Publication

Abstract : : This study explores devotional snake worship, which is particularly widespread in the South Indian state of Kerala, India and is traditionally associated with nature conservation in sacred snake groves. The ritualistic practices associated with modern snake worship, contrasted with an overall reduction in conservation efforts associated with diminishing numbers of sacred groves, might obscure the environmental ethics inherent in snake worship traditions. This study applies the lens of human-nature connection to explore the modern ethos, sentiments, and ethics associated with snake worship and to understand the intentions behind the ritualistic worship of snakes and the maintenance of sacred snake groves. Qualitative insights from families deeply rooted in these traditions reveal that when a sense of connectedness to nature is fostered and passed down within families, devotional snake worship continues to offer a path towards conservation, with varying degrees of ethical principles and considerations inherent in the traditions.