Legends say that kings along with their queens would set out on a pilgrimage to invoke the blessings of God. They would finally enter the forest after their son or successor was crowned and leads an ascetic life till their death.

Our life is a sacred journey and we are all pilgrims on Planet Earth.

Scriptures insist that being a pilgrim does not mean wandering aimlessly, or earning karmic merit. It guides us to follow Dharma to lead a life of contentment, discipline and righteousness, without straining the Earth’s resources. The doctrine of Karma cautions us that every step we take today will yield a corresponding result in the future.

Our ancient sages personified the Earth as Mother Earth and worshipped her as a Goddess. We worship trees as Vriksha Devata, forests as Vana Devata, mountains as Giri Devata, rivers as Goddesses, cattle as Gau mata …

Kautilya’s Arthasastra prescribes various punishments for destroying trees and plants. The Vedas state, “vriksho rakshati rakshitah”, meaning “Protect trees, trees will protect you”.

Hindu Dharma teaches us to love the Earth and treat her with love and respect. The sanctity of our relationship with Mother Earth is evident in the morning prayer recited before setting our right foot on the floor. We ask Devi to forgive us for trampling on her body: “Salutations to Lord Vishnu’s divine wife, ocean-clad, adorned with mountains; pardon me, Mother, for setting my foot on you.”