Objectives and Initiatives
Kavus and their cults are a tradition that has been maintained since ancient times in Kerala. Humanity has a history of conquest, migration, and fleeing areas. During such times he conquered the forests and mountains filled with animals and brought them under his control. At that time, this type of activity was unfair to nature, but it was inevitable for survival of human life. Hence, the great men of that time decided to protect small forests to do justice to nature as nature is filled with divine spirit. By protecting that nature, the great men decided to become patrons of the divine spirit. The small forests which were protected came to be known as kavus and human race started worshipping the nature spirits in it. The ritual prescribed for worship was based on the principle of equality. These caves not only provide shade for various flora and fauna but are also a source of superpowers. A kavu acts as a protective shelter for the entire area.
Trees naturally purify the air and make the breathing air beneficial, protects the soil during heavy rains and helps retain the soil's rich water resources. To ensure protection of Kavus, there is a saying in Malayalam, “Kau theendiyal kulam vattum” meaning “if a man enters the dense green forest, the trees and plants will be destroyed which in turn will affect the soil and water bodies. There is another saying besides this.
“Maram undel Mazha peyyum,
Mazha peythal Maram peyyum,
Maram veenal Mazha veezhum”
This saying means that even when it rains heavily, the tree supports it with its branches and sends water down to the earth which is good for soil and trees. If there are no trees, there will be no rain and there will be a change in the nature of nature. Then the earth will not be able to withstand even the random rains which will create huge damages to life and property. The damages caused require no further elaboration since we are currently experiencing it due to forest destruction. It is one of the duties of every human being to protect and respect the spirits residing in these kavus. Evacuating Kavu and dispelling the forces residing there can be grave mistakes. Generations to come will have to witness the great calamities caused by it, so let each and every one of us with a good heart join the Karma Yajna in the great endeavour of saving the Kavus.