The sacred groves of Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam are pockets of tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) located in the districts of Villupuram and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, India. These groves are bounded by spiritual, socio-cultural, biological, ecological, medicinal, economical, and historical values. The main motives of this research are to determine the significance of revitalising the sacred groves and to explore ways to promote Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam sacred groves as a special interest tourism site. This study adopts qualitative research approaches using semi-structured interview and observations. Myths, taboos, superstitious beliefs, religious practises, mythological stories, transformation of the grove to temple complex, the installation of Vedic god, the role of stakeholders in safeguarding and promoting the grove as tourism product were discussed. According to the study, tourism and active stakeholder participation can revitalise the destination image of the grove, promote spatial recovery, and transform the grove into a biodiversity heritage hotspot.
TopIntroduction
Sacred groves are forest cover or patches of trees that are revered and worshipped around the world. The size of the grove ranges from 5 to 500 hectares. The grove's self-contained ecosystem protects mankind from numerous crises and disasters. In this study, two sacred groves in Tamil Nadu, namely Keezhputhupet sacred groves labelled as “Sri Manjineeshwara Ayyapan Swamy temple” and Thennambakkam sacred groves labelled as “Azhagar Siddhar temple,” have been chosen to investigate the possibility of promoting the sacred groves as special interest tourism sites. The study of this grove is significant because it provides an in-depth understanding of the concept of sacred grove, myths, taboos, religious practises, endangered and endemic species. The groves were formerly a residence for many siddhas and saints who came to the forest knowing of its therapeutic importance; consequently, the study examines the reason of sacred groves' existence and anticipates the need for and methods of promoting the grove as a special interest tourism sites.
Special Interest Tourism (SIT) is a subset of tourism that focuses on experiencing tourist products in contemporary society. Adventure tourism, eco-tourism, sport tourism, cultural tourism, natural tourism, and many more components can be combined into a single homogeneous idea. SIT is defined as travelling to a destination primarily for the purpose of practising or enjoying a special interest. This can include uncommon hobbies, activities, themes or destinations that appeal to niche markets (Smith et al., 2010). Tourists of this sort are sometimes referred to as “serious leisure participants” (Wen & Wu, 2020). Special interest tourism, on the other hand, has evolved as a means of adding new value to tourism locations. In recent times, these groves have only received pilgrimage tourists who visit, pray, and conduct particular rituals; nonetheless, the grove has rich spiritual, cultural, biological, ecological, medicinal, economic, and historical requirements to attract distinct special interest visitors (Krishnan, 2004). As a result, the study attempts to revitalise these groves, recognising their declining significance. Sometimes decline is necessary for regenerating new value and image to the destination without losing its authenticity (Xu et al., 2022).
Objectives of the Study
The following are major objectives of this research study:
- 1.
To determine the significance of rejuvenating the sacred groves of Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam; and
- 2.
To investigate ways to market the sacred groves of Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam as a Special Interest Tourism sites.
Rationale of the Study
Tamil Nadu is endowed with a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Throughout the year, tourists are drawn to stories of pristine landscapes, exciting festivals, endemic crafts, endangered species, and many other attractions. Folklore deities are revered as “community gods” in Tamil Nadu. This grove contains memorial hero stones, memorials of siddha, saints, and women sacrificing their life narrates. Tamil Nadu draws in tourists throughout the year, yet numerous historical and ecological gems with enormous tourism potential are in increasing trouble and go unrecognised. Sacred groves are studied more in science disciplines than in social science/humanities areas. As a result, this research aims to preserve and promote sacred groves by promoting them as Special Interest Tourism sites and seeks to popularise the image of authorised destinations.