Ancient Beauty of Mangar Bani Sacred Grove
The Mangar Bani Sacred Grove is located on the western slopes of the Aravalli Hills in the Faridabad district of Haryana, India. It is one of the oldest and most sacred places of worship in India and is believed to date back over four thousand years. The area is rich in biodiversity, with more than 200 species of plants and animals living in the surrounding forests. It is also home to several ancient temples, monuments, and other sacred sites of religious significance.
The Mangar Bani Sacred Grove is an important ecosystem that supports much of the region’s wildlife and vegetation. It is also home to several endangered species of wildlife, including leopards, chital deer, ghural, pangolins, porcupine, and several species of birds. The area also includes a few small ponds, marshy lands, and secluded hillsides, which all play a role in the preservation of the area’s unique biodiversity.
Significance of the Sacred Grove
The area was designated as a protected forest in 2018 under India’s Forest Act due to its rich biological diversity and cultural significance. The Mangar Bani Sacred Grove is linked to the Indian culture and religions of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is also believed to be related to the ancient settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back more than 4,000 years.
The Mangar Bani Sacred Grove is also believed to have been used for centuries as a holy spot for worshipping and for making offerings to gods and goddesses. People from present-day cities such as Faridabad, Mewat, Palwal, and other nearby towns make a pilgrimage to this spot each year to give offerings and perform rituals.
The area has also been associated with local folklore such as the legend of ‘Mangar Kanya’, who is believed to have visited the place to perform a dance ritual that gave birth to the species of trees that can be seen in the Sanctuary today.
Mangar Bani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mangar Bani Wildlife Sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience to visitors. The forest is home to a great variety of bird species, as well as leopards, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, porcupines, and Indian pangolins. A walk through the grove provides breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills and the Faridabad district; making the trek to Mangar Bani a must for travelers looking for an offbeat adventure.
The view of the nearby Sariska National Park can also be seen from the ridge of the Mangar Bani Wildlife Sanctuary. The national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and nilgai, a species of antelope. Visitors can also see the ruins of an old palace near the park, which is believed to be the remains of an ancient fort built by the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb.
Environmental Conservation in Mangar Bani
The Mangar Bani Sacred Grove is a safe haven for the conservation of natural resources. The area is surrounded by a network of five different villages, all of which actively cooperate in the promotion of environmental protection. The indigenous people of the area are engaged in the practice of conservation, propagation, and development of the forest and its flora and fauna.
Various practices such as planting and preserving endangered tree species and maintaining check dams, have been undertaken to maintain the forest and its biodiversity. The locals also actively participate in the management of medicinal plants, using their traditional knowledge for the conservation of endangered and threatened species.
The Sacred Grove of Mangar Bani is one of the most treasured gems of the Aravalli Hill Range. Its emerald leaves and lush vegetation act as an ode to its majestic history and fascinating culture, making it an ideal place for visitors to explore, relax, and reconnect with nature. The area is also a symbol of peace and harmony between man and nature, and serves as a reminder of how we should treat our planet with care and respect.