A sacred grove called Veerakovil Kadu, near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Nature worship predates most modern religions, and in forest patches like these, the old gods still persevere. Small temples within the grove are dedicated to the residing deities. In Tamil Nadu, it is usually a snake god, but Ayappan, Murugan and Amman are also worshipped in some places. The venerated forest is also a repository of natural vegetation and biodiversity.Photograph: Sriram Janak

Sacred Groves

by Team Nature inFocus

A sacred grove called Veerakovil Kadu, near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Nature worship predates most modern religions, and in forest patches like these, the old gods still persevere. Small temples within the grove are dedicated to the residing deities. In Tamil Nadu, it is usually a snake god, but Ayappan, Murugan and Amman are also worshipped in some places. The venerated forest is also a repository of natural vegetation and biodiversity.

Photograph: Sriram Janak