Meghalaya's Mawphlang Sacred Grove

Meghalaya's Mawphlang Sacred Grove

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Sacred groves of Northeast India

Meghalaya's Mawphlang sacred forest is also called 'Nature's Museum' for its untouched pristine greenery and dense forest

Mawphlang

Locals belief that forest deities/spirits protect the dense grove from outsiders and intruders

Mawphlang forest

The forest is situated in the village of Mawphlang – meaning ‘moss-covered stone’ in Khasi – which is amongst the numerous settlements named after monoliths. 

Mawphlang

Spanning a land area of 193 acres, the forest is protected by members of the Lyngdoh clan.

Sacred Forests

It is believed to be the abode of the Khasi deity, Labasa, who is said to protect the clan and the village from all harm. 

Stone monoliths

The forest itself is divided into three sections, of which only the first and the second section can be visited. 

Mawphlang trees

The forest itself is divided into three sections, of which only the first and the second section can be visited. 

Inside Mawphlang sacred forest

At the entrance to the Mawphlang Sacred Forest is the first group of monoliths: three standing stones and one seated stone. this is where village elders seek permission from the deity to carry out the sacrificial ritual inside the forest

Sacred forest rituals

At a short distance, you will find a cluster of smaller moss-covered stones, which serve as a waiting area for young adults as the forest rituals are conducted