Plant conservation in temple yards of orissa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Plant conservation in temple yards of orissa
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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R.B Mohanty, B.K Mohapatra, S.N Padhy
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Plant conservation in temple yards of orissa
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Mohanty, Mohapatra, and Padhy focuses on the significance of temples and holy places in preserving local flora in Orissa, India. The authors highlight the historical use of plants in socio-religious activities, tracing practices back to Vedic literature (2000-1000 B.C). The paper emphasizes the role of temples in nurturing specific plant species, which are often rare in the wild, through their strong associations with various rituals and ceremonies. As an important dimension of conservation, such practices have helped maintain endemic and ancient species within the temple premises.
The Role of Religious Practices in Plant Conservation
One of the key concepts discussed in the study is how religious beliefs and rituals contribute to plant conservation. The authors categorize 86 plant species found in temple yards into six groups based on their use in temple rituals—such as ritual plants, ornamental plants, fruit trees, and those used for sacred fires. Some plants, considered sacred, are meticulously grown and preserved because of their importance in religious practices, helping to protect them from extinction. This protective association offers a compelling example of how ancient traditions can sustain biodiversity, even as these cultural practices face challenges in modern times.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the vital role that religious institutions play in the conservation of plant species in Orissa. While this relationship has historically contributed to the survival of many flora, contemporary socio-cultural changes threaten the longevity of these practices. The paper calls for a renewed focus on protecting these sacred plants and maintaining their cultural significance, advocating for conservation measures to ensure the survival of rare indigenous species that face the risk of disappearing. The authors highlight that careful stewardship rooted in tradition can offer a practical path toward preserving ecological heritage in the face of modern challenges.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of temples in plant conservation in Orissa?
Temples in Orissa nurture surrounding flora by cultivating 86 plant species for rituals. Many plants are rare in the wild but thrive in temple yards, helping conserve local endemic species through cultural and religious practices.
How were the plants in temple yards classified in the study?
The study categorized 86 plant species into six groups: Ritual Plants, Ornamental Plants, Fruit Trees, Plants for Sacred Fire and Pitcher, Platform Plants for Deities, and Miscellaneous Uses based on their roles in temple rituals.
What are some examples of ritual plants used in temples?
Ritual plants include Aegle marmelos, Ficus religiosa, and Ocimum sanctum, among others. These plants are offered to deities during worship and are essential for various temple ceremonies.
What challenges does plant conservation face in modern Orissa?
Modern socio-cultural changes, such as diminishing religious practices and moral bindings, threaten plant conservation in Orissa. This shift endangers the maintenance and protection of indigenous species associated with religious traditions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Plant conservation in temple yards of orissa�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cina (CÄ«na, CÄ«nÄ, Ciṉa, CiṉÄ�, CīṉÄ�, CinÄ):
China is mentioned in the context of the importance of cultural beliefs and practices in the preservation of plant species. The Dai people's rituals showcase how faith influences the conservation of flora, similar to the practices observed in India regarding sacred plants and their usage in rituals.
2) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is listed among the fruit trees cultivated in temple gardens in Orissa. Its fruits are used as offerings in temple ceremonies, signifying its role in religious rituals and the local culture surrounding this important and revered fruit.
3) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or bael fruit, is significant in Hindu rituals and worship. It is categorized as a ritual plant in temple yards, where its leaves are used in offerings to deities. Its spiritual and cultural importance is tied to the preservation of this species.
4) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, known as holy basil, is revered in Hinduism and frequently used in religious ceremonies. Cultivated in temple gardens, it symbolizes purity and is integral to rituals, highlighting its role in the local biodiversity and spiritual practices surrounding plant life.
5) Mata (MÄtÄ, MatÄ, Maá¹Ä�):
A Matha refers to a monastic shrine or institution in Hindu culture. These places often cultivate a variety of plants for rituals, and their association with spirituality emphasizes the importance of plant conservation in religious contexts, as noted in the study of Orissa's flora.
6) Musha (Musa, MusÄ, MūṣÄ�, Muá¹£Ä�, Musá):
Musa, the genus that includes banana plants, is another critical species found in temple yards. These fruit-bearing plants are used in various religious offerings. Their cultivation reflects traditional practices and contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity in sacred spaces.
7) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is commonly found in temple gardens. It is used in various religious offerings and preparations, underscoring its importance in ritualistic practices and its role in conserving this species through religious reverence.
8) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, or flame of the forest, is noted for its utility in rituals and temple practices. The plant is included in various categories of religious plants, emphasizing the vital interplay between cultural traditions and the conservation of plant species in sacred environments.
9) Santalum album:
Santalum album, or sandalwood, is valued for its aromatic wood used in rituals. The wood is employed in various sacred practices, stressing its ecological and cultural importance within temple yards and the need for its conservation amidst changing socio-cultural dynamics.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science, particularly botany, plays a crucial role in understanding plant conservation techniques and the ecological impacts of human activities. The study of plant species in temple contexts contributes to scientific knowledge regarding biodiversity preservation and the relationship between culture and conservation.
11) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is essential for categorizing and understanding the flora found in temple yards. The paper highlights the diversity of plant species in Orissa, emphasizing the academic significance of documenting traditional practices and their implications for conservation efforts.
12) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem tree, is used in rituals and has medicinal properties. Its inclusion in temple practices highlights the dual role of such plants in cultural and ecological sustainability, showcasing the importance of maintaining these species through religious reverence and use.
13) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, or Bermuda grass, is commonly used in temple premises. Its cultivation reflects traditional practices, utilizing grassy areas for rituals and as a natural ground cover, demonstrating the significance of maintaining such species in enhancing the sacred environment.
14) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, known for its wood and latex, is utilized in various rituals. The presence of this plant in temple gardens indicates the cultural significance placed on certain indigenous species and the need to protect and conserve them for future generations.
15) Nerium indicum:
Nerium indicum, or oleander, serves as an ornamental plant in temple gardens, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Its use in religious settings signifies the blend of beauty and spirituality, portraying the essential role ornamental plants play in temple conservation efforts.
16) Mesua ferrea:
Mesua ferrea, known as the ironwood tree, is used in religious settings and rituals. Its inclusion in the list of sacred plants illustrates the cultural importance of certain tree species, underscoring the need for concerted conservation efforts against modern threats.
17) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk, mentioned in the context of sacred fire rituals, is used alongside specific plants during temple ceremonies. Its cultural and ritualistic significance emphasizes the integration of animal products in traditional practices, reflecting the intertwined nature of agriculture and spirituality.
18) Calophyllum inophyllum:
Calophyllum inophyllum, known for its oil, is utilized in temple rituals, specifically for lamp lighting. This highlights the importance of local flora in sustaining religious practices and the need to conserve these species within sacred spaces.
19) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus is noted among the plant species involved in religious offerings. Its categorization reflects the role of diverse botanical species in sustaining local customs and the preservation of indigenous plant knowledge tied to spiritual practices.
20) Michelia champaca:
Michelia champaca, or champak, is revered for its fragrant flowers used in temple offerings. This plant is a symbol of beauty in devotion, emphasizing the aesthetic roles that plants play in spiritual rituals and their conservation in temple habitats.
21) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, or castor oil plant, is associated with lamp oil in temple rituals. This highlights the practicality of certain plants in religious practices, underlining the need for their conservation as part of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
22) Mimusops elengi:
Mimusops elengi, known as maulsari, is valued in temple rituals for its flowers. This plant exemplifies the intersection of spirituality and botany, illustrating the vital need for conservation of culturally important species within temples and traditional practices.
23) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini, or jamun, is commonly found in temple gardens and used in offerings. Its cultural significance and ecological role in local biodiversity showcase the importance of preserving such species through the sanctity of religious customs.
24) Cocos nucifera:
Cocos nucifera, or coconut, is utilized in various temple functions for offerings and rituals. Its significance in both cultural practices and as a food source underscores the importance of conserving this plant as part of the local ecological tapestry.
25) Discussion:
The discussion section highlights the need for further studies on the conservation roles that religious practices play in protecting plant species. It suggests a connection between spirituality and ecological awareness, stressing the imperative to address conservation challenges facing sacred plants.
26) Nymphaea:
Nymphaea, or water lily, is another plant associated with ornamental uses in temple environments. Its presence underscores the importance of aquatic flora in spirituality and worship settings, emphasizing the need for the conservation of such beautiful plants in religious habitats.
27) Vallari (Vallarī):
Vallari is referenced regarding the collection of plants for rituals, highlighting its cultural significance. Its role in temple rituals reflects the intricate relationships between local flora and cultural practices, pointing towards the broader theme of conservation in sacred contexts.
28) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the specific environments where plants thrive, influenced by cultural practices like those in temple yards. The preservation of sacred spaces contributes significantly to maintaining the natural habitats of various plant species that are vital for ecological balance.
29) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut, a versatile plant used in numerous rituals, symbolizes abundance in many cultures. Its cultivation in temple yards further emphasizes the blend of agricultural practices and spirituality, showing the importance of conserving such culturally significant plants in sacred traditions.
30) Kumbha:
Kumbha, or sacred pitcher, is integral to many temple rituals. It symbolizes purity and abundance, and certain plants are associated with its use, highlighting how religious practices influence plant conservation and the cultural significance of plant offerings.
31) Tamala (TamÄla):
Tamala refers to a particular tree associated with religious practices in temples. Its mention reflects the cultural link between specific flora and spiritual traditions, showcasing the importance of conserving trees that hold significant cultural value in religious practices.
32) Mishra (Miśra):
Prof. N.K Mishra is acknowledged for his contributions and guidance in the study discussed. His involvement underscores the value of academic support in research related to botany, conservation efforts, and understanding the intersection of culture and plant ecology.
33) Ashoka (Asoka, AÅ›oka, AÅ›okÄ, AsokÄ):
Asoka signifies both the tree and the festival surrounding it, pointing to its cultural relevance in religious practices. Its cultivation within temple yards reflects local customs and stresses the importance of preserving culturally significant plant species.
34) Kalasha (Kalaśa, Kalasa):
Kalasa, or sacred pitcher, is linked closely to many rituals in temple practices. Certain plants are associated with this object, reflecting the deep connection between religious symbolism and the conservation of plant species deemed sacred.
35) Purna (Pūrṇa, Pūrṇ�):
Purna, meaning complete or full, is often associated with spiritual symbolism in rituals involving substances in a sacred context. Its mention highlights the essential role of various plants used during rituals, emphasizing the need for conservation of such botanical treasures.
36) Ganga (Gaá¹…gÄ, GÄá¹…ga, Gamga):
Ganga, the sacred river, symbolizes purity and is often associated with various rituals that include offerings of plants and fruits. The concept of conserving indigenous plants in spiritual contexts resonates with the broader environmental themes surrounding sacred landscapes.
37) Simha (Siṃha):
Sinha is referenced within the context of research on ecosystem preservation through faith and tradition. His work contributes to the understanding of the relationship between culture and conservation, vital for the study of plants in sacred contexts.
38) Surya (SÅ«rya, SÅ«ryÄ, Shurya):
Surya, referring to the sun deity in Hinduism, is indicative of the reverence for natural elements in cultural practices. This emphasizes the connection between spirituality and ecological awareness, reinforcing the conservation of plants associated with solar worship in temples.
39) Pandu (PÄṇá¸u, Paṇá¸u, PandÅ«, Pamdu, Pamde):
Pande's research on tree worship and its cultural implications contributes to our understanding of the significance attributed to various plant species. His studies highlight how rituals and traditions shape conservation practices, particularly in the context of sacred plants.
40) Mango:
Mango symbolizes abundance and is an important fruit in cultural celebrations. Its significance in temple offerings enhances its cultural value, showing how food resources are integral to religious practices while highlighting the need for biodiversity conservation.
41) Veda (VedÄ):
Vedic texts outline the historical context of plant usage in religious rituals. Their reference underscores the longstanding relationship between agriculture and spirituality, stressing how ancient practices shape current conservation efforts tied to indigenous plant species.
42) Soma (SomÄ):
Soma, in Vedic literature, denotes a ritual drink, often tied to celestial and divine significance. Its reference highlights the cultural historical narratives interwoven with the worship of plants and stresses the importance of conserving flora linked to such traditions.
43) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, made from cow milk, is crucial in many temple rituals and symbolizes purity. Its use alongside specific plants emphasizes the intertwining of agricultural practices and spiritual symbolism, reflecting the broader theme of conservation regarding plant resources used in religious rites.
44) Milk:
Milk, especially cow milk, holds significant ritual value in Hindu practices. Its association with various offerings and ceremonies signifies the important role agricultural products play in local cultures, highlighting the necessity of conserving both animal and plant resources in sacred contexts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Plant conservation in temple yards of orissa�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Vedic literature, Sacred tree, Religious practice, Cultural belief, Environmental protection, Plant conservation, Conservation Measures, Endemic species, Ornamental plant.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Holy place, Buddhist monasteries, Temple garden.