The Sacred Grove

Inaugurated by Sri M on 3rd July, 2022, the Sacred Grove is located at Chowdepalle, Andhra Pradesh, 27 km away from The Satsang Foundation Ashram in Madanapalle.

At the core of this Study Centre is the spirit of Swadhayaya – Sadhana – To understand the Self. This spirit invites an enriching interaction between the inward journey and its outward expressions.

The Aranya Sanskriti (forest civilization) of ancient India is one of the finest examples of exploring the recesses of consciousness, in solitude and in relationships. In these sacred groves, the teachers and disciples interacted to share the essence of life.

Infrastructure to Facilitate the Journey

To encourage and nurture a seeker's journey, the following facilities have been planned on the 17-acre serene campus, surrounded by hills and paddy fields.

Swadhyaya – Self Retreat at Sadhak Nivas

Goshala and Natural Farming

In harmony with the surroundings, the Goshala complex includes a spacious abode for 12 cows with a barn for the new-born and the young ones, living quarters for the farmers, storage room, dairy room, and a fenced grazing ground for free movement of the bovine. The complex also has an open shrine of Lord Krishna (Go-pal – the one who looks after, nurtures and nourishes the cows) not just for the cows but also for the commune of seekers flock here.

The Goshala with desi cows (A2) of Gir and Sahiwal breed, natural farming and tree plantation are integrating well, as mutually supportive activities.

Natural farming and Goshala have a symbiotic association. Panchgavya, Jeevamrutam and organic manure made from cow dung and urine, are used for paddy and millet cultivation, vegetable farming, and fruit orchards.

We are glad to share that our experiments with chemical free cultivation have been quite promising. Vegetables grown here are utilized in the kitchen, where simple food is prepared for the residents.

Going Green – Tree Plantation

The hills around The Sacred Grove are dry and denuded, with large rocks precariously placed. We decided to take a step towards contributing to the eco-balance by planting varied species of trees and plants. In 2018, plantation process was commenced with Sri M planting two Neem and one Gulmohar tree on the Western Boundary of the land. Following this, large flowering trees and shade giving trees have been planted along the boundaries of the land. Kanuga, Amaltash, Sita Ashoka, Aakash Malli, Gulmohar, Tamarind, Rain trees, Peltaphorum, Spethodia, Largesstroemia adorn this area.

Indigenous trees, of rich medicinal, mythological and religious significance have been planted on almost an acre of land. In this area, we have planted Neem, Peepal, Rudraksh, Palash, Kadamba, Bakul, Shami, Bilva, Amala, Nagamali, Srigandha, Kanchan, Parijat, Amaltash, Champaka, and Devganner Arjuna and Avadumbar trees.

In the tradition of forest cultures of our ancient past, a Panchavati has been created with Neem, Peepal, Bilva, Amala, and Rudraksh trees, to invite meditation and Sadhana.

In addition to the three year old plantation of Mango grove and other fruit trees like Sapota, Guava, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Fig, we have planted Papaya, Apple-ber, Rose-Apple, Green apple, Sweet lime and lemon trees.

As the Wellness Centre, with a therapeutic intent, is a significant part of The Sacred Grove, we have planted a herbarium of medicinal plants, shrubs, and trees commonly used in Ayurveda.

Water Management

Water Management is one of the primary initiatives at "The Sacred Grove", The Foundation has inherited a working borewell and an open well from the original farmers. For ongoing requirements, we plan to organize additional water resources and better management of these.

In consultation with a water-management expert, the architects and engineers, a pond of 145 by 145 feet dimensions has been created to collect rainwater from the overlooking hill, a part of the Eastern range of Palakonda hills. The surface water that would otherwise have drained off into the adjoining lands or caused water logging harming the plantation, has been directed into the pond. Strategically located in the midst of fruit plantation, fodder plantation, vegetable farms, it not only takes care of irrigation needs but also enriches the soil and helps raise the depleting underground level.

The excavated soil and rocks have been largely used for creating pathways and boundaries of the pond.

Contribute

We look forward to donations and volunteer support.

For volunteer support, please send an email to connect@satsang-foundation.org for more details.