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Andal
Nandavanam, Srivilliputhur (Tamilnadu)
Sacred gardens are an ancient tradition in
many major cultures, including our own. They are the cultivated
counterparts of the sacred groves and are a place for meditation, spiritual
awakening and celebration.
Although, there is less archaeological
evidence of early gardens in India, the Hindu scriptures and books (Ramayana,
Abijnana Shakuntalam, Mrichchakatika etc.) give remarkably detailed
description of elaborate gardens with flowerbeds, lotus ponds, fruiting
trees, creepers and shady spaces. Infact, gardens were a symbol of paradise in Hindu philosophy
and art.
TYPES OF SACRED GARDENS:
- Nandavanam – Divine plays
(leelas) of Hindu Gods are often depicted in gardens. Most Hindu temples
are therefore associated with gardens, also known as Nandavanam. These
gardens are usually managed and maintained to serve the temple. For
example, the Thirunandavanam or Madurakavi nandavanam attached to the
Renganathar temple at Srirangam.
- Bagh (Bagicha) – They are
ethno-silvi-horticultural gardens, traditionally planted near tanks,
settlements or amidst forests, especially in the northern parts of our
country. The biodiversity mainly consists of utility trees such as
Mangifera indica, Madhuca latifolia, Syzygium cuminii etc. Green felling
is totally banned in these gardens. Also, there is temple or separate
space dedicated to the Gods (or village deity). For example, an
excellent Bagh exists near a village inside the Darrah Wildlife
Sanctuary in Kota. (Source: Sacred Forestry by Deep N. Pandey)
- Buddhists gardens – In Buddhism,
gardens are described as a place for meditation and healing. There were
beautiful gardens in Nalanda and Taxila. It is even believed that Lord
Buddha was born under a tree at the Lumbini garden (now in Nepal), which
is now listed as a World Heritage Site. The monasteries played a central
part of the life in the monasteries during early periods. Even today,
many monasteries in India have gardens attached to them.
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