Devarakadus, also known as sacred groves, are forest patches traditionally protected by local communities in Karnataka due to their spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. Particularly prevalent in Kodagu (Coorg), they are regarded as the abodes of deities and are treated as sacred spaces, where activities like tree felling or clearing are prohibited.
Nature
Inside Devarakadu: Karnataka's Hidden Sacred Groves
The concept of Devarakadu is rooted in the ancient understanding of the interconnectedness between nature and spirituality. Particularly prevalent in Kodagu (Coorg), they are regarded as the abodes of deities and are treated as sacred spaces
Anuradha Sengupta
17 June 2025
Coorg or Kodagu has many sacred groves Photo: Outlook Traveller
Coorg or Kodagu has many sacred groves Photo: Outlook Traveller
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