Sacred Groves in Odisha
A sacred bamboo grove – South Odisha
The institution of sacred groves in the State is recognized by various names such as Jahera, Thakurnam
169 sacred groves have been documented in the state. Some of the deities to whom these groves are dedicated are Jhakeri, Gram Siri, Gossa Pennu, Pitabaldi, Loha Penu, Gaisri and Pat Baram.
Offerings to the Manesa goddess
Sal, Mango, Dumri, Senha, Arabian Jasmine, Bengal quince, Billy goat-weed, Axile wood, Neem, Pig Weed and Silk cotton tree are among the most commonly found plant species in the sacred groves.
Unique biodiversity has been reflected in the groves as they harbour many medicinal plants, roots, fruit trees and creepers (like siari) and shrubs along with many faunal types including various resident birds, reptiles and wild animals.
Distribution of Sacred Groves in different panchayats of Semiliguda block, Koraput district, Odisha
| Si.No | Name of the Panchayats | No. of Villages | No. of Sacred grove present | Total Area of SG (Acre) | Average size of Sacred groves |
| 1 | Kunduli | 11 | 11 | 5.92 | 0.54 |
| 2 | Sadam | 20 | 17 | 5.60 | 0.33 |
| 3 | Rajput | 20 | 9 | 12.55 | 1.39 |
| 4 | Subai | 18 | 18 | 11.45 | 0.64 |
| 5 | Dudhari | 14 | 11 | 2.10 | 0.19 |
| 6 | Guntaput | 19 | 8 | 4.09 | 0.51 |
| 7 | Dalaiguda | 14 | 14 | 23.50 | 0.51 |
| 8 | Nutal | 18 | 7 | 1.70 | 0.24 |
| 9 | Pakujola | 16 | 16 | 15.46 | 0.97 |
| 10 | Khudi | 24 | 24 | 4.67 | 0.19 |
| 11 | Renga | 16 | 8 | 5.74 | 0.72 |
| 12 | Hatguda | 17 | 13 | 4.65 | 0.36 |
| 13 | Kanti | 13 | 13 | 7.75 | 0.60 |
| 220 | 169 | 105.18 | 7.19 | ||
Source: Malhotra, K.C., Shashi Stanley, N.S. Hemam and Ketaki Das, “Cultural and ecological value of natural sacred biodiversity site in Orissa, India: Threats and opportunities”, Paper presented at the International symposium – CNRS-UNESCO-MNHN- Natural sacred sites – cultural diversity – biological diversity, 22 – 25 September 1998, Paris, France.
| Si.No | Name of the Grove | Deity | Area (ha) |
| 1 | Alligam | Ganga Maa | 0.20 |
| 2 | Maulimaa | Maha Prabhu | 0.19 |
| 3 | Bhairabguda | Devi Bhairabi | 0.12 |
| 4 | Dudhari | Shiba Dev | 0.16 |
| 5 | Mali Dusara | Ganga Maa | 0.12 |
| 6 | Kanta Basunsuni | Devi Kanta Basunsuni | 1.61 |
Source: Panda Debabrata, Bisoi Sidhanta Sekhar and Palita Sharat K 2014, Floral Diversity Conservation through Sacred Groves in Koraput District, Odisha, India: A Case Study, International Research Journal of Environment Sciences, Vol. 3(9), 80-86.
| Si.No | Name of the sacred grove | Near forest area | Nearest forest reserve |
| 1 | Sunya ,Mandap, | Ramda Hill | Ramda Hill |
| 2 | Barapada | Kuidiha WS | Kuidiha WS |
| 3 | Anala Sree | Kuidiha WS | Kuidiha WS |
| 4 | Bauladiha | Kuidiha WS | Kuidiha WS |
| 5 | Chhot Begunia | Raibania RF | Raibania RF |
| 6 | Bad Begunia | Nil | Nil |
| 7 | Khuad | Khuad RF | Khuad RF |
| 8 | Purnapani | Purnapani RF | Purnapani RF |
| 9 | Kendu Khunta | Nil | Nil |
| 10 | Luhapoda | Luhapoda RF | Luhapoda RF |
| 11 | Bakulapoda | Nil | Nil |
| 12 | Bhadrapada | Bhadrapada RF | Bhadrapada RF |
| 13 | Raibania | Raibania RF | Raibania RF |
Source: Raj Kishore Mohanta, Bhupendra Singh Adhikari, 2012 , “The Biological Values and Conservation Status of Sacred Groves in the Balasore Wildlife Division, Odisha: A Case Study” International Journal of Conservation Science, Volume 3, Issue 3, 207-216