SACRED ECOLOGY AND NATURE WORSHIP

Abstract

Sacred ecology refers to the connection between human societies, spiritual beliefs, and the natural environment. Since ancient times, many cultures around the world have seen nature as sacred and divine. People worshipped rivers, mountains, forests, animals, and celestial bodies not just as sources of life, but also as symbols of spiritual power. These beliefs were crucial in protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Nature worship encouraged communities to take care of forests, water bodies, and wildlife through traditional customs and religious practices. In today's world, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and environmental harm have weakened these traditional ecological values. Still, sacred ecology provides important lessons for sustainable development and environmental protection. This chapter looks at the idea of sacred ecology, nature worship in different civilizations, and its importance in Indian culture. It also examines the role of sacred beliefs in preserving biodiversity, the threats faced by sacred ecological traditions, and their relevance in modern environmental movements. The chapter concludes that combining traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods can help humanity create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.