Plants of Temples and Religious Places in Khandesh Region (Maharashtra): An Ethnobotanical Perspective

Plants have been, since time immemorial, the focus of religious purposes for many human societies worldwide. Because of efficacious use in religious aspects, some plant species are said to be important. Certain plants are held sacred due to their intimate association with special locations like temple courtyards. These locations are easily overlooked for scientific investigations. People are closely associated with the plant-wealth in such places as well although on religious ground. These need to be tapped for indigenous wisdom for human welfare. The present authors inventorised three districts of Khandesh region (Maharashtra) to divulge plantlore. Total 28 species belonging to 27 genera and 21 angiospermic families are presently focussed touching four aspects viz., sacredness, miscellaneous uses, cosmetics and medicinal utilities. The worshippers, trustees and people intimately associated with temples and religious places have been interviewed to tap down traditional ethnobotanical information. This work provides an account of religious and cultural ways of conserving biodiversity. At the same, these places help improve local environment. Further studies in a country like India are desired to unearth the potentials of religious locations.