil 75km from Pithoragarh district
|
|
3
|
Hokra
|
Bisht,Mehra
|
Near Tejam, Nachani
|
|
4
|
MalayNath
|
Chupal, Bora
|
Near Sherakot, Didihat
|
|
5
|
Nakuleshwar
|
Raji
|
Near Etgoan Shilling village 10km from Pithoragarh town
|
|
6
|
NarayanSwamiAshram
|
Bhotia, Raji,Boxa
|
Near Sesavillage, Tawaghat, Dharchula
|
|
7
|
PatalBhuveshwar
|
Rawal,Guro, Bhandari, Bora
|
Berinag Tehsil, near Gangolihat
|
Harsh Sing, Tariq Husain Priyanka Agnihotri P.C.Pande SayyadaKhatoon , 2014, “An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used in Sacred Groves of Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India, Journal ofEthnopharmacology, 154(2014)98–108