Published Paper Details:

The study of Sacred Groves were carried out from Banali which is located in Banali village of Jath taluka in Sangli district. These Sacred groves are protected by local community through social traditions and taboos that incorporate spiritual and ecological values. These groves harbors many species of the plants and animals and rich in biodiversity. This is a small Sacred grove having an area of 27 acres with temple of Godess Banashankari. The area around the temple is surrounded by small hills. The population of tree cover near the temple is fairly good and well managed by the trust. The soil is blackish and fertile. This area is also called Banashankuri Ban'. It is owned by "Banashankari Devsthan Trust" . Banali village is located at a distance of 11 km from Jath city. This place in the drought village is a beautiful tourist spot. There are big trees around the temple with 20 to 25 acres are covered with large number of trees. The villagers perform annual rituals and ceremonies to appease the presiding deities and to ensure the well-being of the community. During the study area from this Sacred Grove we reported 41 species of plants from 27 families and 32 genera. It forms typical plant diversity within these sacred groves.